The Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) has launched an etransport system under the auspices of the European Union (EU)The Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) has launched an etransport system under the auspices of the European Union (EU)
The e-transport system is a web-based interactive information system which allows transport users to publicise the availability of loads or cargo to a known destination and at preferred times of delivery to transporters.
According to information posted on the ZNFU website (www.znfu.org.zm), the system allows registered transporters to make known to all potential transport users the availability of trucks on various routes. The system also provides a directory of all registered transporters in Zambia.
According to the acting ZNFU president Graham Rae, the e-transport system was one of the ICT innovations ZNFU was using to help reduce the cost of doing business, especially regarding transportation which is one of the major costs in agriculture.
Speaking during the launch of the system at the ZNFU head office in Lusaka through his permanent secretary Adedanigo Banda, Agriculture and Co-operatives Minister Eustarckio Kazongo pointed out that a webbased interactive e-transport system would help maximise the usage of transport and reduce the cost of transportation in the long run.
The system would help farmers and other transport users to easily find or organise transport for their agricultural products to and from the markets. Farmers, other transport users and transporter owners, would take the opportunity to effectively make use of backloads, given that most trucks come back empty after offloading cargo.
Dr. Kazonga called on the Transport Association of Zambia (TAZ) and other players to help popularize the e-transport facility.
Nawa Mutumweno
