Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyevem [email protected]
PERMANENT Secretary for Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, has called on SADC member states to strengthen their unity of purpose as the region grapples with complex and interconnected challenges confronting food systems.
Speaking at the opening of the Joint Meeting of SADC Ministers Responsible for Agriculture and Food Security, and Fisheries and Aquaculture in Victoria Falls on Wednesday, Prof Jiri said the region stands at a critical juncture.
“We meet today at a critical juncture for our SADC region whereby the agenda before us reflects the complex and interconnected challenges that confront our food systems, from the lingering impacts of climate shocks and transboundary animal diseases, to the emerging disruptions in global input supply chains emanating from geopolitical tensions,” Prof Jiri said.
He emphasised that no single member state could address these challenges alone.
“Victoria Falls, our host city, stands as a powerful symbol of nature’s majesty and the transboundary resources that bind our nations together. It reminds us that no single member state can address the challenges of food insecurity, agricultural productivity, and fisheries management alone. Our strength lies in our unity of purpose under the SADC umbrella,” he said.
Prof Jiri, who was welcoming senior officials from across the region, said within the challenges lie profound opportunities for collective action, innovation and resilience.
He expressed Zimbabwe’s pride in hosting the distinguished gathering and commended cooperating partners including FAO, the African Union Commission, AfDB, and the European Union for their steadfast support to the region’s agricultural and fisheries development agendas.
He urged delegates to ensure their deliberations are characterised by the spirit of solidarity and ambition that has always defined SADC’s approach to agriculture and food security.
The meeting runs from 27-28 May 2026 in Victoria Falls.
