Latest news with #PatriceTalla
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) exhibits at the 2025 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) is one of the largest inter-regional annual trade fairs in sub-Saharan Africa. The ZITF provides governments, private sector, development partners, research, academia and the public a multi-international expo platform for trade exchange opportunities in the region. Themed, "Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape," this 65th blue sapphire edition of ZITF will be held from 21 - 26, April 2025 in Bulawayo. As a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) leading international efforts to defeat hunger, the Food and Agriculture Organization joins the Government of Zimbabwe, UN Country Team, Team Europe and other development partners in exhibiting and participating at this year's ZITF. 'This year, FAO will be hosting a series of side events and networking dialogues that complement the main exhibition, offering deeper insights, and discussions surrounding key themes and innovations implemented under the FAO Country Programming Framework 2022 – 2026. These events will go a long way in increasing knowledge and understanding the role of FAO in Zimbabwe,' said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and Representative to Zimbabwe.' Through participation at the ZITF, FAO will offer in-depth discussions and interactive sessions that align with the core mandate of FAO in Zimbabwe in alignment with national agrifood systems priorities. The dialogues and networking sessions on various thematic issues framed under FAO's key programme priorities will enhance stakeholder experience and provide a platform for interaction, learning, and collaboration. All side events and networking dialogues are structured through expert-led discussions and participatory conversations around project thematic focus areas, challenges, and opportunities. Participants will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences to align FAO programming through expert-led and realistic interventions. The main objective of these side events is to enhancing FAO visibility while fostering networking and promoting knowledge sharing through presentations of project best practices to strategic key stakeholders, development partners and the public attending the ZITF,' said Tendai Munyokoveri, Assistant FAO Representative – Programmes. At this international platform, FAO will also join the UN country team in exhibiting under the One UN umbrella with the objective to increase knowledge and understanding of UN Zimbabwe agency contribution to the development of the country and its contribution to fulfilling the SDG targets through implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the Common Agenda for peace, people, planet and prosperity. FAO will exhibit under the PLANET PILLAR which focuses on environmental protection, climate resilience and natural resources management. At the 65th edition of the ZITF, Mr. Edward Kallon, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, highlighted the transformative potential of businesses in agricultural development and food systems. He emphasized that food systems encompass crucial public policy decisions influencing dietary habits and the sustainability of local communities. Mr. Kallon stressed the importance of engaging businesses, youth, and communities in the food security and agriculture sector. He noted this area as vital, available, and opportune sector for growth that are critical for strengthening local food systems, sustaining community nutrition, and offering rewarding employment opportunities to Zimbabwe's vibrant youth population. Addressing the challenges faced by developing nations, including Zimbabwe, Mr. Kallon said, "A lot is weighed against developing countries' ability to shape food systems. In many cases, the essential financial and value chain systems are absent and must be constructed from the ground up." This highlights the urgent need for cohesive efforts in building resilient food systems that can drive economic growth and lift entire communities out of recurrent hunger and poverty. As Zimbabwe moves forward, the collaborative efforts of businesses, policymakers, youth, women and local communities will be pivotal in transforming food systems, fostering climate resilience, and achieving sustainable development goals. At the end of the ZITF, FAO will pull together resources to follow up on commitments and pathways of collaboration based on emerging issues from these dialogues while pushing the FAO development agenda with strategic partners in Zimbabwe. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), European Union (EU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) launch EUR 10 million initiative to accelerate the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Agricultural Policy
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has launched the second phase of the European Union (EU)-funded project Support Towards the Operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (STOSAR II). The launch, held in Gaborone, Botswana, marked a renewed commitment to advancing food and nutrition security, strengthening food security systems, enhancing climate resilience, and boosting regional agricultural value chains and market access across in the SADC region. The second phase builds on the achievements of STOSAR I, which was implemented from December 2018 to February 2024. Supporting the transformation of food systems STOSAR II aims to support the implementation of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP) by enhancing institutional capacities, promoting regional integration, and supporting the transformation of food systems. Through this programme, countries will be better equipped to address key challenges affecting agriculture, including pests and diseases, climate change, under resourced value chains and limited market access. 