Story by Josephine Mugiyo in Dubai
AS Zimbabwe joins the world at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the focus is on tapping into knowledge-based adaptation measures as the country pursues attaining food self-sufficiency.
Climate change continues to be the centre of conversations on various platforms across the world given its immense impact globally.
From drought to cyclones and floods, the globe is reeling under the effects of climate change, with food security being threatened.
Among the key sectors attending the summit from Zimbabwe is the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka.
Minister Masuka says the climate change conference is key for his ministry given how weather vagaries impact the agriculture sector. He also outlined various measures Zimbabwe is putting in place to ensure food security without overly relying on rain-fed agriculture.
“Zimbabwe is a good example of adaptation to climate change. Agriculture uses 60-70 percent of the water requirements in Zimbabwe and also agric contributes 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. The importance of being at this forum is to highlight the negative impact of climate change. Zimbabwe using its own resources has adapted to a level. We are looking at like-minded people on how we can further adapt.”
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere believes the climate change conference is fertile ground for the country’s engagement and re-engagement agenda.
“This conference provides an opportunity for engagement and re-engagement. Also, this is a multi-lateral platform which discusses climate financing. The discussions will centre on the interventions and also on the livelihoods and the environment.
“They will also focus on the interventions by the government of Zimbabwe done under the leadership of President Mnangagwa in terms of the introduction of climate-proof agriculture, and infrastructure like dams and irrigation schemes. At the same time, on Tuesday the legislative part had the introduction and approval of the Principles of the Climate Change Management Bill which sailed through cabinet,” said Dr Muswere.
The UN Climate Change Conference will run for the next two weeks.
