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…
The Investment Conference held today during the 7th SADC Industralisation Week reignites the spirit of investment to spur domestic and regional economic development. This is the first-ever SADC Investment Conference, a prelude to the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government which shall be running under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to…
Africa’s food systems face multiple shocks and stressors hence the need to embrace resilience and inclusivity in implementing the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). In his presentation representing the thematic working group on ‘Enhancing Resilience of Livelihoods and Agri-food Systems to Shocks’ during the ongoing CAADP Validation Workshop for Technical Working Groups…
The Interconnections for Making Africa Great Empowered and Sustainable (IMAGES) Initiative, http://imagesinitiatives.org has awarded the 2024 Africa Green Ambassador Award to Her Excellency, Ambassador Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko. Ambassador Sacko is an Angolan, leading African Agronomist and Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Development, African Union Commission. Before her re-election…
The implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) framework across the continent is impacted by agri-food systems and various megatrends including demographic shifts and climate change, Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, the Director of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability of the African Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), has said. She made the remarks in the…
Yvonne S. Mpundu, Zambia’s Permanent Secretary (administration) in the Ministry of Agriculture has said the success of the Post-Malabo process requires the accelerated implementation of policies and programs. She made the address in her keynote address during the official opening of a validation workshop for the Most-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Agenda…
African Union Commissioner, Josefa Correia Sacko, recognised yesterday in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) that the support of the international community is a fundamental pillar for the development of carbon markets in Africa. Speaking at the Africa Multilateral Conference on Carbon Markets, which runs from 24-26 July, the diplomat said that the concept of carbon markets…
A validation workshop bringing together members and key stakeholders of the Post Malabo Technical Working Groups (TWGs) convened/co-convened by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and other partners kicks off today 25 July 2024 and will run until 30 July 2024 and is meant to review, revise, refine, and finalize the draft reports to be…
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, Mr. Edward Kallon, undertook a comprehensive two-day field visit from 23 to 24 July 2024 to Buhera District, Manicaland Province. The purpose of the visit was to oversee the execution of anticipatory action interventions funded by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to address the impact of…
The signing of the Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia (ZIMOZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) by His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, and the Honourable Rodney Sikumba, Zambian Minister of Tourism signifies a commitment to regional cooperation to enhance environmental stewardship. The agreement was signed yesterday in Harare and…
FoodForward SA The same food system that is feeding our population is also destroying our fragile planet. Food loss and waste is the third largest emitter of greenhouse gasses, accounting for around 10% of all global greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental and climate impacts of our food system are severe and becoming increasingly apparent. In…
Writes Charles Dhewa Agroecology and related sustainable ways of producing food started receiving attention in the past few years compared to industrial agriculture practices some of which are more than 100 years old. This means big industries that advance agroecology at a big scale are yet to be developed. However, the increasing demand for food…
Writes Chimeno Azriel Chedonje Primary School won the prestigious Environmental Quiz Competition finals held at Highbury Hotel and Conference Center in Kadoma last Thursday. Sanyati District Primary schools converged at the magnificent hotel and battled each other for the coveted environmental quiz competition and learners proved that they were ready to fight climate change as…
The curtain was drawn on the high-level Conference “Fostering Sustainable Futures: Integrating Climate Resilience in Southern Africa,” held at the Avani Windhoek Hotel in Namibia. The final day was graced by renowned sustainable development policy experts, including Claude Kabemba, Executive Director of the Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW), whose insights and expertise underscored the conference’s…
As the ugly, devastating, and catastrophic effects of Climate Change are visibly taking a toll on communities, there is an urgent need for stakeholders to converge, explore options and possible solutions to ameliorate these effects, build coping, resilience, and adaptation capacities, and reduce vulnerability and risk. While the El-Nino-induced drought is affecting communities, the Ministry…
His Excellency Mr. Edward Kallon, Zimbabwe United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator has urged the urgent need for forging partnerships and ensuring sustainable health finance to strengthen Zimbabwe’s health systems, reiterating that such efforts are integral to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and addressing the multifaceted health challenges that lie ahead. He delivered the remarks…
The “Own Your Doorstep” campaign was launched today to revamp Harare and retain its Sunshine City status with a call for shop owners, corporates, and other stakeholders to keep the capital clean. In his address during the launch, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Hon Senator Charles Z….
