The Word Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a contribution of US$1 million from the Republic of Korea to meet the nutrition needs of 22,000 people adversely impacted by the El Niño-induced drought, which has exacerbated food insecurity across Zimbabwe. An estimated 5.9 million people living in rural Zimbabwe and 1.7 million in urban areas are…
In a significant gathering at the Rainbow Towers in Harare yesterday, the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development for Zimbabwe, Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, delivered a powerful address at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Resilience Symposium and Drought Action Committee (DAC) feedback report meeting. The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, representatives…
Prof Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR) System Board Chairperson has said that the institution’s vision for adopted crops and soils for Africa is to build resilient agrifood systems by leveraging opportunity crops and building healthy soils to enhance agricultural resilience to climate change and improve diets. She was…
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, the President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) has urged ministers responsible for agriculture on the African continent to drive real change in the food systems in the face of climate challenges. She raised the issue during a ministerial roundtable held on 4 September 2024 at the…
The 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum has emerged as a mechanism for the implementation of various initiatives and a tool for action in pursuit of achieving improved agricultural production and productivity and attaining food and nutrition security on the continent. This was revealed by Dr. Agnes Kalibata, the President of the Alliance for a…
At least 4.4 million hectares of productive land are lost to desertification every year, leading to the malnutrition of some 68 million people in Africa, African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko said today in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The diplomat, who was speaking at the Tenth Special Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the…
Zimbabwe demonstrated a scalable innovative food system policy through its 1-hectare irrigation model during a plenary session on the official opening yesterday of the Africa Food Systems Forum running from 2 to 6 September 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda. Addressing participants during a room discussion on scalable innovative food systems policies and the financing needed…
In her keynote address during the official opening of the Indonesia-Africa Parliamentary Forum in Bali, Indonesia on 1 September 2024, Her Excellency, Dr. Puan Maharani, Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia, said there is a need for strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Africa in the arena of renewable energy, food…
The provision of extension services tied to research and development will improve the capacity of smallholder farmers to increase agricultural production and productivity. This came to the fore yesterday during a side meeting of extension base actors held at the Lemigo Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda at the African Food Systems Forum running from the…
Accelerating food systems transformation, particularly in a changing climate within a digital era, requires careful consideration of the needs, priorities, and capabilities of a diversity of men and women to contribute and benefit from agrifood systems. These were the remarks of Deogratius Magero, the Youth Engagement Manager at the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience…
Clayton Masekesa With furtive glances over his shoulder, Samson Muchibo (not his real name), the firewood poacher, creeps through the Burma Valley forest in Mutare South constituency, his worn axe slung over his shoulder. He knows the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Environmental Management Agency (EMA), and Zimbabwe Forestry Commission authorities are on the lookout for him,…
Her Excellency Charity Manyeruke, Ambassador of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the Republic of Rwanda and Chairperson of the Heads of Diplomatic Missions Group (HDMG) of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has said the regional economic group is driving sustainable development despite the threats of natural disasters negatively impacting human and food security. …
As the 2024/2025 agricultural season approaches, National Tested Seeds is poised to support farmers with a wide portfolio of high-quality seeds for both field crops and vegetables. This is also complimented by the company’s wealth of expert agronomic and agri-business management services. Speaking to this publication at the Zimbabwe Agriculture Society (ZAS), the Head…
Mr. Aubrey Julius Taulo on the 1st of July 2024 showcased his innovation which uncovered the hidden treasure that is within the Luffa plant. He discovered that luffa can replace polythene tubes due to its strong fibers and eco-friendly qualities it possesses. According to the innovation, it has also shown that luffa is one of…
