We also have to reflect on how we can optimise the use of our regional institutions to build our own capacities. Chairperson, this workshop comes at a crucial time in our region when we have been experiencing unfavourable climatic conditions. Unfortunately we are in a drought region and have to prepare ourselves to cope with such conditions. In developing coping strategies I suggest we relook at our own comparative advantages as individual countries agriculturally. We will also have to develop drought resistant crops and livestock to cope with our climate, such as sorghum and nguni cattle.
Sorghum is a nutritious crop that can survive and grow under our harsh climatic conditions.
For many centuries, sorghum and pearl millet was 'the staple food for millions of African people. During colonisation, sorghum was largely replaced by maze - a foreign crop. Lack of attention to sorghum has been largely due to lack of market development and research. We meet when the Southern Africa Customs Union negotiations are in progress on making the SADC a more accessible market. In conclusion, chairperson, constant dialogue on this issue is critical.