FAO finalises Zim programme

TENDAI BHEBE     IN BULAWAYO 

The Food and Agriculture Organisation  (FAO), an arm of the United Nations, is finalising its new five-year programme for Zimbabwe, Business Times can report.

The programme is aimed at addressing issues to do with food security and natural resources in the country.

FAO works closely with the government of Zimbabwe to ensure that people have regular access to  high-quality food to  ensure active and healthy lives.

“Currently, we are finalising our new country  (Zimbabwe) programme framework for the next five years which is also aligned to the priorities of the ministry and also to the national development strategy .

“Through this, FAO will help the government to address issues related to food security and natural resources,” said Patrice Takoukam,  FAO’s subregional coordinator for Southern Africa.

“As you know FAO’s mandate is very broad because when we talk about agriculture it is not only about crops but it involves the forestry, fisheries and livestock. So, there are different programmes we are working on.”

Government has identified agriculture as one of the key sectors, alongside mining and tourism, which will anchor economic recovery.