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Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
SECURE land tenure is essential to empower farmers, encouraging sustainable investment and cultivation, United Nation resident and humanitarian coordinator Mr Edward Kallon has said.
Speaking at the 4th National Horticulture Conference and Exhibition in Harare yesterday, Mr Kallon said the horticulture sector offers a significant opportunity for fostering community resilience and economic growth.
The conference was running under the theme, “Transforming the Horticulture Sub-Sector through Export”.
He said increased investment in this high-yield industry can propel Zimbabwe’s exports, leveraging the Africa Continental Free Trade Area to expand beyond current markets in the European Union, United Kingdom and China.
“This transformation requires addressing critical areas like investment, secure land tenure, value addition and minimising waste through the adoption of technology,” Mr Kallon said.
“By focusing on value addition through agro-processing, Zimbabwe can enhance its export potential, generate much-needed foreign currency and create employment opportunities. Reducing wastage by adopting suitable technologies will also enhance efficiency and output.
“Aligning with the six transitions as pathways to accelerate progress investment in the 2030 Agenda offers a strategic framework to address challenges such as climate change. However, we are currently off track in our Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) objectives.”
Mr Kallon said the integrated policy frameworks that support sustainable development and transformative economic reform were essential to create a just and equitable future.
“Financial resource mobilisation is key to this transformation, necessitating both public funding and leveraging private investments and international support,” he said.
“Cross-sector partnerships among government, private entities, and civil society are essential to bridge the financial gap and drive meaningful progress. The UN’s role remains central in supporting Zimbabwe’s transitional phase.
“Through partnerships, capacity building and investments aligned with national priorities, we can catalyse the rapid transformations needed to achieve the SDGs.
“Our focus will be on fostering policy shifts, developing viable projects, attracting diverse financing, and enhancing capacities for sustained impact.”
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu