Showcasing innovation, partnerships, and the power of diversified diets – IITA-Zambia celebrates World Food Day with food fair

The world came together on 16 October 2025 to commemorate World Food Day under the theme, “Hand in hand for better foods and a better future.” The theme was a call for collective action to strengthen food systems and value chains, making food affordable, healthy, and accessible to all.

In Zambia, IITA–CGIAR hosted a vibrant food fair that brought together key players in Zambia’s food systems. From government, research institutions, farmers, partners, academia, the private sector, to women and youth, came together to celebrate diversified diets, food security, and agricultural innovation.

Held at the IITA Southern Africa Research and Administration Hub (SARAH) in Ngwerere, Lusaka, the event featured exhibitions and displays of locally processed food products by youth and agribusiness enterprises. It also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion on how households can enhance their diets with locally sourced foods. The food fair also served as a platform that promoted healthy and nutritious diets, while highlighting how agricultural research and innovation can drive food security and economic empowerment.

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