'The STOSAR Project plays a pivotal role in operationalizing the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP), by enhancing agricultural productivity, inclusive value chains, and ensuring sustainable food systems that leave no one behind,' said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, during the launch. EU support for regional resilience and innovation The European Union is financing STOSAR II under its 'Development Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture' (DeSIRA) initiative. This support underscores the EU's commitment to enhancing agricultural transformation and resilience in the region. 'The EU and SADC agreed to sign the STOSAR II programme for EUR 10 million, the goal of which is to contribute to a climate-relevant, productive, inclusive and sustainable transformation of agriculture and food systems,' said Clement Boutillier, Head of Development Cooperation, EU Delegation to Botswana and SADC. He added that 'By supporting regional integration through RAP, particularly in building regional value chains in the context of the global food crisis, the EU supports SADC countries to reduce dependency on external food imports and build resilient local systems.' Regional call for action Also speaking at the launch, the Acting Minister of Lands and Agriculture for Botswana, Edwin Gorataone Dikoloti, emphasized the need for collective action across the region. 'We must all join hands to build resilience and drive the transformation of our agrifood systems, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture in our region,' he said. 'STOSAR II is being launched in a time that the new CAADP process, guided by the Kampala Declaration, and approved by the African Heads of State and Government in January 2025, will also start to be operationalized. This process has shifted from pure agriculture focus to a wider agri-foods systems approach,' said Domingos Gove, Director of the SADC Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) Directorate. Key components of STOSAR II to drive impact STOSAR II will focus on four strategic components which are: Enhancing agricultural information systems to support evidence-based decision-making and facilitate regional trade; Strengthening strategies for the management of plant and animal pests and diseases, with improved compliance with international Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) measures; Improving food and nutrition security monitoring and implementation capacity in SADC Member States; and Increasing the operational capacity of agricultural institutions and value chain actors to promote innovation and sustainability, including agro-ecological approaches. A collaborative start to implementation The launch took place during a four-day inception workshop attended by over 120 participants from all 16 SADC Member States. The workshop provided a platform to review the project's implementation framework and initiate the development of country-level work plans to ensure effective implementation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
New FAO project to boost agriculture trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique
HARARE: In a move poised to strengthen agricultural trade and empower farmers, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) is funding a EUR 3.5 million, Zimbabwe Mozambique Agricultural Value Chain and Trade Development Project (Zim-Moza ATDP), Zimbabwe will receive EUR 1.166 million of the total budget. In Zimbabwe, the Zim-Moza ATDP is implemented by FAO in close collaboration with the Department of Economics, Markets, and International Trade under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD) and other key stakeholders across the agricultural production and trade sectors. The project's core mission is to accelerate the agrifood transformation process within and between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. By focusing on strengthening agriculture value chains, the Zim-Moza ATDP seeks to create opportunities for farmers and other players in the agriculture sector to actively participate in global value chains. Speaking at the project inception meeting in Harare, the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, Patrice Talla, emphasized the transformative potential of the project. 'The Zim-Moza ATDP is a crucial step towards unlocking the immense potential of the agricultural sector in both Zimbabwe and Mozambique. By empowering smallholder farmers and fostering collaboration between public and private sector actors, we can create a more resilient and inclusive agricultural landscape.' The project will focus on assisting value chain actors, in both the public and private sectors, in implementing sound and favorable trade policies. This support will enable economic agents to capitalize on the concrete advantages offered by bilateral, regional, and international trade facilitating frameworks, particularly at a time when regional integration is gaining momentum across the African continent. 'This project is incredibly timely,' stated Obert Jiri the Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, in a speech read on his behalf by Gamuchirai Kapembeza. 'The project is a key enabler in accelerating agrifood transformation processes in and between the two countries. In addition, this project aligns seamlessly with Zimbabwe's Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy as well as the National Development Strategies (NDS1 & NDS2), which prioritize productivity growth, value chain development and sustainable farming practices,' added Obert Jiri. The specific interventions under the Zim-Moza ATDP are expected to include: Capacity Building: Providing training and technical assistance to farmers, traders, and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to improve production techniques, post-harvest management, and marketing strategies. Market Access: Facilitating access to domestic and international markets through improved infrastructure, market information systems, and trade promotion activities. Policy Support: Supporting the development and implementation of trade-friendly policies that create a level playing field for all actors in the agricultural sector. Value Chain Development: Strengthening specific value chains, such as horticulture, livestock, and grains, by addressing bottlenecks and promoting innovation. FAO expressed its commitment to working closely with the Government of Zimbabwe, the Government of Mozambique, and the AICS to ensure the successful implementation of the Zim-Moza ATDP. 