The workshop aimed at cross-sector collaboration to build inclusive, tech-enabled climate services.

Recently, the Meteorological Services Department of Zimbabwe (MSD), in partnership with Safe4All Africa and the Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union (ZFU), hosted a five-day workshop to address climate change and food insecurity challenges across Africa

Held in the wake of new weather station installations in Mashonaland East, the event brought together meteorologists, journalists, civil society groups, farmers, and other stakeholders for a focused dialogue on climate adaptation and early warning systems.

The workshop was a collaborative platform to share knowledge, promote climate-smart agricultural practices, and scale innovative technologies that enhance community resilience. Safe4All Africa, a non-governmental organisation founded in January 2024 and operating in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Ghana, showcased several digital tools designed to help smallholder farmers manage climate risks.

Among the tools introduced were the Uliza-WI Chatbox, an AI chatbot providing localised forecasts and real-time farming advice; the Drop App, which tracks rainfall and sends drought alerts; the Climate Impact Atlas, an interactive platform highlighting high-risk climate zones; and a 24/7 Call Center Line, offering voice-based weather updates and expert support for farmers with limited internet access.

With Africa warming nearly twice the global average, and Zimbabwe increasingly vulnerable to droughts and shifting seasonal patterns, such innovations are crucial. Over 60% of Zimbabwe’s population relies on agriculture, making access to timely, localized climate data vital for national food security.

The Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union played a key role in ensuring farmer participation and emphasised the importance of local engagement. “We believe that technology must be rooted in local realities,” said Prince Kuipa, ZFU Operations Director. “By working closely with government agencies and tech innovators, we can ensure that smallholder farmers don’t get left behind in the climate conversation.”

MSD reaffirmed its commitment to expanding localized forecasting and early warning systems. These efforts align with Zimbabwe’s National Adaptation Plan and Vision 2030, the country’s strategy to achieve upper-middle-income status by the end of the decade.

The workshop concluded with a strong call for cross-sector collaboration to build inclusive, tech-enabled climate services that protect people and the planet.

MAFF personalities, including Deputy Director-General Katsuhiro Saka. (Image Credit: Hort Innovation)

Three officials from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) went to Australia in June to investigate possibilities for counter-seasonal horticulture exports

Their trip included interviews with Australian farmers and horticulturists to evaluate possible future partnerships. The tour included significant MAFF personalities, including Deputy Director-General Katsuhiro Saka, as well as others from other departments. This trip built upon earlier interactions between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the horticultural industry, including a successful Australia-Japan Showcase Dinner in Tokyo in March 2025. With exports of US$175.6mn in 2025, Japan is Australia's third-biggest trade partner in horticulture, highlighting the importance of the Japan-Australia connection. Their collaborative seasonal and counter-seasonal nature struck him.

Brett Fifield, CEO of Hort Innovation, said, “Japan is Australia’s third largest trading partner in horticulture, with exports valued at US$175.6mn in 2025. Our partnership in horticulture has been highly complementary and counter-seasonal, allowing us to support each other’s markets effectively, particularly in the months when Japan’s significant domestic horticulture production slows due to offseason.”  

Fifield added, “On this recent visit, we were proud to showcase Australian horticulture, supported by stringent quality assurance programs, first-rate food safety systems, eye-catching branding strategies, and a strong reputation for safe, clean, and innovative agricultural products to our Japanese visitors. Off the back of the visit, one thing is clear: we are deeply invested in each other’s success and building our relationship further, and we look forward to seeing our growers benefit from this opportunity."

Australian horticulture was highlighted during the visit, with an emphasis on food safety and quality assurance to strengthen their image. Among significant exports to Japan are macadamias, table grapes, and oranges. DAFF's Al Campbell remarked that this cooperation strengthens the horticulture industries of both countries, as the visit coincided with a new statement meant to improve Agri-Food Value Chains between the two countries. The goal of the project is to link industry leaders from Japan and Australia so that they can promote relationships, information sharing, and business prospects.

Al Campbell, First Assistant Secretary for Trade and International at DAFF stated, “Japan is an important trading partner for Australia, and this visit has made the collaboration between our respective horticulture industries even stronger. By continuing to engage with our Japanese counterparts, we can support expanded trade opportunities and provide the best outcomes for both Australian exporters and Japanese consumers.”   

Andi Amran Sulaiman signed an MoU with Palestinian agriculture minister Rezq Basheer-Salimia.

Andi Amran Sulaiman, Indonesia's agriculture minister announced a co-management project of 20 thousand hectares of land between Indonesia and Palestine for rice and horticultural crop cultivation, following a signed MoU with Palestinian agriculture minister Rezq Basheer-Salimia

Sulaiman said,“We are preparing 10 to 20 thousand hectares of land for rice fields and horticulture. This is the concern from President Prabowo Subianto for Palestinians."

Sulaiman detailed plans to prepare land primarily for rice and horticulture. He noted Palestine's expertise in water management and drip irrigation technology will enhance agricultural productivity in Indonesia's South Sumatra and Kalimantan regions. Most of the produce, especially rice, is intended for Palestine to support long-term food security and demonstrate humanitarian solidarity. The partnership aims to produce 200,000 tons of rice annually and horticultural yields like tomatoes and garlic. This initiative will encourage technology transfer and resource collaboration, aligning with the vision of food sovereignty and benefiting both nations. Basheer-Salimia appreciated Indonesia's ongoing support for Palestine, underlining the Memorandum of Understanding's role in improving strategic and humanitarian relations across various agricultural sectors.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Indonesian government. Thank you for supporting Palestine in all aspects, especially for supporting the rights of the Palestinian people" said Basheer-Salimia.

Unauthorised agricultural medicines can be harmful for the environment.

The regulatory agency in the Gash Barka area has held food safety workshops for people and animals, focusing on farmers and owners of organisations that provide social services in the sub-zones of Sel'a, Kerkebet, Laelai Gash, Gogni, and Mogolo

During the seminars, Meaze Neguse, an expert in animal resources regulation, cautioned that hazardous food could risk the lives of both people and animals. He stressed the importance of safety and hygiene throughout the whole food production chain, from farm to consumer, and emphasised the close relationship between food safety and environmental protection. He exhorted everyone involved in the food processing and distribution industry to work with regulatory professionals.

Hadish Gebremeskel, a representative of the plant regulatory service, spoke at length about the immediate and indirect negative consequences of misusing pesticides. He aimed at the serious implications of employing unauthorised or harmful agricultural medicines without consulting specialists, noting that these methods are bad for the environment, people, and animals. He requested farmers to switch to organic production methods and utilise only licensed pesticides.

Sub-zone officials, for their part, said that the seminars make a big difference in achieving the objective of "Ensuring Nutritious Food for All and Everywhere." They urged farmers and food processing companies to use the skills they acquired during the training in their regular activities.