FAO Regional Office for Africa

On 9 December 2024, the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), will officially launch the SADC Parliamentary Alliance on Agrifood Systems, Food Security, and Nutrition. The event will take place during the 56th Plenary Assembly of the SADC PF in Livingstone, Zambia.

This historic initiative aims to address the growing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, and unsustainable agrifood systems in Southern Africa. By uniting parliamentarians from across the region, the Alliance seeks to strengthen legislative and policy frameworks that support food security, improve nutrition, and transform agrifood systems to ensure sustainable access to healthy food for all.

The launch event will provide an opportunity to:

• Announce the establishment of the Alliance and its vision for a hunger-free Southern Africa.
• Highlight the critical role of parliamentarians in shaping policies and legislation for food security and nutrition.
• Present the Alliance’s Charter, which outlines its governance structure, operational principles, and commitment to regional cooperation.
• Engage with stakeholders from governments, civil society, and development partners to foster collaborative partnerships and resource mobilization for the region’s food security goals.

The launch is a major milestone in efforts to promote SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and build resilient, sustainable agrifood systems in line with Africa’s development goals, including Agenda 2063 and the Malabo Declaration. As food insecurity and malnutrition continue to rise, the SADC Parliamentary Alliance represents a vital step towards ensuring that political and legislative actions align with the pressing needs of the region.

Source: FAO