The Lusaka City Council – LCC in conjunction with the Consumer Unity and Trust Society – CUTS have launched the “Lusaka Food Policy Council” an initiative which will provide a set of guidelines governing the food system in Lusaka.
To achieve this objective, CUTS and LCC have recognized the importance of engaging different stakeholders from the public and private sector who will take part in the Lusaka food distribution system.
Speaking at the launch of the food policy council in Lusaka in March 2020, LCC Town Clear Alex Mwansa had welcomed the initiative and emphasized its importance saying such a platform is necessary in order to identify solutions to address the complex issues facing Lusaka food system.
He noted that some of the food issues facing Lusaka require addressing the problems in the informal sector and local markets as they play a significant role in the supply and retailing of food in Lusaka.
At the same event, CUTS Center Coordinator Chenai Mukumba noted that the initiative fell in line with CUTS primary mandate of promoting the welfare of consumers adding that food system in the city of Lusaka is complex and is being impacted by both rapid urbanization pressures and globalizing food systems.
She highlighted that many households in the city are low income earners and are found in informal settlements therefore the governance of food system including coordination and management of open air residential and wholesale markets would have a significant impact on households.
Makumba further added that going forward the initiative will be piloted in other provinces across the country saying currently they will be working in Lusaka which seems complex when it comes to facing problems with food security.
Speaking on the sidelines of the workshop, a Marketer from Soweto market in Lusaka Memory Zulu told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT in an exclusive interview that there is need to focus on informal markets pointing out that the majority of consumers across high, middle and low income households in Lusaka purchase their foods from local markets as they provide easy access to affordable foods.
“We welcome this initiative from the council and CUTS, this was supposed to be done 50 years ago, however it is not too late and it is really going to help us in the food market, security will be provided, cleanness in markets will be provided and consumers will be able to purchase goods not only at a cheaper price but food which is safe for consumptions,” She added.
