The Right to food and adequate Nutrition are among the Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR) which must be enjoyed by every human being. Despite this, the world still records violations of these rights. To mitigate such violations, The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM2023) anchored by the theme “ International Year of Millets”. In order to unleash the potential of millet for the well-being of people and the environment. In so doing IYM 2023 will contribute to unlocking the great potentials of millets, as it contributes to healthy diets and move the world towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goals (SDG 2,3 and 12).
According to Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) Government aims to enhance the nutrition status of Zambians by eliminating all forms of malnutrition through supporting appropriate feeding practices for school children and adolescents. It has also made commitments to further strengthen research in nutrition and food systems. On 31 Mary 2023, FIAN Zambia partnered with like-minded Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to host a public campaign on the commemoration of the 2023 International Year of Millets under the banner of “Unleashing the potential of millets for the well-being of people and the environment.” This aimed at enhancing the implementation of the multi-sectorial response to food security and nutrition and this was done with interventions such as dialogue meetings and campaigns to mention a few.
The campaign brought together over 100 participants from different players in the food system, some of them were Zambian farmers, Local and international Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), faith-based organizations, and many others. Interesting overviews were made by the Director of Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) Dr Ivor Mukuka and Kena Chibuye, Ms. Earth Zambia 2022, both highlighted that resilient cereals as millets provide an affordable and nutritious option. Mr Moonga a farmer gave a message on behalf of the farmers, not only did he highlight the challenges that farmers face when growing millets but the benefits of growing millets in the face of light of climate crisis that Zambia as a country and the world is facing. He also called upon the government and the Indian High Commissioner to include millets in the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) and provide a market through the Farmer Reserve Agency (FRA). Lastly the Indian high commissioner, the guest of honor Mr. Kumar is elated that amid a world food crisis, a renewed focus on millets rekindles a global spirit to fight the challenges of food security, evident in the Indian proposal being actively endorsed by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) members. The celebration of the IYM 2023 is an opportunity to remember the value these crops have, from their resilience to their high nutritional content, as well as introducing this cereal to new consumers.
The highlights of this meeting were that over 100 members of the public were made aware of the benefits of millet. Farmers present were linked to private processors and finally, the government included millet in the 2023/2024 FISP package.
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