On 25 November, the Zimbabwe Land and Agrarian Network (ZiLAN) hosted its Annual Policy dialogue at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, under the theme “Towards a Greener Future.” The event convened 40 stakeholders (18 women and 22 men) from government, civil society, farmer unions, and academia to explore the intersection of agricultural development and environmental sustainability. Key discussions addressed the urgent need to curb tobacco-driven deforestation, apply degrowth principles to balance economic and ecological priorities, and promote agro-forestry and regenerative farming for soil restoration.

Experts from the Environmental Management Agency, the Forestry Commission, and the University of Zimbabwe shared insights on building climate resilience and food sovereignty. The workshop concluded with a strong call for collaborative action, emphasising the importance for evidence-based research by SMAIAS to validate agro-ecology’s role in food security. Participants also urged greater inclusivity in future dialogues, particularly the involvement of key institutions like the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB).