Climate change disrupting food system, making it vulnerable to new crises

In Kansas, more than 2,000 cattle died in a record heat wave. In Tunisia, fires razed fields of grain to the ground. In southern China, historic flooding damaged almost 100,000 hectares of crops. In northern Italy, a farm lobby warned that drought could claim half the region’s agricultural output. That was just June. The global food supply is taking a hit from…

Read More

Global Consortium welcomes reduced price for patient-friendly treatment to prevent TB

The Aurum Institute and its partners also announced the launch of the next phase of work to improve access to shorter TB prevention treatments for children and pregnant women The IMPAACT4TB Consortium, led by the Aurum Institute, welcomed this week’s announcement by Unitaid and MedAccess of two new pricing agreements that will drastically lower the price of…

Read More

NGO trains voter champions on electoral processes

By Clayton Masekesa NYAZURA – A Mutare-based non-governmental organization – Conscious for Development and Empowerment Trust (CODET) – has trained youths to become voter champions who will encourage young people to register to vote and participate peacefully in electoral processes. CODET trained 40 voter champions from Dangamvura/Chikanga and Mutasa South constituencies at a lodge in…

Read More

IOM validates framework to address disaster displacement in Southern Africa

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Zimbabwe tomorrow hosts a workshop to validate the Regional Framework for Action to address Disaster Displacement in Southern Africa. The workshop to be held at the Cresta Jameson Hotel in Harare on 4 August 2022 will be attended by stakeholders from the government, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations,…

Read More

Global Week of Action: Time to Act for Peace, Climate and Justice

Own Correspondent The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Action Days are part of the Global Week of Action #Act4SDGs (15-26 September 2022). They are decentralised actions in different countries around the world that will aim to connect activists and decision-makers in dialogue to shift the focus towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The overarching message…

Read More

Sharon Lewin assumes IAS Presidency

IAS – the International AIDS Society – welcomed Sharon Lewin (Australia) as the next IAS President and Beatriz Grinsztejn (Brazil) as President-Elect yesterday. IAS leadership also expressed deep gratitude to Adeeba Kamarulzaman (Malaysia) who steps down as IAS President and assumes her role as immediate-past President. Lewin, a world-renowned infectious diseases physician and basic scientist, is…

Read More

African leaders championing sexuality education at the International AIDS Conference

At the 24th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2022) held in Montreal, UNESCO and Frontline AIDS hosted a session where African leaders championed sexuality education and challenged misinformation to work toward an AIDS-free generation. Young advocates, representatives from African governments and CSOs made the case on why Comprehensive Sexuality Education should remain a priority for HIV prevention…

Read More

Tributes pour for late philanthropist Sakhina Makunganya

Raffingora – The Zvimba South Constituency has paid tribute to the late Sakhina Makunganya, a philanthropist with a local humanitarian organization, Diyanet Foundation, for her unwavering support of charity work in alleviating disadvantaged communities’ life hardships. People who interacted with the late Sakhina in Mushoshore-Duwa communities in Zvimba North Constituency said her death dealt a…

Read More

Bishops express support for ‘Anglican Congress’ meeting in the Global South

Bishops call for the prioritisation of marginalised Anglican voices Watch the Plenary session on Anglican Unity here Full text of Lambeth Calls document here Bishops at the Lambeth Conference have agreed to explore the possibility of holding a worldwide ‘Anglican Congress’ – for the first time in more than 60 years. Such a gathering, which…

Read More

CSOs react to amendments to the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Bill

We, the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in Zimbabwe, have been closely monitoring proceedings in the Parliament of Zimbabwe on legislative reform. We have taken note of the proposed amendments to the Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) Amendment Bill, 2021 which were presented by the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare on 26 July…

Read More

Byron Mutingwende joins Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN)

Own Correspondent   Journalist Byron Adonis Mutingwende, the Publisher and Editor of Spiked Online Media has joined the communication unit of the Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN). In an announcement today, Mr. Ntiokam Divine, the Founder and Managing Director of Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN) said Mr. Mutingwende’s appointment is crucial…

Read More

My Roots: Values that Shaped my Perspectives on Environment and Climate Action

Dr. Richard Munang (Climate change and development expert)   My Origins I am a proud native of Kom, specifically from a small village called Jinkfuin in the North-Western part of Cameroon. And I have never stopped marvelling at how unique and rich the culture and value system of kom and the entire Cameroon is. The…