Hon Kasauta Saiti Michelo, a Member of the National Assembly for Bweengwa Constituency in Zambia who is also the Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Lands, and Natural Resources, has urged African legislators to formulate laws that support the implementation of the Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). He was speaking at the just-ended post-Malabo…
The next Kampala Declaration which will drive the post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda has promised to focus on food sovereignty as a key aspect of the continent’s agricultural transformation. Speaking to Spiked Online Media on the sidelines of the post-Malabo Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) for…
Tongaat Hulett is set to build its power-generating sites, in response to the ongoing El Niño-induced drought. This development is expected to bolster the company’s resilience in the face of severe electricity supply deficits. In an exclusive interview with this publication, Patience Chuma, Head of Public Relations at Tongaat Hulett confirmed the initiative, emphasizing…
The post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) agenda is premised on the need to tackle persistent challenges, unfinished business in achieving the Malabo declaration targets, adapting to the changing global context, aligning with Agenda 2063, and leveraging new opportunities for agricultural transformation and inclusive growth. This has been the overarching theme at the…
Non-state actors (NSAs) under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) have hailed the CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026-2035) for putting in place mechanisms to advance Africa’s Agri-Food Systems while proffering inclusive recommendations for a holistic approach. This came to the fore during the 3-day Validation Workshop of the Ten-Year CAADP Strategy and…
The Continent must create robust seed systems because they form the basis of agriculture, and determine productivity, resilience and food sustainability, argued African Union Commissioner Josefa Correia Sacko today in Addis Ababa. Ambassador Josefa Sacko is the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union…
His Excellency, Mr. Edward Kallon, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator for Zimbabwe has rallied African First Ladies to spearhead environmental stewardship for the greater good of society. Addressing delegates at the First Ladies Advocacy Event on Climate Change and the Environment on the sidelines of the 44th Southern African Development Community (SADC) IN…
Writes Dr. Million Belay I arrived at the Lukenya Getaway around midnight, exhausted, angry, and famished. My journey from Lusaka had been mentally exhausting, after a frustrating meeting on the Post-Malabo process. Lukenya Getaway, located on the outskirts of Nairobi in the Machakos region, is known for its outdoor activities and wildlife, a stark…
Ahead of the Summit of Heads of States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on 17 August in Harare, Zimbabwe, the SADC secretariat initiated a regional initiative to bolster climate resilience and water security in the region through the SADC Regional Climate Resilient Water Investment Programme (SADC -AIP). The programme is in collaboration…
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has assumed the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), promising a raft of measures to ensure sustainable development in the regional economic community. In his keynote address, the president of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community, His Excellency, Dr E. D. Mnangagwa at…
Sherpard Zvigadza, the Coordinator of the Southern Africa Region Climate Action Network (SARCAN) is urging the Southern African Community Development (SADC) Heads of State to demand wealthy and polluter nations to pay up their historic and climate debts. He was speaking to Spiked Online Media on the sidelines of the 4th Regional Dialogue for…
Writes Baboloki Semele In a pivotal discussion on Africa’s role in the global energy transition, Antonio Pedro, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), underscored the critical need for transparent and fair-trade practices to ensure a just energy transition across the continent. Speaking at an African Consultative Webinar on Critical…
Over and over, we have seen how the Southern African region, like many countries in the Global South, is paying the heavy price for historical emissions by the industrialized North. The manifestation of the climate crisis continues to impact food security and livelihoods, with young women in particular facing increasing and deepening protection risks such…
Her Excellency Boemo Ndu Sekgoma, the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF), who is also the Patron of the Southern Africa Youth Forum has called for the the consolidation of policy and legal frameworks to empower the youth through innovative education, in line with the theme of the African Union for this year….
