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…
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…
