Online Reporter
Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter
SOUTHERN African Development Community (Sadc) ministers responsible for agriculture, food security, fisheries and aquaculture convened virtually to address an alarming crisis that has left 67 million people in the region vulnerable and food insecure.
With drought conditions ravaging agricultural output and exacerbating poverty, the stakes have never been higher.
Chairperson of the Joint Committee, Dr Anxious Masuka underscored the urgency of restoring the region’s agricultural capacity to not only feed its populations, but also drive sustained economic development.
“Agriculture is critical for the supply of food. It uplifts millions out of poverty and is essential for improving nutrition and socioeconomic transformation across our nations,”he said.
He highlighted that a significant portion of the Sadc population, over 70percent , relies on agriculture for their livelihoods, making it a cornerstone of economic stability.
The meeting was convened against the backdrop of severe drought conditions that have devastated agricultural production, leading to a dramatic increase in food insecurity.
“As we emerge from the worst drought in living memory, it is imperative that we unite to ensure perennial food security,” Dr Masuka urged, emphasising the need for a collective response to these challenges.
Sadc Deputy Executive Secretary Ms Angele Makombo pointed out that approximately 67.7 million people in the region are currently food and nutrition insecure, representing 17.1percent of the total population.
“This is a very high figure that deserves your full attention and immediate action,” she stated.
She called for efforts to enhance agricultural production, promote regional value chains, and secure food and nutrition security, particularly in the face of climate change.
The FAO’s Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Dr Patrice Talla, also addressed the meeting, emphasising the need for a collaborative approach to reshape the agri-food system in the region.
“This meeting allows us to align key priorities and shows our collective commitment to transforming agriculture and improving the livelihoods of millions who depend on it,” he noted.
Dr Talla highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including the SADC Regional Agriculture Policy, which focuses on food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and agribusiness development. He emphasised the importance of building resilient agri-food systems and addressing climate challenges.
“FAO is working closely with member states to scale up climate-smart agriculture and water-efficient irrigation systems.”
“Agriculture is critical for the supply of food. It uplifts millions out of poverty and is essential for improving nutrition and socioeconomic transformation across our nations,”he said.
He highlighted that a significant portion of the Sadc population, over 70percent , relies on agriculture for their livelihoods, making it a cornerstone of economic stability.
The meeting was convened against the backdrop of severe drought conditions that have devastated agricultural production, leading to a dramatic increase in food insecurity.
“As we emerge from the worst drought in living memory, it is imperative that we unite to ensure perennial food security,” Dr Masuka urged, emphasising the need for a collective response to these challenges.
Sadc Deputy Executive Secretary Ms Angele Makombo pointed out that approximately 67.7 million people in the region are currently food and nutrition insecure, representing 17.1percent of the total population.
“This is a very high figure that deserves your full attention and immediate action,” she stated.
She called for efforts to enhance agricultural production, promote regional value chains, and secure food and nutrition security, particularly in the face of climate change.
The FAO’s Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Dr Patrice Talla, also addressed the meeting, emphasising the need for a collaborative approach to reshape the agri-food system in the region.
“This meeting allows us to align key priorities and shows our collective commitment to transforming agriculture and improving the livelihoods of millions who depend on it,” he noted.
Dr Talla highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including the SADC Regional Agriculture Policy, which focuses on food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and agribusiness development. He emphasised the importance of building resilient agri-food systems and addressing climate challenges.
“FAO is working closely with member states to scale up climate-smart agriculture and water-efficient irrigation systems.”
