Read-out of the FAO Director-General’s meeting with Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Minister for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Republic of Zimbabwe

Rome - FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, and Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Minister for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Republic of Zimbabwe met today at the sidelines of the World Food Forum (WFF) being held at FAO’s headquarters in Rome (17-21 October 2022). 

The two exchanged observations on the importance and need for agrifood systems transformation and the critical role science and innovation play to the empowerment of youth and growth of the sector. They underlined that the transformation of agrifood production is possible through value creation and improved processing, innovation and digitalization.

The Minister also noted the progress being made under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative and how they are leveraging existing agricultural investments in the country, as well as supporting Zimbabwe’s Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy.

The Director-General complimented the Minister on the advancements made under his guidance. He also applauded the Minister for promoting the recognition of agrifood systems within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighting that connecting farmers with the appropriate e-commerce tools will promote further transfers of knowledge and provide accessibility to markets.

The Minister expressed Zimbabwe’s available to host a preparatory dialogue for Africa in advance of the UN 2023 Water Conference March 2023, as this is in line with the vision to address the climate crisis and directly linked to the country’s Anticipatory Action protocols for floods and drought programme.