Colonialisms, globalisation and commercialisation of the agriculture sector have had a major impact on the diets of Zimbabweans over the decades. Traditional foods such as sorghum, millet, cowpeas and bambara nuts have been displaced by a maize-dominated food system. Maize was introduced from South America during the colonial era and quickly became popular with farmers and consumers.

According to nutritionists, the current diet of Zimbabweans is very monotonous with maize consumed by most families once or twice per day served with a relish of vegetables, beans or meat (if the family can afford it). Traditional crops have become marginalised and looked down upon. They are labour intensive to grow and process and markets for them are weak compared to maize. They have been neglected by crop breeders and food product developers. But these crops provide more nutrients than maize and are more resistant to pests and diseases, poor soils and drought. Zimbabwe is facing increasing problems of food insecurity, undernutrition and obesity and encouraging people to grow and eat more traditional crops is an important way to build resilience in the face of multiple climate, economic and health shocks.

The My Food is Zimbabwean Alliance is made up of diverse NGOs, CBOs and individuals whose goals are promotion of agroecological approaches to food production, improving nutrition and health and building better markets for traditional foods. Alliance members are helping communities to revive indigenous varieties through better seed selection, seed banks and seed exchange. They are also promoting a more diverse range of crops in fields and gardens through intercropping and agroforestry.

Cooking demonstrations and recipe books encourage increased consumption and viable markets are being forged through developing a wider range of contemporary food products. These activities are showcased through vibrant annual food and seed festivals which include traditional dance, music and other entertainment.

Awareness of the nutritional value of traditional foods is raised through resource materials such as those made by Food Plant Solutions. The markets for and consumption of traditional food is gradually increasing. Traditional foods products are now a common sight on supermarkets shelves in urban areas. This marks the beginning of a food system revolution is a country that had almost lost its pride in its traditional food.

At the recent Changeover Dinner for Rotary District 9830 (Tasmania), Food Plant Solutions very own, Dr John McPhee, was surprised to be presented with the prestigious Rotary Award for ‘Excellence in Service to Humanity.  This award recognises non-Rotarians who have demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service through Rotary.

When making the presentation, DG Mike Patten, said: “John is a quiet achiever who has been working behind the scenes at Food Plant Solutions since that group was first formed. Sharing the wonderful research started by Bruce French takes a team and John has provided endless hours of quite technical work, researching suitable plants for each location, collating that into booklets and having them translated.”  

With a Master in Engineering (MEng) (Ag) and a Doctorate in Philosophy – PhD, Agriculture, General, John is well recognised and respected amongst his peers in industry.  From a Food Plant Solutions perspective, John’s continual service spans three decades.  The time and effort John has, and continues to put into creating life-changing resources is extraordinary.  But it doesn’t stop there. John is Food Plant Solutions Publications Director, leading the Publications Team, which includes training and supporting team members, managing workloads and schedules, implementing and streamlining processes, the creation and updating of new resources and ensuring that each resource when completed is at the same consistent high level. John has been instrumental in developing written and video work instructions for the Publications Team and in implementing structural and strategic reforms at Food Plant Solutions to ensure we consistently operate at ‘best practice’ standards (as a minimum).

The Executive Officer of Food Plant Solutions said “It is my belief that John can readily be described as the backbone of Food Plant Solutions, and he provides me with an immeasurable level of support.  I could not have been more pleased that John received this recognition; to say it is well deserved is an understatement.”

Congratulations John, you deserve this award.  We are grateful to you and we appreciate everything you do for Food Plant Solutions.

In the race to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and transition to more sustainable food systems, Food Plant Solutions (FPS) RAG and the Plant-Rich Diet (PRD) Task Force, under the umbrella of the Environmental Sustainability RAG (ESRAG), are natural partners.

The PRD Task Force was formed in 2021 to encourage communities to eat more healthy plant foods and fewer animal products. Talks, workshops, and guided challenges are regularly organized to spread awareness about the massive environmental and health benefits of plant-rich diets, and guidance and support for how to adopt them. Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group creates tools and resources that identify highly nutritious local food plants and explain not only how to grow and use them, but also the key nutrients they contain.  These resources enable people to make informed choices. Together, we both contribute to more sustainable food systems by encouraging diets with lower carbon footprints and promoting healthy climate-resilient crops.