Read More

Merck Foundation TV’s Eleventh Edition Focuses on Supporting Girls’ Education

“Our Africa by Merck Foundation” TV program is being broadcast on four Prime TV Channels across Africa – KTN, Kenya; NTV, Uganda; GH One TV, Ghana, and LNTV, Liberia   Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany released the Eleventh Episode of their TV program “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” at 2 pm on…

Read More

JIAS publishes special issue on HIV and stigma

The Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS) has launched a special issue, titled “Getting to the heart of stigma across the HIV continuum of care”, at AIDS 2022, the 24th International AIDS Conference. The content of the special issue was guided by Guest Editors Lucy Stackpool-Moore (International AIDS Society, Switzerland, and Watipa, Australia), Carmen…

Read More

Government forges ahead with digitisation of schools for inclusive education

The government is leaving no stone unturned in the quest for all schools to embrace information communication technologies (ICTs) through digitization with a view to attaining inclusive education. On Thursday, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services commissioned ICT labs for schools in Harare Metropolitan Province. The ICT lab per school…

Read More

Leveraging technological innovations in food systems transformation

Leveraging technological innovations with a focus on digitalization is essential for attaining increased effectiveness, efficiency, and competitive implementation of National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIPs) in pursuit of the delivery of the Malabo Declaration on Africa Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation. This came to the fore during a panel discussion on the last day of a…

Read More

Next phase post Malabo: women, youths participation ensures food security

As stakeholders trudge towards the next phase post the Malabo Declaration on Africa Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation, the participation of vulnerable groups like women and youth is critical in the attainment of food security. Speaking on the need for strategies to increase food security and nutrition and reduce poverty and the commitment to agricultural…

Read More

Turkish Ambassador concludes mission with massive donation for people with disabilities

As the term of mission for His Excellency Hakan Kivanc, the Ambassador of Türkiye to Zimbabwe draws to an end, the veteran diplomat decided to conclude his tour of duty with a donation to people with disabilities as a sign of his unwavering commitment to the promotion of inclusive societies in line with the United…

Read More

Human capital development critical in the implementation of NAIPs

Human capital development plays a key role in the implementation of the National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIPs) as espoused in the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) in pursuit of achieving the delivery of the Malabo Declaration on Africa Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation. This emerged today during a panel discussion at the high-level NAIPS…

Read More

Food Security is More than Just Increasing Production – A Deep Dive

Dr. Richard Munang Whenever I think of food security in Africa, one insightful proverb comes to mind – “there is honey but no bees”. This self-explanatory proverb implies that the solutions to achieving Africa’s food security are like unprotected honey. They are accessible and not exotic. But just as we know, “he who doesn’t find his way back…

Read More

CAADP dialogue: stakeholders analyse NAIP status, progress in 15 years

During a high-level policy dialogue that kicked off in Dakar, Senegal, yesterday on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) food system review, stakeholders gave an overview of the status of the National Agriculture Investment Plans (NAIPs) and lessons drawn from the programme in the last 15 years. In a breakaway session that focused on…

Read More

NAIPs, RAIPs instrumental in agricultural transformation, resilience of African food systems

Despite a plethora of challenges affecting food and nutrition security in Africa, the National Agriculture Investment Plans (NAIPs) and Regional Agriculture Investment Plans (RAIPs) are instrumental in driving the agriculture transformation processes and building resilient food systems on the continent. In her welcome remarks delivered virtually at the high-level meeting of the National Agricultural Investment…

Read More

Japan extends further support to Zimbabwe to alleviate food insecurity

The Government of Japan has made an additional contribution of US$500.000.00 to the World Food Programme (WFP) to help alleviate food insecurity in Zimbabwe. The contribution is especially timely, given that many in the country will struggle to feed themselves at the peak of the lean season because of successive drought and chronic economic challenges,…

Read More

Environmental Impact Assessments as the Mining and Environmental Litigation Flashpoint

By Shamiso Mutisi Case Note: Shangani Holistic (Pvt) Ltd v Pearline Mineral Exploration (Pvt) Ltd HC 4074/22 The facts  On June 30, 2022, High Court Judge Musithu J, granted an interim interdict that prohibited Pearline Mineral Exploration from conducting an aeromagnetic survey over Shangani Ranch in Insiza District before carrying out an Environmental Impact Assessment…

Read More

Dakar high-level consultative meeting to discuss African food security, poverty reduction

