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Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) has said there is need to adapt to new strategies if it is to remain viable.
Board Chairperson, Alvert N’gandu stressed the need for the Corporation to be abreast with new strategies in the sector from other regional entities if it is to remain viable.
Ng’andu said understanding forests from nursery and research operations to harvesting and other silviculture activities is key.
He said this after the just-ended study tour on forestry management at key companies in South Africa, among them, the South African Forestry Company Limited (SAFCOL) on Wednesday.
“Through such visits, the Corporation is optimistic it will gain insights into enhancing value in its products and sustainability of its operations.
“The tour also accorded ZAFFICO a chance to share its own experiences with its South African counterparts as well as picking vital lessons from them, which it intends to incorporate in its operations for the viability of the Corporation,” Ng’andu said.
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He has thanked the Zambian High Commission in South Africa for facilitating the visit.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Inonge Mwenya, said Zambia was richly endowed with an abundance of natural resources, ecosystems, and rich biodiversity which need proper management if the sector is to continue contributing positively to the country’s economic development.
Mwenya said forests and wetlands are major contributors to the national economy and the livelihoods of most people and that these assets and the biodiversity they support create and maintain the ecosystems.
She said forests and related resources in Zambia represented the lifeline of rural economies and daily subsistence.
The forest sector currently contributes about 5.2% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and provides formal and informal employment to about 1.1 million people.
“The Government of Zambia seeks to manage and enhance forest products and services to mitigate climate change, boost income generation, poverty reduction and job creation, and protect biodiversity.
“Therefore, study tours aimed at acquiring knowledge that will translate into proper management of this natural resource are very important to the development of the sector,” Mwenya said.
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