The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has appointed a Zimbabwean organic farming proponent and campaigner, Elizabeth Mpofu, as special ambassador for the International Year of Pulses (IYP).
The Southern Times
Tichaona Kurewa
29 Jul 2016
Mpofu is currently the chairperson of the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF). “Agro-ecological farmer and activist, Elizabeth has dedicated her life to working tirelessly for the betterment of smallholder farmers and the rights of women,” FAO says.
“Elizabeth helped establish the Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF), and helped found the Eastern Southern Smallholder Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF),” says FAO.
Mpofu recently told The Southern Times that, “This came as a surprise to me and not even recalling any day I dreamt of such a great position in my life. But this is now showing up in my opinion that whatever you do there are people who are watching.”
The 68th UN General Assembly declared 2016 the International Year of Pulses and FAO has been nominated to facilitate the implementation of the year in collaboration with governments, relevant organisations, non-governmental organisations and all other relevant stakeholders.
The IYP 2016 aims to heighten public awareness on the nutritional benefits of pulses, as part of sustainable food production aimed towards food security and nutrition.
The year will create a unique opportunity to encourage connections throughout the food chain that would better utilise pulse-based proteins, further global production of pulses, better utilise crop rotations and address the challenges in the trade of pulses.
According to FAO, pulses are annual leguminous crops yielding between one and 12 grains or seeds of variable size, shape and colour within a pod, used for both food and feed.
“The term ‘pulses’ is limited to crops harvested solely for dry grain, thereby excluding crops harvested green for food, which are classified as vegetable crops, as well as those crops used mainly for oil extraction and leguminous crops that are used exclusively for sowing purposes,” says FAO.
FAO says pulse crops such as lentils, beans, peas and chickpeas are a critical part of the general food basket.
Pulses are a vital source of plant-based proteins and amino acids for people around the globe and should be eaten as part of a healthy diet to address obesity, as well as to prevent and help manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary conditions and cancer; they are also an important source of plant-based protein for animals.
Related posts:
- UPMS Workshop Harare Zimbabwe 2016 – Elizabeth Mpofu – Statement
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- UPMS Workshop Harare Zimbabwe 2016 – Walter Chambati – Statement
- UPMS Workshop Harare Zimbabwe 2016 – Boaventura de Sousa Santos – Statement
- Popular University of Social Movements Workshop in Zimbabwe – Final Statement
