Rome Summit Buzzes as Zimbabwe Presents Game-Changing Food Security Blueprint

Global leaders have gathered in Rome for the 53rd Session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS 53), where Zimbabwe is presenting a bold strategy to address food and water insecurity.

The summit, which begins today and runs until October 24, has drawn hundreds of government officials, agricultural experts, and development partners to discuss climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and responsible investment.

Zimbabwe is represented by Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Vangelis Haritatos.

Hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the high-level forum aims to align global efforts around urban food systems, land use, and climate-smart financing.

Zimbabwe’s integrated food and water strategy focuses on expanding irrigation, modernising infrastructure, and empowering smallholder farmers to build resilient food systems.

Haritatos told delegates that water in Zimbabwe plays a dual role — as both an economic enabler and a constitutional right.

“Water is both an economic enabler and a fundamental constitutional right in Zimbabwe.

“We must leverage public-private partnerships, unlock new mechanisms for irrigation development and de-risk agriculture through climate-proof water systems,” he said.

Building on the summit’s opening agenda, which included the launch of the 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) Report, Zimbabwe’s presentation highlights its efforts to harmonise land, water, and agriculture policies to strengthen national food security.

Emphasising the urgency of food sovereignty, Haritatos said every country must secure its strategic crops.

“The time to act is now. You cannot have maize as a staple and still import maize seed.

“Every country must build seed security around its strategic crops,” he insisted.

Turning to the role of smallholder farmers, he pointed out that many countries underestimate their potential.

“A lot of countries discount small-scale farmers because they are so small that individually they cannot effect much change.

“But we organised them into clusters and convinced them that it was possible,” he explained.

According to the Sunday Mail, Zimbabwe’s participation is expected to attract global partnerships and investment in sustainable agriculture.

The country’s approach to climate-smart water governance and inclusive development offers a replicable model for nations grappling with food insecurity and climate shocks.

Zimbabwe’s presence at CFS 53 signals a shift from policy formulation to tangible implementation.

With a clear focus on innovation, equity, and climate adaptation, the strategy positions Zimbabwe as a proactive player in shaping global food security solutions.