Zimbabwe Champions Livestock as Cornerstone of Africa’s Food Systems at Dakar Forum

Dakar, Senegal — On the sidelines of the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Permanent Secretary Professor Dr. Obert Jiri delivered a powerful intervention during the Livestock Ministerial Deep Dive, urging Africa to place livestock firmly at the centre of the food systems transformation agenda.

“Livestock is not a subsector, it is the bedrock of livelihoods for over 60% of Zimbabwe’s population, a vital source of nutrition, and a cornerstone of our national economic recovery and growth strategy,” he declared, commending ILRI, AU-IBAR and GIZ for championing livestock in continental discourse.

Professor Dr. Jiri outlined Zimbabwe’s Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan, anchored in the National Agricultural Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFRTS). He reiterated climate resilience interventions such as Ward Drought Mitigation Centres, which safeguarded 90% of the two million cattle threatened by the 2023/24 El Niño drought. He detailed progress in disease control, genetic improvement, and value chain development, while candidly noting persisting challenges.

“We urgently need partnerships for vaccine development, regional disease surveillance, climate-smart production models, and robust data systems,” he stressed. Zimbabwe, he added, is eager to collaborate with ILRI, AU-IBAR, and GIZ in vaccine research, harmonized livestock policies, and private-sector-led value addition.

“Transformation of Africa’s livestock sector is not a choice, it is a necessity. Let us move from dialogue to action. Zimbabwe is ready to play its part", heasserted.

Food Security: Everywhere, Everyday