'FAO remains dedicated to supporting Zimbabwe and Mozambique by improving agriculture value chains and trade to ensure healthy nations free of hunger and malnutrition,' said Patrice Talla. The Zim-Moza ATDP marks a significant step forward in promoting regional agricultural development and trade. It is a testament to the commitment of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, the FAO, and the AICS to working together to achieve sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth. This project hopes to become a model for future collaborative efforts across the African continent. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Staff Reporter
Zawya
02-04-2025
- General
- Zawya
Empowering Zimbabwe's drylands: how the Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (DSL-IP) project is transforming lives
AFRICA In Zimbabwe's drylands, a remarkable transformation is underway, thanks to the GEF-7 Dryland Sustainable Landscapes Impact Program (DSL-IP). Supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), this collaborative initiative is empowering local communities to achieve the "four betters" outlined by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. At the center of the DSL-IP project are the newly established Community Seed Banks (CSBs), which serve as "centers of excellence" for sustainable land and forest management. These CSBs showcase a unique four-in-one model, integrating forestry restoration, soil and land conservation, farmer field schools, tree nurseries, orchards, and solar-powered boreholes. "The Vanyoro Community Seed Bank is a real demonstration of a center of excellence which is the equivalent of the village business units, which are being promoted by the government, and we believe it will have a transformative impact on the lives of the people in this region." explained Patrice Talla, the FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, at the launch of Vanyoro Community Seed Bank, in Zaka. 'With this model the community seed bank will support the accomplishment of the four betters," he added. The integration of renewable energy solutions at the Community Seed Bank, such as the solar-powered borehole that supplies clean and safe water to the farmer field school, nursery, livestock and about 296 households (2072 people) in the community is a testament to the project's commitment to environmental sustainability. "This renewable energy is one of the sustainable measures promoted by the project," added Patrice Talla. Empowering local communities The DSL-IP project's holistic approach extends beyond just environmental interventions. It also places a strong emphasis on community empowerment and collaboration. "This program demonstrates His Excellency's (President Emerson Mnangagwa's) mantra that we all need to have a whole-of-government approach, and that no one and no place should be left behind," said the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira "The complexity of land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change cannot be managed by one institution alone, but requires everyone in every institution to pull in one direction," added the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Sithembiso Nyoni, emphasizing the importance of partnerships. Beneficiary Voices The impact of the DSL-IP project is already being felt by the local communities. Farmer Leonard Rugwevera, who has been involved in the project's Farmer Field Schools and also chairperson of Vanyoro Community Seed bank, shared his experience; "Before the project, we struggled to grow enough food to feed our families. But now, with the sustainable farming techniques and access to the seed bank, we're able to produce more nutritious and indigenous crops that suit our climate and environment. My children are healthier, and I'm able to sell the surplus at the local market, which has improved our household income." Another community seed bank member, Edzai Mazhara, highlighted the project's environmental benefits: "The tree nursery and woodland management practices have helped us restore the degraded land around our village. We're seeing more wildlife returning, and the soil is healthier, which is improving our crop yields. It's amazing to see how these small changes can have such a big impact on our community." A shift is also underway as households are finding new opportunities to improve their livelihoods through the value addition of non-timber forest products. "We used to just collect the fruits and sell them in the local market for very little. But now we are drying them, making jams and juices, and selling them for much higher prices," said Roselyn Musasa, a smallholder farmer. "This extra income has allowed me to send my children to school and improve our living conditions." The DSL-IP project has been instrumental in supporting these efforts, working with communities to provide training on processing, packaging and marketing a variety of forest products like herbs, honey and edible wild plants. "Before, a lot of these resources would go to waste. But now we are learning how to turn them into valuable products that we can sell," explained village elder, who is a member of Marula Zimbabwe a Forest and Farm Producer Organisation (FFPOs) in Ward 15, Chivi. Marula Zimbabwe has been value adding the Marula fruit making various products including wine, nuts, marula butter, marula soda and other Non-Timber Forest Products like Zumbani (Lippia javanica) and mufa ndichimuka ( Myrothamnus flabellifolius) tea. "The forestry school clubs like the one here at Poshai Primary School have also been great, getting the younger generation