The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), supported by funding from the Italian government, has launched two transformative projects to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. These projects, Transboundary Integrated Sustainable Management of Miombo Woodlands and Agricultural Value Chain and Trade Development, focus on fostering inclusive economic growth through structured cross-border trade and environmental conservation.
Ambassador Tedious Chifamba, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, emphasized the shift in perception of the Miombo woodlands from vulnerable ecosystems to vital climate assets. A healthy Miombo ecosystem supports agricultural productivity, reduces rural poverty, and enhances resilience to climate events. The projects aim to help smallholder farmers, create green jobs, and promote nature-based tourism, making the Miombo a driver of inclusive green growth.
The Agricultural Value Chain and Trade Development project strengthens agricultural trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique by improving market access for small producers, promoting agro-processing, and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises, focusing on women and youth. This project enables smallholder farmers to integrate into global value chains, benefiting from favorable trade policies and supporting broader economic integration across Africa.
The second project, Sustainable Management of Forest Resources, focuses on managing the Miombo woodlands, a crucial ecosystem for over 300 million people. These woodlands are vital for biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience. Protecting them is essential for stabilizing local communities and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Italian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Umberto Malnati, and FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator Dr. Patrice Talla Takoukam reaffirmed their commitment to the region. These projects align with regional and international sustainable development goals, providing a framework for a more resilient and prosperous future for communities in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