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and the African Union Commission Department of Agriculture, Rural Economy and Blue Economy (AUC-DARBE) in association with Akademiya2063 will be holding a high-level stakeholder consultative meeting in Dakar, Senegal, from 26 to 28 July 2022 to review the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme’s National Agricultural Investment Plans (CAADP/NAIP) success…

Read More

Botswana government resolves to establish the country as a food-secure nation

By Baboloki Semele Botswana’s vice president Slumber Tsogwane commended the ‘successful’ relationship between African agriculture and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) for continuing to bear fruits – and hopefully rice! Speaking at an event marking the rice harvesting ceremony, held at the university’s Sebele Farms where the project is being carried…

Read More

Dry weekend for Chinhoyi after ZETDC switched off water station over debt

By Elvis Dumba Chinhoyi – The Mashonaland West Provincial capital, Chinhoyi is experiencing a dry weekend after the town’s waterworks station was switched off on Friday by Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) over a ZW$41 641 765.69 debt. Chinhoyi Municipality Public Relations Officer, Tichaona Mlauzi said in a statement: “The disconnection of power…

Read More

Merck Foundation TV program’s Tenth Episode focusses on Breaking Infertility Stigma

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany released the Tenth Episode of their TV program – “Our Africa by Merck Foundation” at 2 pm on Sunday, 17th July 2022 on GH One TV, Ghana, repeated on Monday on 18th July at 1:30 pm. The rest of the 15 episodes will be aired on GH One TV Ghana every…

Read More

Old Mutual Funeral Services goes the extra mile in customer satisfaction

While conventional funerals have assisted the grieving families to give their loved ones a decent send-off, Old Mutual Funeral Services has gone a step further in its quest to reduce the burden by providing a courtesy vehicle, and shelter for the inlaws among other unique services on the market. Spiked Online Media caught up with…

Read More

Zambian, Zimbabwean students collaborate on developing two SRHR information applications

From 20 July to 21 July, more than 40 University students worked together on two mobile applications that will support access to sexual reproductive health and rights information and services for tertiary education students in Zambia and Zimbabwe.   UNESCO organized two simultaneous workshops that gathered more than a hundred participants in Lusaka, Zambia, and…

Read More

Historic funding to expand roll-out of first-ever malaria vaccine in Africa

The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed the launch by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, of the landmark opportunity for countries to apply for funding to introduce, or further roll out, the RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) malaria vaccine. This international support of nearly US$ 160 million from 2022-2025 will facilitate increased vaccine access to children at high risk…

Read More

NAYO appears before Parliament over youth service programme reintroduction petition

The National Association of Youth Organisations today submitted Oral Evidence to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Youth, Sports, Arts, and Recreation on the reintroduction of the National Youth Service Programme by the Executive arm of the Government. NAYO was represented by its programmes officer, MacDonald K Munyoro. Below, Spiked Online Media shares the submission by…

Read More

APAC Congress: Wildlife Economy should benefit communities

The core around the Wildlife Economy is the transfer of the benefits to the communities, not only those adjacent to or around the protected and conserved areas, the Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism, and Hospitality Industry Zimbabwe, Hon Barbara Rwodzi has said. She made the remarks on the 19th of July 2022 at the…

Read More

Journalist Martha Mamombe rallies peers to embrace personal development

By Lovemore Chazingwa The art of journalism requires one to be multi-skilled and keep improving themselves in order to fit into any space in the media industry, especially for female practitioners, a prominent Zimbabwean journalist has said. ABC Communications run ZiFM Stereo news anchor Martha Mamombe was responding to questions in an interview with Studio…

Read More

CSOs make passionate plea to strengthen public health transparency and accountability

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have made a passionate plea for stakeholders to develop strategies for strengthening transparency and accountability in the public sector. This came out at the CSO meeting on the COVID-19 Transparency and Accountability in Africa Project – CTAP (a collaboration between BudgIT, Connected Development (CODE), Global Integrity, as well as partners in…

Read More

New lease of life for known Karoi-based mentally-challenged woman

By Own Correspondent A mentally-challenged woman in Karoi who was a street vagrant has been given new hope in life by a popular prophet. The Bright Light Prophetic Deliverance Ministries founder Prophet Bright Chikomo prayed for one Vimbai Mawoneke who is mentally challenged, homeless, and survives on selling wares on the streets in Karoi. She…

Read More