involved in conservation and adding value to what the forests provide," added Precious Magwaza the DSL-IP project coordinator. By empowering rural households to derive greater economic benefit from their natural resources, the project is not only transforming lives but also incentivizing sustainable forest management for the long-term. Towards a sustainable future The DSL-IP project's success is a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven development. By integrating the four betters framework, the initiative is not only improving livelihoods but also contributing to Zimbabwe's broader sustainable development goals. "This demonstrates the power of collaboration and the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach," said the FAO Subregional Coordinator. "By working together, we can achieve transformational change and ensure a more sustainable future for the people of Zimbabwe." As the project continues to expand, 'the government is committed to documenting the lessons learned and sharing them with other communities, both within Zimbabwe and across the region. The goal is to replicate this model in other provinces, ultimately covering the entire country with similar interventions,' said the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Sithembiso Nyoni. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa. Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. 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Zawya
07-03-2025
- General
- Zawya
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) training empowers staff across Africa
The recent two-week training session hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization's Regional Office for Africa (FAO-RAF) in Harare has been hailed as a resounding success, equipping staff from across Africa with critical skills and fostering valuable connections. Strengthening collaboration across borders The training, which brought together 130 participants from 47 FAO Country Offices, focused on enhancing project management, operations, and cross-functional teamwork. According to the Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, the training was designed to encourage networking and the creation of a platform for participants to maintain connections across the continent. "My hope was that by the time you leave around this weekend, you have friends in all the countries, and I hope you have already created a WhatsApp group. This group should be called a Harare group? Because this is where you all met," said Patrice Talla. Investing in People, Investing in the Future The closing remarks emphasized the importance of investing in training and development, recognizing it as a crucial component of FAO's mission. Patrice Talla noted that while budgetary constraints may limit the frequency of such sessions, the organization is committed to making the training a permanent biennial event. "It's never too much to invest in people. So that's why I think we should do that. I will talk to the ADG. We'll see how we can make this like a permanent training," said Patrice Talla. Lessons from the field: Adapting to challenges During the closing remarks, Patrice Talla shared two inspiring stories that highlighted the adaptability and problem-solving skills required in the field. The first story detailed a successful collaboration between FAO, UNICEF, and the European Union in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe, where the organizations worked together to improve farming practices, WASH and nutrition education. "What we saw in the field was speaking so much to our mandate, to UNICEF and to many other organizations. Why? Because we were able to work together. Through the Farmer Field School (FFS) we brought farmers together to train them on new techniques, conservation agriculture, in improving livestock agriculture and others. FAO and UNICEF trained what we call the lead farmers. Then each of the lead farmer trained a number of farmers, expanding impact' explained Patrice Talla. The second story recounted the challenges faced in implementing a USD40 million locust response program in Madagascar, where Patrice Talla had to quickly adapt and learn new skills to overcome obstacles. "I had to start implementing a three-year program for 40 million I've never done emergency I've never even interacted with colleagues from TC (Technical Cooperation) emergency programming at headquarters, but I had to do it. But how could I sort of start implementing a local program of 40 million I just opened my mind. I started reading. I started learning, discussing with colleagues, and that's what I learned I was hearing the term we need to go from invasion to remission," said Patrice Talla. Connecting Country Offices through Task Forces and Technical Coordination Units To further strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing, Patrice Talla highlighted the creation of task forces and technical coordination units (TCUs) within the FAO's Southern Africa Subregional Office for Southern Africa. These platforms bring together staff from various country offices to address challenges, share best practices, and provide technical support. "We created what we call task forces, program, Task Force, operation, admin Task Force. And recently, when Joseph arrived, we created what we call the procurement Task Force, the membership of the program Task Force, all the technical officers, in the subregional office, all the assistant for our programs and the project managers. They are part of the task that product Task Force, and they meet on monthly basis," explained Patrice Talla. The training session in Harare has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the participants, equipping them with the skills and connections needed to drive positive change in their respective countries. As FAO continues to invest in its people, the organization is poised to make an even greater impact on food security and sustainable development across the African continent. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
