Botswana food systems probed

Summit to generate measurable progress on SDGs towards 2030

VICTORIA MARUMO

editors@thepatriot.co.bw

The Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food Security successfully launched the Botswana national dialogues on the 2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit. Among the dignitaries present at the auspicious occasion was MoA Minister Karabo Socraat Gare, Assistant Minster Beauty Manake who was present virtually, MoA Acting Permanent Secretary Thabang Botsoma, Executive Director Food Bank Botswana Kingston Mmolawa and Food and Agriculture Organization for United Nations representative Lesedi Modo.

Gare said the summit is coming at a time when the whole world is fighting the devastating Covid 19 pandemic which is slowly eroding economies and human developments that had been achieved. He added that as a result, it is imperative for countries to have solid socio economic and political transformation plans and strategies to rebuild our economies. “The food system of any country is a critical cross cutting pillar in this endeavor. Not only will the food system be necessary, but the food system should be resilient and be able to withstand or bounce back from unprecedented shocks,” he explained.

According to Gare the success of this year’s summit depends on a 3-stage dialogue process; Identification of issues affecting food systems and existing national plans for sustainable food systems, Identification of promising approaches from engagements at sub- national level that contribute to the development of national pathways especially in the face of devolution and National authorities and stakeholder leaders to exchange views about the pathways and commitments of different actors towards sustainable national food systems by 2030. “These engagements will ensure that all stakeholders will identify the most meaningful ways to make national food systems stronger, more equitable and more efficient, ultimately driving progress in the achievement of the UN Agenda 2030,” he added.

The summit dialogue will commence under the theme ‘Resilient and inclusive food systems for sustainable economic and human development in Botswana’. The President of Botswana his Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi will participate in the United Nations Food Systems Summit; designed around promoting the achievement of the United Nations Agenda 2030 on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition agenda – 2016 to 2025. This is slated to run from 14 to 21 September 2021 in New York City.