9 lessons both seasoned and aspiring farmers need to note

Agriculture is vital to the continued diversification of Zambia’s economy and to rural prosperity and food security for all Zambians. The country’s agricultural market system is exceedingly complex. Building the sector requires a systematic approach that encompasses entire targeted value chains. All links are important. Without a link to a profitable source of market demand, farmers will not invest in their farms. Without a reliable, affordable, and local source of quality raw materials, processors will not expand operations based on local materials and will not see local farmers as long-term partners. Without links to experienced extension services and market information, farmers will not be able to take advantage of market opportunities. Without reliable sources of quality inputs, farmers will not be able to efficiently produce the quantities or quality needed to meet market demand.

To inform future efforts, we have compiled cross-cutting lessons learned in our twelve years of existence in the agribusiness sector. These include:

Lesson #1: Business is a passion but farming is an indispensable lifestyle that has no age limit.

Lesson #2: You cannot succeed in anything (business) that you have no passion and commitment in it my colleagues.

Lesson #3: Trust is a key component in any business but always make use of your 6^th sense well.

Lesson #4: While trust is rated as key component in any business, you must run to interrogate a person well and know him before you surrender your goods. By the same fact remember that as a businessman you need to build confidence among clients and business colleagues that you are honesty and reliable otherwise one simple silly mistake may cost you public confidence which shall ultimately hit your business.

Lesson #5: Never promise something you can't deliver. If you do current and prospective clients shall keep off your business despite your low costs...

Lesson #6: Between price and reliability in business circles serious clients may opt in the later.

Lesson #7: Be the master of your own ideas. Any sub ideas and comments you receive from friends and foes are just but complimentary. Not all compliments are genuine

Lesson #8: Other people's views or advices are subordinate to yours because you are driving an agenda whose destiny and routes are only known by you and yourself.

Lesson #9: Any setback in business is a lesson not a deterrent.

This is where we will be ending our discussion for today. Remember to share your comments, views and opinions.