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 6th 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.
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