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Government has implored scientists and researchers to offer solutions to the climate change effects through thorough research in the various fields of the economy.
Technology and Science Minister, Felix Mutati, said Zambians were expectant of the scientists who had attained a wide knowledge in the various fields they had studied.
Mutati said this during the International Consultative meeting on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Lusaka on Thursday organised by the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR).
He noted the need to find practical solutions to pressing issues and innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture and food security amid climate change impact.
“What gives us hope is that you the scientists, researchers and innovators are not only equal to the task but have the ability to be able to bridge this portal of knowledge and the creation of practical and potent solutions to be able to create long lasting solutions for humanity,” Mutati said.
He stated that government was confident that while climate change was battering the agriculture sector and creating instability among the people,scientists would rise to the occasion.
Mutati noted the need to harness the power of innovation and technology to create a new life and solutions for Zambians and the region as whole.
“Innovations and technology is an opportunity and not a threat, the challenges we are facing today are lessons for the future,” he said.
The minister added that this was not a conversation which should be taken lightly given that Zambia had come out of debt restructuring and its citizens were tightening their belts to deal with the current situation.
Mutati advised the scientists, innovators and researchers not to shy away from advising policy makers on ways of rebooting the economy by putting in place an enabling environment to deal with climate change.
“There is nothing more embarrassing than hunger, it lowers ones dignity and lowers the self esteem of an individual and the responsibility we have got as scientists is how can we restore the humanity through informed research and innovations,” he said.
NISR Chief Executive Officer, Dr Henry Kambafwile, said the forum presented a great opportunity for researchers and academia to dialogue, contribute and exchange knowledge as well as best practices in the agriculture sector.
Kambafwile stated that this can be done through improved technology and innovation.
About 100 participants comprising of scientists in specialised fields, private sector and policy makers attended the forum drawn from Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Egypt, India, Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal, Mauritius and Palestine.
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