By Derick Tsimba

Zimbabwe has joined the rest of the world in commemorating the World Desertification and Drought Day under the theme, ‘Food, Feed, Fibre - Towards Sustainable Production and Consumption.’

Yesterday the Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mangaliso Ndlovu said the 17th of June was proclaimed in 1994 by the United Nations General Assembly as the ‘World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought’ in order to promote public awareness on land integrity and to implement the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

“The focus of this commemoration is on countries experiencing serious drought and desertification particularly in Africa. The day is unique because it reminds everyone that land degradation neutrality is achievable through nature based problem-solving, strong community involvement and co-operation at all levels,” said the Minister.

The Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry also said Zimbabweans should tackle desertification and drought through integrated policies and interventions, strengthened community participation and co-operation at all levels.

“Stakeholder participation is vital in the realization of a well managed environment. My Ministry through its parastatals has moved a gear up in implementing sustainable land management programmes. This has been supported by the Government in mobilising financial resources to support the implementation of land degradation neutrality, and by building an effective partnership at a global and national scale,” he said.

Zimbabwe continues to experience the EI Nino abnormal weather pattern causing above to below average rainfall patterns in the country by the warming of the Pacific Ocean near the equator. Government’s Implementation of Sustainable land management programmes should help to reduce the effects of the EI Nino drought effect.