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The Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems – Southern Africa (SHEFS-SA) consortium seeks to catalyse the transformation of Southern African food systems and communities towards systems and communities that are healthy and resilient to climate risks.
This emerged at a side event ahead of the Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC) 2024 running under the theme “Cultivating Resilience in Health: Towards Unified Equitable Strategies for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in Africa” running from 29 to 31 October 2024.
In his opening address, Professor Obert Jiri, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement in Zimbabwe said the gathering comes at a pivotal moment in the journey to create resilient, sustainable, and healthy food systems across the region.
The impacts of climate change are also posing significant threats to food security, health, and overall well-being.
“In response to these challenges, we must champion innovative solutions and collaborative action principles that align with the vision of our President, His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has consistently prioritized sustainable development and climate resilience as fundamental components of our national policies. As such our Minister recently launched the National 2024/25 summer cropping season at Chief Gwebu’s Homestead in Buhera Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe to enhance food security.
“Generally, Zimbabwe has made significant strides in establishing strategies and policies aimed at achieving sustainable food security and health. We are committed to the Paris Agreement and participate to show our NDCs. We also have numerous policy initiatives that I would like to highlight which outline our commitment to ensuring that all citizens have access to safe, nutritious food. Additionally, our Climate Policy emphasizes the integration of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies into our agricultural practices to bolster food production while protecting our natural resources,” Prof Jiri said.
In an address read on her behalf, Professor Idah Sithole-Niang, the Dean of Science at the University of Zimbabwe, underscored the importance of advancing scientific knowledge that addresses pressing challenges within society.
“In recent years, we have made significant strides in research and innovation, particularly in areas related to climate change, food security, health, and the environment. These efforts align perfectly with the mission of the SHEFS-SA consortium. I am pleased to share that our faculty has not only expanded its research footprint but also deepened its partnerships with both local and international institutions.
“Through transdisciplinary research initiatives, we have strengthened our role in finding sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by climate change, especially as they impact our food systems, nutrition, and health. Our graduates and scholars are increasingly contributing to scientific research and policy frameworks, advancing Zimbabwe’s standing as a regional leader in these critical fields.” Prof Sithole-Niang said.
She added that the SHEFS-SA goals to catalyse transformation in food systems and build communities that are healthy and resilient to climate risks are essential for our region’s future.
“We are facing complex challenges that require collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and regions. The consortium’s focus on developing a Global South-led transdisciplinary Community of Practice is not just innovative but necessary. It ensures that the solutions we develop are grounded in the realities of our local contexts while being scalable across regions.
“The importance of this event also lies in its ability to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange. By bringing together experts from across Southern Africa and beyond, we are creating opportunities for new partnerships that will support scalable, high-impact policy recommendations. This is crucial for Zimbabwe and the broader region, where food security, food safety, nutrition, and mental health are deeply interconnected and increasingly threatened by the impacts of climate change.”
In her closing remarks, Professor Maud Muchuweti, the Lead Investigator for SHEF- SA Zimbabwe said the initiative to train a new generation of emerging scholars and practitioners in transdisciplinary research is critical to sustaining this work.
“The development of this cohort, led by the Global South, positions us to build capacity within our own institutions and communities, ensuring that future challenges are met with innovative and contextually appropriate solutions. In conclusion, the University of Zimbabwe’s Faculty of Science is deeply committed to supporting the SHEFS-SA consortium’s vision. We believe that the work we do here today will set the foundation for healthier, more resilient communities across Southern Africa. Let this gathering be a starting point for deepened collaboration, fresh insights, and transformative solutions that benefit all of us, especially the most vulnerable.
“I am also aware that this event is preceding a conference titled Climate and Health Africa Conference (CHAC2024) which is another significant step towards creating knowledge hubs and creating synergies to support our communities,” she said.