The collaboration of the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority will take Zimbabwe to greater heights, in terms of wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism development, First Lady, Hon Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa has said. She said this in her keynote speech…
Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon Jacob F. N. Mudenda delivered a well-received and highly impactful keynote address at the Conference on “Fostering Sustainable Futures: Integrating Climate Resilience in Southern Africa,” at the Avani Windhoek Hotel, Namibia, where he urged Southern African nations to develop sound strategies for climate action. This meeting is being…
Nurturing Community Gardens and Harmony in Hurungwe Writes UNDP Zimbabwe In the heart of Hurungwe rural district and the sun-drenched landscapes of Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe, a transformative initiative is quietly blooming. Through the innovative use of solar-powered piped water schemes, local communities are creating thriving gardens that mitigate the persistent human-wildlife conflicts that have…
Writes Lloyd Rabaya Swish swoosh goes the pens as attendees take notes while Christopher Chinyoka, a young field officer guides them through Elizabeth Mpofu’s field in Shashe, Masvingo more than 40km from the Central Business District (CBD). Under the cloud cover, the birds in the trees welcome the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF) farmers…
Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon Jacob F. N. Mudenda is currently in Windhoek to attend a high-level panel Workshop on “Fostering Sustainable Futures: Integrating Climate Resilience in Southern Africa”. Speaker Mudenda was received at the airport by Her Excellency, Mrs. Melody Chaurura, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Namibia. The workshop will…
The Irrigation Investment Conference held in Harare recommended the uptake of actionable results to accelerate climate-proofing of the agricultural sector from the household to the national level. This was revealed by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Hon Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka at the Irrigation Investment Conference held at the Harare…
As part of her climate change initiative on the continent, Ms Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, the African Union Commission Youth Envoy, planted trees in Bulawayo where she engaged young people in a one-week-long climate change youth symposium. Speaking after the tree planting exercise at Mawaba Primary School, Mpemba reiterated the urgent need for the youth to…
Zimnat General Insurance announced the successful restoration of St. Francis Pimai Primary School in the Eastern Highlands, following the devastation caused by the recent cyclone. The school, insured with Zimnat General Insurance, received a swift and comprehensive payout for property damages, allowing them to rebuild classrooms and staff quarters with minimal disruption to their academic…
On the 3rd of July 2024, during the session on the presentation of Country Reports, the Parliament of Zimbabwe presented its progress report on the Resolutions from the 54th SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly Session held in Port Louis, Mauritius, from 22nd to 26th November 2023. The report reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional integration, climate…
The handover ceremony of the drought insurance payout cheque by the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Group signifies the nation’s resilience against climate-induced adversities. This was said by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Prof. Mthuli Ncube at the occasion of the Africa Risk Capacity drought insurance payout today in Harare. “I am…
Stakeholders are reviewing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Agricultural Investment Plan – RAIP- (2017 – 2022), which was approved by Council in 2017 – a five-year plan that operationalised and implemented the regional agricultural policy (RAP). The RAIP outlined priority programs and sub-programs to be implemented during the five years. It was envisaged…
The National Space Research and Development Agency has launched Crop Watch, a satellite-based agricultural monitoring system, in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the Aerospace Information Research Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The launch event, held in Abuja on Tuesday, brought together international partners and stakeholders to address…
As the African Union Commission embarks on the Post Malabo consultations roadmap, the Members of Parliament of the African States remain key stakeholders in influencing their governments’ budget processes that will enable member states to improve their agricultural productivity potential, with a focus on driving accountability for agri-food transformation. This emerged at a 3-day workshop…
The Irene Science expo, Careers’ Day, and awards ceremony event held at Irene Christian College in Marlborough, Harare, was a resounding success. The event, which took place on 27th and 28th June, saw the participation of 14 schools, including prestigious institutions such as Prince Edward School, Mabvuku High School, Milestone College, Sacred Heart College, and…
During the 55th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum in Angola running from the 1st to the 7th of July 2024 in Angola, Hon Jacob F.N. Mudenda, the Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe urged the Southern African Development Community to come up with renewable energy policies and a single energy market. “I am privileged…
Ms. Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, the African Union Commission Chairperson’s Special Envoy on Youth Affairs, is in Zimbabwe for a one-week Youth Symposium and training program focused on climate change. The event to be held in Bulawayo aims to empower young people to address climate challenges & promote climate action. “As the Youth Envoy, it is…
African Parliamentarians must prioritize and intensify the fight against hunger to achieve the continent’s mission of Ending Hunger, said the Pan-African Parliament President, H.E. Chief Fortune Charumbira, while unveiling the “milestone” Model Law on Food and Nutrition Security in Africa in Midrand, South Africa. Adopted by the Pan-African Parliament Plenary on November 11, 2022, the purpose…
The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has secured more than $18 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) for two major projects aimed at bolstering environmental sustainability and resilience across Africa. The first project, “Strengthening Zambezi River Basin Management towards Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Health,” has been allocated $10.57 million. This initiative aims to…
Writes Baboloki Semele In response to the accelerating threat of climate change, the Republic of Congo, under the leadership of President Denis Sassou-Nguesso, will host the first International Conference on Afforestation and Reforestation from July 2 to 5, 2024, in Brazzaville. This event, endorsed by the African Union as the “African and Global Afforestation Decade,”…
The 2024 Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Annual Congress in Victoria Falls is running under the theme, “Unlocking New Frontiers for Sustainable Industrialization and Climate-Smart Business Growth,” setting the stage for a transformative journey towards green growth where the economy thrives while protecting the environment for a resilient future for Zimbabwe. In his remarks,…
On the 24th of June 2024, Sabino Canyon International College, Oxford Study Center, and Climate Action Network Zimbabwe held a successful Desertification Day commemoration event at Canyon International College school premises in Marlborough, Harare. The event featured student-led activities showcasing their knowledge of environmental topics through debates, quizzes, and impactful poetry performances. The engagement helps…
Civil society organisations (CSOs) have made a clarion call for duty bearers to investigate the spate of corrupt land allocations in Harare and bring the culprits to book. Cleveland Action Alliance; Network for Environmental and Climate Justice; and Residents Against Land Degradation said in a joint statement that they are concerned that illegal land allocations, including…
Sabino Canyon International College (SCIC) today hosts the World Desertification Day commemorative celebrations to raise awareness about the impact of desertification on the environment. The learning institution encourages the conservation and promotion of sustainable practices including afforestation and reforestation. The Day was commemorated worldwide on 17 June 2024. The theme for this year is “United…
Thor Oechsner arrives at one of his wheat fields about 9 miles west of Cornell University’s Ithaca campus with a laugh and a shrug. “It’s not all turnip flowers,” Cornell Extension support specialist Kristen Loria responds in answer to the farmer’s good-natured, nonverbal admonishment. She’s referring to the bright blooms of yellow rockets that are…
Writes Norma Tsopo MUTARE – Town dwellers are not being spared the vagaries of the El Nino-induced hunger that has begun to force families to skip meals across the country after a failed 2023/24 farming season. A caregiver who is supervising the care of two infants in Zimunya Township, which lies just 20 kilometres from…
