In April 2014, USAID's Southern Africa Trade Hub supported Agritech Expo, Zambia's first outdoor agricultural event servicing the needs of the entire agricultural value chain. Over 8,000 participants including suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, agents and service providers attended the event at the GART Research Centre in Chisamba where the latest agricultural technology and farming solutions were showcased to farmers throughout the region in partnership with the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU). Live crop trials, machinery demonstrations, professional consultation and vendor networking were all valuable aspects of the event. The support of the Trade Hub enabled Agritech Expo to expand its reach to serve a broader, regional audience and introduce needed technology and agricultural services to farmers to improve incomes and improve food security. The Trade Hub also sponsored a free technical workshop program training 500 farmers with case studies, business tips and best practices for soil quality, mechanization, increased yields and sustainability.

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