Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in BULAWAYO
ALL is set for the 2025 World Food Day commemorations, which will be held tomorrow at the Matobo Research Institute, bringing together Government, development partners, research institutions and communities for the belated national event.
The commemorations — observed globally every October 16 since 1979 — will also feature the official launch of the US$500 000 Matobo hatchery project, a major aquaculture investment aimed at boosting nutrition security through increased access to affordable, high-quality fish seed.
The hatchery, developed under a FAO–Government Technical Cooperation Programme, is expected to produce up to 2.7 million fingerlings annually, supporting nutrition gardens, irrigation schemes, youth and women-led enterprises, as well as commercial fish farmers.
Its commissioning during the World Food Day celebrations underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to integrated food and nutrition systems.
This year’s commemorations come against the backdrop of successive bumper winter wheat harvests, with the 2025 season delivering over 600 000 tonnes, surpassing the national target and cementing Zimbabwe’s status as one of Africa’s leading wheat producers.
The event also comes at a time the country is preparing for La Niña conditions, which may bring increased rainfall and heightened climatic variability — a development that places renewed emphasis on resilient food systems, irrigation development, and early warning mechanisms.
In an interview, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said World Food Day remained a vital annual platform for reflection, collaboration and strategic planning.
“World Food Day is a global commitment to ending hunger, and for Zimbabwe, it is a reminder of the progress we are making in food security and rural development.
“Marking this day allows us to assess achievements under NDS1, strengthen our transition into NDS2, and ensure our agricultural transformation agenda continues driving us towards Vision 2030,” Prof Jiri said.
He added that the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future” aligns perfectly with the Government’s priorities of expanding irrigation, modernising value chains, promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture and deepening partnerships across the food systems landscape.
Tomorrow’s commemorations will be officiated by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka and attended by key partners including FAO Subregional Coordinator Dr Patrice Talla, WFP Country Director Barbara Clemens, ICRISAT, IFAD, provincial leadership, traditional chiefs, MPs, researchers and private-sector players.
With preparations complete, Zimbabwe is poised to join the rest of the world in honouring a day dedicated to building resilient, inclusive and sustainable food and nutrition systems.
