SADC spotlights water, food and energy

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is hosting its 10th multi-stakeholder dialogue in Lesotho this week to discuss water, energy and food security matters affecting the region.The theme of the dialogue is ‘Bolstering regional productive capacities for water, energy, food security and ecosystem resilience to achieve inclusive and sustainable industrial transformation’.SADC countries have been hard hit by the economic crisis associated with the Covid‐19 pandemic.The effects widened gender and socio-economic inequalities within and between member states and reversed years of progress made in achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs).“Labour-intensive sectors such as retail, trade, manufacturing and transportation have been severely affected by the measures instated to contain the pandemic and are anticipated to remain subdued in the short- to medium-term,” a SADC statement underlined.The aim of the dialogue is to provide a platform for the region to ensure that the implementation of an approach that is aligned to regional imperatives, and works towards delivering tangible benefits on the ground.“SADC’s sustainable development largely depends on goods and services derived from its environment and natural resource base. The environment and natural resources are crucial in efforts to eradicate poverty. Livelihood strategies and food security of the poor often depend directly on functioning ecosystems and the diversity of goods and ecological services they provide,” the statement continued.CriticalEqually, water, food and energy security, which are critical for development, depend on natural endowment.However, a number of drivers like climate change, environmental degradation, growing economies and populations are intensifying the pressure on water, land and energy resources. These pressures and drivers have implications for social, economic and ecological systems, which have a huge impact on water, energy and food security.The outcomes of the three-day dialogue will feed into the decisions to be presented by the ministers responsible for food, water and energy security to the SADC council of ministers.

SADC spotlights water, food and energy

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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SADC spotlights water, food and energy

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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