NEW: Destruction of biodiversity threatens food security

Online Reporter

CLIMATE change, habitat destruction and invasive species are threats that require urgent attention and collective action to ensure Africa is food secure.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos made the remarks during a three-day high-level meeting in Harare.

“If left unchecked, these challenges could have devastating effects on food security, nutrition and the livelihoods of millions across the continent.

“Hence the need for the continent to accelerate in taking action on biodiversity for food and agriculture in Africa,” said Deputy Minister Haritatos.

Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) sub-regional coordinator for Southern Africa Dr Patrice Talla Takoukam said: “Biodiversity and ecosystem-based practices support shifts towards sustainable agricultural paradigms, which are fundamental to efforts to increase the resilience, sustainability and productivity of food and agricultural systems, sustain livelihoods and enhance food security and nutrition around the world.”

Dr Takoukam said agroecology and agroforestry are key to sustainable food production.

Agroecology and agroforestry methods of agriculture involve the adoption of traditional grains through sustainable farming methods that increase yields while reducing environmental damage through the use of bio-pesticides, bio-fertilisers and promotion of indigenous tree planting.