On Thursday, October 17th, 2024, Makor Resources and Jubilee Metals Zambia announced a partnership to support the Zambian government’s efforts in providing agricultural inputs to subsistence farmers. The collaboration comes after a devastating drought that affected millions of Zambians, leading to food insecurity.
Ndola District Commissioner, Joseph Phiri, joined Makor Resources CEO Brooke Bibeault and Jubilee Metals Managing Director Ricus Grimbeek in distributing Compound-D and Urea fertilizer, along with drought-tolerant maize seedlings, to beneficiaries in the Munkulungwe Ward of Ndola. The event, hosted by the Bwana Mkubwa families who were resettled last year by previous mine owners First Quantum Metals, was attended by Ward Councilor Lombe Kaweme, Senior Ndola Agricultural Officer Zeniah Nambeye Chitema, civic leaders, and community members.
Bibeault stated, “Our aim is to provide lifesaving support to subsistence farmers, particularly those who have recently resettled from their ancestral homes at the outset of the drought, along with those most vulnerable farmers.” She added that these farmers have faced crop failures, reduced harvests, critical food shortages, and malnutrition, forcing them to take desperate measures such as selling essential assets or skipping meals.
The beneficiary farmers of this joint effort between Makor Resources, Jubilee Metals Zambia, and the local government included elders, the physically disabled, and widowed women who rely on agricultural production. Both Bibeault and Grimbeek emphasized the importance of collaboration to improve the lives of communities impacted by the extractive industry.
Grimbeek stated, “I will keep advocating at all levels for cooperation between large-scale mining companies to work together to improve the lives of the communities we impact and have impacted.” He added that it is not only beneficial for business, but it is also the right thing to do.
The rural farms surrounding mine operations in Zambia face challenges such as remoteness from the capital, rugged terrain, environmental risk, climate vulnerability, and reliance on subsistence farming. In addition, households have limited access to agricultural inputs, especially fertilizers. These factors have significantly affected agricultural productivity, production, and income, leading to high levels of chronic malnutrition and food insecurity.
Ndola District Commissioner, Joseph Phiri, emphasized the importance of other companies following the examples set by Makor Resources and Jubilee Metals. He praised their contributions and stated that they are a testament to the spirit of solidarity and community resilience that they cherish. He also commended their commitment to supporting communities and encouraged other mining companies to engage in similar initiatives.
Makor Resources and Jubilee Metals Zambia plan to expand this distribution program to rural communities surrounding the Munkoyo Mine in Kapiri Mposhi later this month. Mary Mubanga, Jubilee Metals Manager of Safety, Security, and Government Relations, commented, “As we are aware, this year, we are expected to have heavy rains, and therefore, Jubilee Metals and Makor Resources saw it fit to donate fertilizer and seed at the outset of the season.” She added that they believe this will contribute to the food security of their community and the country as a whole.
The joint effort aims to promote sustainable agriculture, increase yields, and improve livelihoods, especially in the face of climate change and environmental challenges. The press release was distributed by Pressat, a leading UK-based press release distribution service.
