Andrew
Online Reporter
Delegates from across the African continent are expected to share ideas on enhancing food systems at the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support Systems (RESAKSS) conference that began in Harare on Tuesday.
Running under the theme “Agrifood Processing Strategies for Successful Food Systems Transformation in Africa”, the conference is being hosted by AKADEMIYA2063 in partnership with the African Union Commission.
It is designed to promote, review and dialogue on the contribution of the agri-food processing sector to productive, sustainable food systems that support livelihoods and food security.
The conference will run up to Thursday.
Local stakeholders attending the conference included various departments from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
In his opening keynote address, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos said the conference is key in transforming the African agriculture system through engagement between researchers and policymakers.
“This conference is a platform that creates an opportunity for researchers and policymakers from African member states to discuss systems and pathways to strengthen our agriculture, environment and food systems value chains,” said Deputy Minister Haritatos.
There is a need, he said, to change policies, mindsets, behaviours and business models to ensure that food systems are sustainable and can uplift the livelihoods of smallholder farmers that rely on agriculture as a source of livelihood.
AKADEMIYA2063 executive chairperson Dr Ousmane Badiane said the RESAKSS conference comes at a time when Africa comes together to look back, take stock and look forward with a focus on strong thematic areas of strategic importance to the African Union agenda.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter