Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE continues to pursue investments in modern agriculture technologies to improve agricultural productivity in the wake of climate change.
A forum organised by the African Union Development Agency (AUDA) the New Partnership for African Development in Harare this Monday created a platform for regional agriculture stakeholders to share ideas on the importance of modern farming systems in light of climate change.
Zimbabwe took the opportunity to highlight how it is leveraging on new technologies to ensure increased agricultural productivity and food security.
“It is within the interest of the region and the country that climate change is real and concerted efforts should be implemented to counter effects arising from the challenge, that most of the nations are faced with effects of drought then it becomes imperative to focus on biotechnology as a key element or gateway in improving productivity,” noted Deputy Chief Secretary for Policy Analysis, Coordination and Development Planning in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Willard Manungo.
The AUDA has also revealed commitment to work with Zimbabwe and other regional countries on policies to increase agriculture output by embracing modern farming technologies.
“Africa is not being spared from the impact of climate change that has also increased vulnerability of the continent when it comes to food insecurity. However, it is imperative to take note of the modern systems especially biotechnology as the gateway to increasing food security thereby enabling industries to operate, boost socio economic development and overall growth,” said AUDA – NEPAD Acting Director Knowledge Management, Mrs. Florence Nazare.
Data released at the forum shows that African economies need to leverage on agriculture output as a key component for industrial production.
