A history of the National Agricultural Marketing Board(NAMBOARD)

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Date
2016
Authors
Phiri, Ruth
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Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
This study reconstructs the history of the National Agricultural Marketing Board (Namboard) in promoting food security during its operation years from 1969 to 1989. It does this by analysing why it was important and necessary to have a good marketing system in attaining food security. The study further brings out the contributions and impact that Namboard had on the farming community and the nation at large in promoting food security as well as the challenges that this organisation encountered in its quest of promoting food security. The study showed that the state had always intervened and played an active role in the provision of markets for certain crops especially maize, it being the staple food of the country. The state intervened for the purpose of promoting food security and that a good agricultural marketing system enhanced food security. A good marketing system ensured greater participation in the market economy especially by the small scale farmers. The study also revealed that Namboard enhanced food security through its nationwide marketing functions and that the guaranteed market encouraged farmers to take part in market agriculture. The study further revealed that Namboard extended its duties beyond providing a guaranteed market and ensured that the country was adequately supplied from internal production and through importation when necessary. However, Namboard encountered numerous challenges in the efficient execution of its duties, these being internal and external. The increasing interference of government constrained management of the ability to work efficiently. Further, the limited resource allocation as well as transport problems made efficient operations very difficult. Namboard also lacked the stimulus to efficiency. This was because monopoly pushed inefficiency, laziness, carelessness and too often nepotism and corruption. These led to the Board being ineffective and being labelled as a failure.
Description
Master of Arts in History
Keywords
Agricultural Marketing-Zambia , National Agricultural Marketing Board
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