The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement and the United Nations have held the National Food Systems Dialogue (stage 3) to come up with solutions to challenges affecting food production and accessibility in the country.

The stage 3 dialogue running under the theme “Transforming Agriculture Production and Food Systems in Zimbabwe” is the final discussion at national level for national authorities and stakeholder leaders to exchange views about the pathways towards sustainable national food systems by 2030, and to identify the intentions and commitments of different actors.

The discussion also gives an opportunity for key players in agriculture and other sectors to challenges, opportunities and way forward in building and strengthening food systems in Zimbabwe.

Officially opening the dialogue, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister Dr Anxious Masuka said the transformation of the Zimbabwe food systems will go beyond the summit and there will be continuous engagements and dialogue.

“The combined impact of Covid-19 and climate change on our food systems and on improved agricultural production and productivity must be unpacked,” he said.

“The food systems dialogues have revealed some pertinent cross-cutting issues that require a multi-sectoral response. To attain sustainability, our food system needs to deliver food security and nutrition for all our people. The economic, social and environmental issues must be considered.”

Dr Masuka said the country was experiencing a rapid population growth and rapid urbanisation.

“Accompanying this is a rapid demand for food and a change in consumption preference towards animal protein as a middle-income group emerges,” he said.

“This is encouraging growth of an industrial agriculture model of production, which some critics warn maybe unsustainable. There is need to embrace sustainable production systems that will protect the environment and ensure food security.”

UN Resident Co-ordinator, Ms Maria Ribeiro, said Covid-19 and climate change had contributed to a reversal of the Sustainable Development Goals’ progress, and delayed action on many of the major transitions required to meet the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

“Covid-19 and climate change have triggered monumental global challenges, but also provide a once in a lifetime and unique opportunity to build forward better,” she said.

“Convening these dialogues has been one way of exploring opportunities to overcome the challenges of ending hunger and poverty while protecting the planet. Given the universal nature of the 2030 Agenda, sustainable food systems can drive progress across all of the SDGs.

“Sustainable food systems are key for responsible production and consumption needed to achieve ecological balance, zero hunger, and nutrition for all. Sustainable food systems are also an important contributor to inclusive development.

“Let’s remember that the centre of our food systems are the smallholder farmers, indigenous people, youth and women who must be equipped to produce the right food, while securing the future of our planet.”