Youth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are implementing initiatives through innovations in agribusiness to promote sustainable agriculture on the African continent. Guided by the Malabo Declaration regarding the development of African youth, the African Union has developed several policies and frameworks including the African Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (APAYE) 2019-…
Writes Thomas Faranando Following intermittent droughts in Southern Africa, the Parliament, and Zimbabwe Agricultural Society have reiterated the importance of investing in irrigation systems to boost food and nutrition security. On Friday, 9 August 2024, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development embarked on a fact-finding mission to large-scale irrigation…
Technological innovations have transformed Zimbabwe’s agriculture, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in pursuit of food and nutrition security. This was revealed by Dr. Andrew Matibiri, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS), who was speaking about the key role that technological innovations play in improving agriculture, ahead of the 114th edition of…
Dr. Andrew Matibiri, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS), has revived optimism for the success of the 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show to be held from 26 to 31 August 2024 in Harare. Under his leadership, the show has continued to grow and evolve, showcasing the latest developments and…
The Thematic Committee on Climate Change visited local farmers in Southeast Lowveld yesterday to explore an innovative solution to the pressing issue of human-wildlife conflict. The farmers have devised a method using chilies to create smoke blocks, which are used to safely and effectively scare away elephants. This practice significantly reduces the risk of…
Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) As the world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week, the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) would like to urge families and communities to offer maximum support to breastfeeding mothers around the country, particularly in the context of the current drought that has led to serious food shortages. Running…
The Africa Smart Cities Congress (ASCC) slated for the 17th to the 19th of October 2024 at the Conference Hall of Bingu International Conference Center (BICC), Lilongwe, Malawi transcends the realm of a mere congress since it stands as a transformative juggernaut, steering the trajectory of urban development in Africa. In an interview with…
Writes Marlvin Ngiza In response to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s declaration for a Clean-Up Campaign every first Friday of every month, youth affiliated with Teen Rescue Mission (TRM) in partnership with the Chitungwiza Municipality yesterday participated in the noble cause. The clean-up exercise covered areas which include St Mary’s Police to Unit O main Chitungwiza Road….
Writes Lloyd Rabaya Women have been urged to embrace agroecology for empowerment to fight against the patriarchal nature in the Southern African region. This came out this week at the inaugural Regional Agroecology Conference which ended yesterday in Harare. Speaking at the conference, Dr. Jo Abbort, deputy ambassador of the United Kingdom Embassy said despite…
NetOne, the leading telecom company, today took a significant step towards environmental stewardship by actively participating in the National Clean-up Day in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT and Ministry of Mines and many other stakeholders. This joint initiative aimed to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices within the community. By aligning efforts with…
Writes Pylaia Chembe, UNDP Zimbabwe Communications Assistant In Ward 18, Chivi district, Masvingo Province, a newly revitalized irrigation scheme is poised to transform the food security narrative of 300 families in its community. The 34-ha Bindamombe Irrigation Scheme has been climate-proofed through a partnership between the Green Climate Fund, the Government of Zimbabwe, and the…
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a transformative opportunity for the continent, particularly in the agricultural sector. The Consortium of African Youth in Agriculture and Climate Change (CAYACC), and with the support of its esteemed partners—AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, AGRA, USAID POLICY LINK, FAO, WFP, GRZ, and GIZ— are keenly aware of the potential that…
The Government of Zimbabwe has taken significant steps to prioritise youth empowerment and mainstream youth in national development, particularly through the uptake of agribusiness initiatives for young people. This was said by Nickros Kajengo, the Chief Programmes Coordinator, Agricultural Youth Desk, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, who is also the Head…
It is estimated that 30 to 60 percent of Africa’s harvest, or more than USD 220 billion, is lost every year to plant pests, compared to only 20 to 40 percent worldwide, causing significant losses to food crops, revealed the Head of the African Union’s Rural Development Division, Janet Edeme. According to Edeme, who…
Writes Chimeno Azriel To reduce consumption and waste generation, last Monday Sanyati District launched the Zero Waste Movement Chapter so that it minimizes waste and promotes sustainable living practices. The Zero Waste Movement Sanyati chapter was launched by Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Marian Chomb. The Movement…
The Post Malabo Framework is going to shape the Food Systems landscape for Africa for the next 10 years, Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, the Director of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has said. She said so in her concluding remarks for the Validation Workshop for the Post-Malabo…
The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), will be hosting the Agribusiness Youth Strategy (AAYS) Regional Dialogues on Harmonization, Domestication, and Implementation for the Southern Africa Region in Lilongwe, Malawi from 1 to 2 August 2024. Speaking to this publication ahead of the workshop in…
