The Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project participated in the World Food Day Commemorations held at Tongogara Refugee Resettlement Area in Chipinge. The celebrations were also attended by the Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme (SIRP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO0 World Food Programme and the various departments in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development.
In his address, Guest of Honour and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Prof. Obert Jiri said the Ministry’s drive was premised on leaving no one and no place behind in transforming the agricultural sector to a more efficient, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient agri-food system that will guarantee food self-sufficiency and increased incomes at both household and national levels. He further noted that agriculture was multi-faceted and there was a need for a multi-sectoral approach for long-lasting solutions. Partnerships remained important in the different programs and projects to end hunger.
He noted that the prospects for eliminating poverty and achieving zero hunger in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the attainment of Vision 2030 lay in producing more food, creating more on-farm and off-farm jobs, raising incomes and ensuring equitable participation of women and the youth along the value chains.
