FAO and ZAMCOM Join Forces to Bolster Climate Resilience in Southern Africa

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Zambezi Watercourse Commission (ZAMCOM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, water management, and food security in the Zambezi Watercourse Region. The partnership aims to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by contributing to targets under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Through joint activities, FAO and ZAMCOM will mobilize resources to implement initiatives that promote sustainable agriculture, enhance water-use efficiency, and strengthen climate resilience in the region. The focus on the water-energy-food nexus highlights the need for integrated approaches to tackle the complex challenges facing communities and ecosystems.

FAO's subregional coordinator, Patrice Talla Takoukam, stated that the organizations will implement initiatives to enhance community and institutional resilience against climate shocks, improve water management data and information services, support sustainable agriculture infrastructure, and promote integrated land and water resource management.

Why this matters: The collaboration between FAO and ZAMCOM is essential for addressing the pressing issues of climate change, water management, and food insecurity in the Zambezi Watercourse Region. The partnership's integrated approach to the water-energy-food nexus has the potential to drive positive change and build a more resilient and sustainable future for the region.

ZAMCOM's executive secretary, Felix Ngamlagosi, mentioned that the strategic plan for the Zambezi Watercourse requires $29.2 billion over 22 years to fully address the challenges in the region. The collaboration is also expected to include capacity-building training for farmers, installation of weather stations, and the development of infrastructure projects.

Key Takeaways

• FAO and ZAMCOM sign MoU to address climate, water, and food security in Zambezi region.
• Partnership aims to contribute to SDGs 2, 6, and 13 through sustainable agriculture and water management.
• Initiatives to enhance community resilience, improve water data, and promote integrated land-water management.
• Strategic plan requires $29.2 billion over 22 years to address challenges in the Zambezi region.
• MoU marks a step towards boosting Southern Africa's fight against climate, water, and food insecurity.