Minister Flavien Joubert’s World Food Day message |16 October 2023
Minister Joubert
‘Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind’
“On this significant occasion of World Food Day, we come together to reaffirm our commitment to the crucial theme: ‘Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind’.
“The essence of this theme resonates deeply with the indispensable role of water in sustaining life and nourishing our planet. As we face unprecedented challenges posed by the rapidly changing climate, it is imperative that we recognise the pivotal role of water conservation in securing a sustainable future for all.
“Water, the essence of existence, is the bedrock of agricultural productivity and the cornerstone of food security.
“Its scarcity poses a formidable threat to the well-being of communities, especially those already marginalised and vulnerable. The plight of these communities compels us to reinforce our collective efforts to ensure equitable access to water resources, safeguarding the fundamental right to food for every individual on this planet.
“In his official message the FAO director general, QU Dongyu, stated that the World Food Day campaign will look at solutions to produce more food and other essential agricultural commodities with less inputs, especially less water.
“On that matter, the ministry is constantly negotiating with diverse countries for more opportunities to ensure that our staff, including farmers, are well trained in adopting climate smart technologies that will sustainably increase the level of production and transform primary farm commodities into premium secondary farm commodities.
“Earlier this year the Seychelles Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Seychelles to assist in developing two programmes, namely; IGCSE in General Agriculture: to allow candidates to access the Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture and the Foundation programme: to bridge the academic gap of the learners in order to better prepare them to follow their course of study.
“Our ministry conveyed its gratitude towards all nationals and international partners for providing essential platforms and promoting discussions, training, and building the capacity of each segment of our society.
“By collectively embracing gender-inclusive approaches and encouraging the active participation of the youth, communities can ensure the responsible use of water resources, mitigating the risks of water scarcity and promoting resilience in the face of climate change.
“Empowering each segment of society, reflects the theme ‘leave no one behind’ therefore, we must collaborate harmoniously in the realm of agriculture not only guarantees the optimisation of resources but also fosters social cohesion and propels the small island developing state towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
“The global climate crisis demands immediate and unified action to protect our precious water sources. As we witness the alarming effects of erratic weather patterns and diminishing water reserves, it is incumbent upon us to adopt conscientious practices that prioritise water preservation and responsible consumption.
“Each drop conserved today ensures a bountiful harvest tomorrow, securing sustenance for generations to come. As a small island developing state (Sids) Seychelles is not spared from the impact of the changing climate. To address this, the Agriculture department's irrigation unit is committed to providing accessible water catchments for farmers across multiple regions of the archipelago, including Praslin.
“The Agriculture department's commitment to enhancing agricultural water resources is evident through its completed and ongoing projects which is yielding positive results, fostering a brighter and more water secure future for our farming community. The successful completion of irrigation projects at Val d’Andorre and Dan Café La Gogue serves as a testament to our commitment to enhancing irrigation infrastructure, with work under way for future projects such as the construction of a Gabion at Bonne Espoire to further benefit farmers in the Anse Boileau and Hermitage region.
“Emphasis is being put so as to reduce the number on the waiting for agricultural land by identifying plots of land on La Digue, Praslin and Mahé which is in the final stage, now awaiting the surveying procedures.
“The focus of the current government and the responsible ministries and stakeholders is how to achieve more and to sustain the capacity and the systems to ensure national food and nutrition security of Seychelles.
“Let us embrace innovative and sustainable agricultural practices that optimise water usage and mitigate the impact of climate change. Through effective water management strategies and the promotion of efficient irrigation techniques, we can foster resilience in our food systems, fostering a future where no one is left behind. As we commemorate World Food Day, let us pledge to become stewards of our water resources, cherishing every drop as a lifeline for humanity and a source of nourishment for all living beings.
“Together, let us build a world where the sustenance derived from water is equitably distributed, ensuring that no one is deprived of the basic necessity of a wholesome meal.”
Flavien Joubert
Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change & Environment