Local, foreign Scientists converge ...to find innovative solutions to sustainable agriculture and food security amid climate change
- Musa Silumesii
- 15 Apr, 2024
Technology and Science Minister Felix Mutati has dared
Scientic Researchers holding Public
Holders Degree(PHD) of not contributing
much to the alleviation of poverty.
Speaking at the International Consultative Meeting on
research development and technology transfer for sustainable agriculture and
food security on low income country, Mr Mutati said little has been done by PHD
holding Scientists to end poverty in
developing countries.
Mr Mutati said hunger is a detrimental thing that stole away people's dignity.
The Minister has since urged Researchers and Scientists to
find a lasting solution to hunger some African countries are grappling with
through innovative works.
"We do know that technology does exist but that
technology exists not to everyone. Mostly it is you the scientists with your big books. So, what we are saying is the big books that you are reading and the knowledge that you
have does not belong to you but it belongs to humanity. There is no point to
say that I have got a PHD when you are failing to create a solution to reinstate and conquer hunger.
Surrender your PHDs and start again," he said.
Mr Mutati said people look up to people with PHDs for answer.
"...But that answer must not be a rumur but it must be
turned into a practical output," he said.
Mr Mutati said the country has people that have competence
and capacity to combine words in finding solutions but having no output.
"We have scientists with PHDs, Masters Degrees and
ordinary degrees and what they do, the
presentations they put on the wall, the World comes together and say here lies
an answer but the moment you leave this place and walk across the streets,
there is despair and hunger. Where are
the PHDs, where are the solutions," he asked.
"While aim at attaining the aspirations of the 8th
National Development Plan, we are challenged with the prolonged drought that
has led to the declaration of the National Disaster by his Excellency the
President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema," Dr Kambafwile
said.
He said President Hichilema through institutions like NISIR
Directed that the country must focus on short and long term measures to
stabilise food insecurity.
"In keeping the general theme "Research and
Development and Knowledge Transfer Sustainable Agriculture and Food
Insecurity" experts local and International Scientists have had and will
have an opportunity to share experiences and scientific knowledge that aims to
bring about meaningful, sustainable practical change to improve agricultural
production, improve risk management and mitigation of food insecurity and
mitigation of the prolonged drought, especially here in Zambia in the face of
Climate Change," Dr Kambafwile said
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JOAN SAMPA
Quite informative