February 27, 2026
FANRPAN recently participated in a stakeholder engagement meeting held in Lusaka, Zambia under the Food Systems Transformation in Southern Africa for One Health (FoSTA-Health) initiative. The meeting brought together researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders to share research insights and discuss environmental and ecological challenges affecting agricultural systems and food safety.
The meeting was officially opened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Zambia, Professor Trywell Kalusopa, who highlighted the importance of integrating One Health perspectives into agricultural development, policy, and business practices. He emphasised that addressing challenges such as environmental contamination, biodiversity loss, and food safety risks requires stronger collaboration between research institutions, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners.
Two technical presentations were delivered during the meeting, focusing on pesticide accumulation in soybean farming systems and the impacts of land-use change and biodiversity loss in agricultural landscapes. Discussions highlighted environmental risks associated with pesticide use, agricultural intensification, and their implications for soil health and food safety. A farmer panel also shared practical perspectives on pest management challenges and emphasised the need for faster dissemination of research findings and stronger extension support to promote safer farming practices.
FANRPAN was represented at the meeting by Ms Sithembile Mwamakamba and Dr Rachel Mkandawire, who participated in discussions aimed at strengthening knowledge exchange and collaboration around One Health risks affecting agricultural production systems. Through its participation in such engagements, FANRPAN continues to support evidence-based dialogue and stakeholder collaboration to address emerging environmental and health risks in food systems and promote sustainable agricultural development in the region.