Zimbabwe joined the world in commemorating World Food Day 2025 under the theme “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,” marking the anniversary of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. The celebrations in Zimbabwe took place at the Matopos Research Station, coinciding with FAO’s 80th anniversary. The event emphasized global collaboration to create sustainable, prosperous, and food-secure futures.
The observance highlighted the importance of cooperation among governments, organizations, sectors, and communities to transform agrifood systems. Through joint efforts by the UN Rome-based agencies — FAO, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) — alongside the Government and people of Zimbabwe, the aim is to ensure universal access to healthy diets while maintaining harmony with the planet.
Professor Obert Jiri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, emphasized that the theme reflects Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation agenda. He noted that resilient food systems require collaboration across government, research institutions, private sector actors, farmers, and communities, all working toward ending hunger and achieving sustainable food security for all.
Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, highlighted that World Food Day and FAO’s 80th anniversary are both a reflection on past achievements and a call to strengthen future agrifood systems. He stressed the importance of building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable systems to ensure no child goes hungry, farmers thrive, and natural resources are safeguarded for generations to come.
