16 October 2023 , Pemba, Mozambique- In a collaborative effort, FAO Mozambique partnered with the provincial government of Cabo Delgado, along with other key stakeholders, including United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations, to host a World Food Day event in Pemba, the provincial capital.

World Food Day (WFD) is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of sustainable food systems and combating hunger worldwide. FAO designated 16 October as World Food Day in 1979.

This year's event shone a spotlight on water as the foundation for life and food. The day featured several speeches, including one by the Governor of Cabo Delgado province and the Provincial Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, that underscored the pivotal role water plays in food production and food and nutrition security. An exhibition featuring food and drink made from locally produced and sourced fruits and vegetables demonstrated, not only the potential of high value-addition that could be derived from transforming these products into cakes and juices, but also that agricultural production in northern Mozambique has the potential to meet the nutritional needs of its people.

"Today, we are called to intensify our education actions and good practices to achieve adequate nutrition and health for Mozambican families. Water is an important and strategic resource for humanity, it maintains life on our planet. Today's celebration provides an opportunity to raise awareness among the population about the importance of water and nutrition. Access to safe, drinking water for the population must be remembered on this date as a concern that must be included in our priorities." - Valige Tauabo, Governor of Cabo Delgado.

Freshwater is often taken for granted. As the planet faces increasing and compounding challenges such as rapid population growth and its need for sustainable economic development, the environmental implications of urbanization and the ever-increasing impact of climate change, the need to preserve and sustainably manage water resources becomes ever more pressing. Environmental stewardship is closely linked with quality of life. The transformative promise of "Leave no one behind" is central to addressing these needs and ensuring that no one, especially those most vulnerable, women and girls, is excluded from reaping the benefits of a Better environment, Better production, Better nutrition and Better life.

At the heart of this year's World Food Day is the recognition that water is more than just a resource - it is a life-sustaining force, the foundation of our food. The theme of "Water is life, water is food" captures the close link between water, agriculture, and food security.

Reliable access to water is critical for sustainable agriculture and livelihoods. Water is essential for crop production and diversification, rearing livestock, and meeting family's nutritional needs. Currently, approximately 1.4 million people need food security and livelihood support in northern Mozambique. FAO Mozambique's work to enhance durable availability, access and management of water resources aims to improve agricultural production and household food and nutrition security.

Furthermore, farmers play a critical role in the sustainable use and management of water. To empower them, they need access to the right information and tools. By equipping farmers with knowledge about efficient and innovative irrigation schemes, water harvesting and conservation techniques, and sustainable water practices, a brighter future can be created for agriculture.

"If we turn our attention to the importance of water resources, we can transform the lives of the people of Cabo Delgado, internally displaced people, host communities, and returnees. By creating efficient, resilient systems that maximise in a rational and durable way the use of water resources, we can increase production and productivity levels and meet the food and nutrition needs of the people of Cabo Delgado." - Brasilino Salvador, Project Officer, FAO Mozambique.

World Food Day 2023 sent a clear and compelling message to governments globally, urging them to invest in integrated water resources management, since water plays a multisectoral role in agriculture, nutrition, and food security, as well as health and protection mainstreaming. This investment is not just about water, it is about eradicating poverty and hunger. WFD 2023 has been a reminder of water's potential to transform lives and livelihoods in a unified effort to preserve the planet and nourish its inhabitants to achieve zero hunger.

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