Imagine yourself in an ecosystem where nutrition is poor because crops are invaded by pests. Life would be so hard, is it not so? This is why the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has offered great support to Zimbabwe to stop the loss of agricultural biodiversity through sound management of pesticides and as such going by this case study, the entire Africa can borrow a leaf to enhance its agricultural biodiversity.
“Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) supports Zimbabwe to stop the loss of Agricultural Biodiversity” 2024, February, 15 gives African countries an eye Opener to enhance environmental sustainability simply by copying Zimbabwe’s policies that would otherwise make sure that the environment is far much conserved thus offering the basic conditions such as fresh air and good quality crops that are pest free and eve for human consumption. These policies are such as the agro-biodiversity framework, the national biodiversity, and the action plan.
The article further highlights how Zimbabwe sets an example by making significant progress in Policy development, sustainable agricultural research development, Mitigation of the impact of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs), and promotion of eco-system-based agricultural practices through farmer field schools.
Kudi Kusena, the International Biodiversity expert and ACP-MEAs 3 project coordinator in Zimbabwe during a project workshop held from 24-25 January in Mutari adds that ” Zimbabwe is setting an excellent example for other countries in Southern Africa by implementing multilateral environmental agreements and policies for sustainable agricultural practices. Efforts are commendable and should serve as a model for others.”

However, for the rest of African countries to catch up with Zimbabwe in enhancing agricultural biodiversity, a strong call of action needs to provide a viable alternative to reduce the use of highly hazardous pesticides. This can be achieved through the ACP- MEA 3 project activities that have been successful in Zimbabwe and raising awareness about the need to review the legislation on pesticide registration in African countries. Mr. Kenneth Chipere, the principal research officer of fertilizers, farm feeds, and remedies institute adds, ” Promoting bio-pesticides is a critical step towards achieving this goal and support of all stakeholders including the private sector is necessary.”
Finally, in the quest to enhance Africa’s Agricultural biodiversity, togetherness must be given a major priority. Following Professor Arnold Bray Mashingaidze’s words. ” we must join hands to transform our agri-food system into sustainable agricultural practices,” African countries must go Zimbabwe’s way.