Debra Matabvu in ANTALYA, Türkiye
VICE PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga has arrived here to attend the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), where he will join other world leaders in discussions aimed at strengthening global climate action.
Dr Chiwenga was welcomed at Antalya Airport by Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Dr Evelyn Ndlovu and senior Zimbabwean and Turkish government officials.
His participation comes as Zimbabwe and several other countries in Southern Africa face the threat of a predicted Super El Niño during the 2026/27 summer cropping season, which is expected to bring below-normal rainfall, erratic weather patterns and higher temperatures.
The anticipated weather conditions pose a major threat to agricultural production and food security.
However, the Government of Zimbabwe has already approved a comprehensive 2026/27 Summer Plan incorporating drought mitigation measures to cushion farmers against the anticipated effects of El Niño and safeguard national food security.
The plan is anchored on six strategic pillars, namely strengthening the strategic grain reserve, expanding climate-smart agricultural production, improving agricultural financing, mitigating livestock losses, enhancing imports and strengthening coordination and early warning systems.
The interventions are intended to build the country’s resilience to climate-related shocks while ensuring adequate food supplies despite the anticipated challenging rainfall season.
COP31 brings together world leaders, climate negotiators and other stakeholders from countries that are parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to advance international cooperation and strengthen responses to climate change.
The annual conference also provides a platform for engagement among business leaders, young people, climate scientists and civil society organisations on measures to address the growing climate crisis.
