The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, this week officially opened the 2025 World Food Day commemorations at the Matobo Research Institute, emphasizing the Province’s commitment to building a food-secure future through collaborative action.
Observed globally on 16 October each year, World Food Day celebrates sustainable agriculture and collective efforts to end hunger. This year’s theme, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” underscores the importance of partnerships and innovation in transforming food systems.
Minister of State Honourable Nguluvhe highlighted that Matabeleland South—classified under Natural Regions IV and V—faces recurrent droughts yet possesses rich soils suitable for resilient crops, particularly small grains. He reiterated the need for increased investment in water infrastructure such as dams to boost agricultural productivity.
He stated that this year's theme resonates strongly with the province’s development agenda:
“We are firmly committed to walking hand-in-hand with all stakeholders—from smallholder farmers to development partners and the private sector—to transform our agricultural landscape. The spirit of ‘ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo’ is alive in Matabeleland South as we work together for better foods and a better future.”
Prof. Jiri commended the significance of celebrating World Food Day but stressed the importance of reflection and action toward sustainable food access for all. He pledged that Matabeleland South will be prioritised in next year’s national food-security initiatives.
He also highlighted the country’s adoption of the “Agriculture as a Business” model, a shift aimed at transforming farmers from subsistence producers to market-oriented entrepreneurs.
“Our extension officers, now rebranded as Agricultural Business Advisors, are driving this transformation. We are promoting high-value crops, including traditional grains now recognized as commercial crops, and strengthening market linkages through aggregation and value addition.”
This year’s World Food Day commemoration reinforced the province’s dedication to collaborative, sustainable agricultural development and its vision of achieving lasting food security.
The commemorations were graced by the Guest of Honour, Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, representing Hon. Dr. Anxious Masuka. Also in attendance were the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, Hon. Edgar Moyo, the FAO Country Director, and various provincial and district stakeholders.