NAMPO a real ‘eye-opener’ for regional participants

To increase the uptake and usage of modern agricultural equipment and technology in the southern African region, SATH facilitated the participation of 52 delegates from Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe in the NAMPO Harvest Day agricultural trade show in Bothaville, South Africa from May 17-18.

"The visit was really an eye-opener for what is available for the farming sector in Southern Africa," beams Rene Lourens, Commercial Manager of Livestock Services in Zambia. "In the two days we were there I met a lot of potential suppliers and currently I am making follow ups to start trading relationships with some of them. I am very positive these will result in new trading contacts which will ultimately benefit the Zambian farmer," he confidently continues.

The NAMPO agricultural trade show is the largest in Southern Africa and this year's exhibitors ranged from tractor suppliers, implement manufacturers, agrochemical and fertilizer companies to feed manufacturers and extension services.

Remarking on the cost benefits of attendance, Tafadzwa Msarara, Chairman of the milling industry in Zimbabwe explains "the convenience it has brought is valueless, where you could be able to go and meet some of the companies where ordinarily you would need to go to their respective premises to have demonstrations done for you."

SATH support consisted of pre- and post-show training and support through local service providers within the focus countries, accommodation in South Africa and transport from Johannesburg to Bothaville. At the show, participants benefited from continued guidance from the local service providers, SATH and US Commercial Service staff.

"I went to the NAMPO show to see possibilities of expanding my irrigation system. One of the exhibitors there, an American company called Reinke from where I acquired my [equipment] 3 years ago. I'm hoping to acquire more from them through Atrafin Finance's assistance. We had good discussions and I am going to put together a proposal when we get back," says Robert Mutale, of Samba Lubemba Farms Ltd in Northern Zambia.