By Kuda Pembere
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) which will see among other things address pressing issues namely climate change, water management, and food insecurity in the Zambezi Watercourse Region.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Harare, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa Patrice Talla said the collaboration will see the implementation of projects that support sustainable agriculture, enhance water-use efficiency, and build climate resilience in the Zambezi Watercourse Region.
“The water-energy-food nexus underscores the importance of balancing often-competing interests while safeguarding ecosystem integrity.
“Through joint efforts, FAO and ZAMCOM will implement initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture, enhance water-use efficiency, and build climate resilience in the Zambezi Watercourse Region.
“The focus on the water-energy-food nexus underscores the need for integrated approaches to tackle the complex challenges facing communities and ecosystems,” he said.
Furthermore, the partnership will contribute to the implementation of ZAMCOM’s Strategic Plan for the Zambezi Watercourse (ZSP) 2018-2040, the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change in the Zambezi River Basin (PIDACC), and the Zambezi River Basin Investment Plan (ZRIP).
“We are excited to embark on this collaborative journey with ZAMCOM to address pressing challenges and promote sustainable development in the Zambezi River Basin,” Talla said. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing the well-being of communities in the region through innovative and inclusive initiatives.”
FAO, Mr Talla said, commits to enhancing the resilience of communities and institutions against climatic shocks, improving data and information services for water management, supporting infrastructure development for sustainable agriculture, and promoting integrated land and water resource management to bolster food security.
ZAMCOM Executive Secretary, Felix Ngamlagosi, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “By joining forces with FAO, we are better positioned to leverage our respective expertise and resources to drive positive change in the Zambezi Watercourse. Together, we will work towards building a more resilient and sustainable future for all.”
Ngamlagosi also said this partnership will also address environmental degradation.
“As mentioned in our opening remarks, one of the challenges in the Zambes water course is about water resources, environmental degradation.
“It’s about what environmental degradation, which requires efforts that will protect the environment by doing, by different measures, including protection of water sources and the conservation of water sources.
“So yes, one of the interventions that will be implemented, some of the intervention that will be implemented jointly between the two institutions, will touch on environmental protection, which requires us also to safeguard our water sources, to safeguard our catchment areas from different pollutant sources. from different pollutant sources,” he said.
