BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE- The Minister of Agriculture, Mandla Tshawuka, has officially opened a two-day validation meeting today at the Hilton Garden Inn.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and promote the strategic action plan for the rescue, conservation, and sustainable use of African Vegetable Biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Ministry of Agriculture stated on their website that they are looking forward to a fruitful discussion and positive outcomes in their shared effort to protect and promote African vegetable biodiversity.
In attendance at the two-day meeting were delegates and representatives from various countries across Africa, members of the World Vegetable Centre, Taiwan in Eswatini, Tavi Eswatini Worldvegesa, Tavi project partners, donors, and Eswatini government officials.
The African Vegetable Biodiversity Action Plan aims to do a few things, which include:
- Strengthen investment for the rescue and conservation of African vegetable biodiversity.
- Engage in novel research and partnerships to promote the sustainable use of African vegetable biodiversity to boost nutrition, income, and adaptation to climate change.
- Institutionalise the recognition of African Vegetable Biodiversity in national policies as a solution to address key global challenges.
