Zambia:HH Commits To Agricultural Innovation And Food Security At Un Food System Summit

By Alice Chisanga

As World Leaders commit to tackling Global Hunger, Climate Change and Biodiversity loss at the first of its kind United Nations Food System Summit 2021, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has taken a man stand and committed to the cause.

Giving a speech at the Summit, Mr. Hichilema notes the adverse effects of Climate Change on the Agricultural Sector which he says has been compounded by the negative impact of COVID-19 Pandemic posing a danger to food security.

He says the country recognizes that the production of quality food, must be accompanied by robust agricultural value chain which includes the need to establish a good distribution network in addition to investing in food processing, preservation and marketing.

He mentioned the use of appropriate technology, innovation and agricultural research, as key results in enhancing productivity and improving food security.

Mr. Hichilema explains that as part of the commitment to the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Country has embarked on promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practice, Forest Management as well as regeneration of indigenous forest species.

This he says adds to the robust tree planting program.

" We expect that these actions will lead to preservation of the eco - system and sustainable development." He says.

Going forward, Mr. Hichilema says the country has developed five measures expected to have a positive impact on food security.

The measures include; improvement of crop and livestock variety, enhancement of animal disease control, mitigation and irrigation schemes, expansion and improvement of provision of agricultural extension services and equipment.

Mr. Hichilema also made known the need to provide affordable financial products to small scale farmers and rejuvenate land and protect biodiversity.

And UN Secretary General António Guterres has made a call on the world to keep its promises for a better future through food systems that work for people, planet and prosperity. 

 Mr. Guterres say keeping the promise will help meet the commitments countries made to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.