Biodiversity crucial in securing Africa’s future

The Deputy Minister for Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate, and Rural Resettlement, Vangelis Haritatos says biodiversity plays a critical role in the face of numerous challenges. Speaking during the official opening of the regional workshop on biodiversity for food and agriculture in Africa in Harare, the deputy minister outlined the pressing challenges confronting Africa’s biodiversity.

“In Africa, where agriculture is a cornerstone of many economies and communities, the preservation of biodiversity is of paramount importance. Currently, we face a multitude of challenges that threaten the biodiversity essential to food and agriculture in Africa. Climate change, habitat destruction, and invasive species are just a few of the threats that require urgent attention and collective action.

“If left unchecked, these challenges could have devastating effects on food security, nutrition, and the livelihoods of millions across the continent. Hence the need for the continent to accelerate in taking Action on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture in Africa. However, the good news is that we are not powerless in the face of these challenges,” said Haritatos.

“Minister Haritatos shared insights into Zimbabwe’s commitment to transforming its agricultural sector through the Agricultural Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy.

“Zimbabwe is already on a transformative trajectory to transform the country’s agricultural sector through the Agricultural Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy and other policies in an effort to secure food and nutrition security. The AFSRTS recognises the need to increase agricultural output in a biodiversity friendly and sustainable manner.

“Through the AFRSTS government rolled out Rural Development 8.0, which spearheads several flagships, initiatives most of which are government facilitated and private sector led. These ultimately intend to achieve food security, import substitution and self-sufficiency whilst building resilience to shocks, vulnerabilities and threats,” he said. – The Environment