Indaba Agricultural policy Research Institute (IAPRI)’s Senior Research Fellow Dr. Brian Mulenga and the Senior Research Associate Mr. Stephen Kabwe has today 17th May, 2023 represented IAPRI at the Launch of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Implementation Framework organized by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment (MGEE) at Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka.
The Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Eng. Collins Nzovu said there was need for various stakeholders to work together for the NDCs to be successfully implemented. He emphasized the need to continuously track the progress of the NDCs.
Hon. Nzovu said the NDC Implementation Framework was aligned with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) so that the NDCs could address the country’s national development priorities, and ensure sustainable, holistic, and inclusive climate resilient of all sectors of the economy.
Reacting to the Minister’s speech, IAPRI’s Senior Research Associate and Outreach Coordinator Mr. Stephen Kabwe mentioned that IAPRI was mandated to providing research-based information to policy makers such as the MGEE, and that it was looking forward to working with the MGEE in the implementation of NDCs.
In a speech, the Minister of Agriculture Hon. Reuben Phiri Mtolo said that Zambia was facing a challenge for the growing demand for food and rapid land use change, including significant losses of arable land due to climate change. To ensure food security, he noted the need for increased productivity and production. He said the ministry acknowledged the benefits and need to include climate smart agriculture. This was stated in a speech read by the Permanent Secretary for Administration Ms. Yvonne Mpundu on behalf of Hon. Mtolo.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Energy Hon. Eng. Peter. C. Kapala said Energy was a critical component of NDCs because it was one of the major sources of global Greenhouse gas emissions, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Notably, there was a need to transform the energy sector and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He mentioned that the ministry of energy intends to increase the share of renewables in the energy mixed resources such as wind, solar, and geothermal.
Additionally, Mr. Sam Waldock who is Deputy British High Commissioner and Development Director said that they were committed to the partnership they share with Zambia to reform the international system. He further announced that they would be launching a new programme with new UK money to support rural adaptation and resilience, and they delivered $I billion towards the new investment.
