Food security tops SADC agenda

South Africa will participate in a Southern African Development Community (SADC) meeting to seek ways to improve food security in the region.

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Senzeni Zokwana will represent the country at the joint extraordinary meeting of SADC Ministers responsible for Agricul- ture, Food Security, Fisheries and Aquaculture in Ezulwini, Swaziland, today Friday, 19 May.

The SADC Ministers responsible for Agriculture have been meeting frequently following the drought that severely hit the region in the 2015/16 period and the related food security challenges.

They have been focusing on the regional food security situation through assessing the rainfall situation for specific crop seasons, as forecast by the relevant regional institutions.

Friday’s meeting will also deliberate on the appropriate measures to be taken whenever there is an outbreak of animal disease, plant pests and diseases in the SADC region. - SAnews.gov.za