According to Project Drawdown, plant-rich diets hold enormous potential for climate mitigation and adaptation if adopted on a global scale (double click on scenario 1). In addition to helping to cool our planet, when we educate our communities about the extraordinary health benefits of plant-rich diets, we contribute to their long-term health and well-being. By sharing knowledge about the health and environmental impacts of our food choices, our respective work in Rotary weaves together naturally to provide effective and supportive actions to help save humanity and our precious planet.

The belief that diets rich in plant foods can be an indication of poverty, is a common obstacle that both our groups face. We look forward to collaborating to help people understand that good health is the new wealth, and the best path to good health is by eating a whole food, plant-rich diet.

For more information about the PRD Task Force, visit our webpage, https://esrag.org/plant-rich-diet/, email us at plantrich@esrag.org, like us on Facebook, or take our 15-Day Plant-Rich Diet Challenge.

And of course, contact Food Plant Solutions and we can make the connection for you with the ESRAG PRD Team.

Erica Jeffrey is the founder of Jeffrey Studios. Her business helps Tasmanian small businesses with website development and personalised coaching. With over 13 years of experience, Erica creates high-quality websites that improve business processes. She combines technical skills with a deep understanding of her clients’ goals, supporting the local economy.

At Jeffrey Studios, Erica builds websites that look great and boost brand visibility. Her coaching sessions guide business owners through the digital world, helping them use online tools effectively. Through the Tasmanian Digital Ready program, Erica has helped many small businesses establish strong online presences.

Erica is also involved with the Rotary Club of Devonport North. As the Communications and Public Image Director, she manages the club’s public relations and promotes its community projects. This role shows her dedication to community service and her passion for positive change.

Erica’s involvement with Food Plant Solutions began after a Rotary Club presentation. Inspired by their mission to improve lives through education and sustainable practices, Erica decided to help. She uses her marketing skills to secure sponsors, donors, and volunteers for Food Plant Solutions. She also maintains their website to clearly communicate their goals and achievements.

Erica’s work reflects her passion for making a positive impact. Through Jeffrey Studios and Food Plant Solutions, she continues to inspire and empower others, driving meaningful change and fostering growth.

Editor’s Note: Erica’s ability to understand our needs and provide solutions has had a profoundly positive impact.  Erica brings with her a wealth of experience and is able to explain technical issues and solutions to the layperson. Not to mention her friendly and enthusiastic approach, which immediately puts you at ease.  To say we are grateful for Erica’s support is an understatement.  You can learn more about Jeffrey Studios here. 

If you have a business that would like to support Food Plant Solutions, contact us today.  With a global audience approaching 20,000 individuals, we can share your support with our network.

Rotary Australia World Community Service (RAWCS) has been providing humanitarian aid through Australian Rotary Clubs since 1966. RAWCS facilitates projects in Australia and overseas and currently has over 410 active projects, all made possible the passion and dedication of Rotarians volunteers. RAWCS’ mission is to empower local communities to thrive, a cause epitomised by its partnership with the Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group (FPS RAG)

RAWCS’ is unique in its approach as a charitable organisation and represents the only model of its kind in Australia. Volunteers are able to register projects quickly, fundraise with the support of RAWCS staff, and implement meaningful change where it is needed most. With the lowest administration fee of any charity in the country, donations made through RAWCS directly aid sustainable projects aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing quality of life. Whether funding education, healthcare, or development projects, RAWCS empowers donors to make a positive difference.

The current partnership between RAWCS and FPS RAG is an excellent example of the positive change that can be achieved when volunteers, donors and members of the local community band together behind a common cause. This important initiative empowers communities by equipping them with the knowledge and resources needed to achieve food security independently, promoting health, wealth being, and fostering positive environmental outcomes.

Supporting FPS RAG through RAWCS means investing in immediate relief and long-term solutions for global food security. Join us in supporting RAWCS and FPS RAG’s mission to create a world where everyone has enough to eat.

For more information on partnering with RAWCS visit RAWCS website or, to support FPSRAG’s initiative  FPSRAWCS,  Together, let’s make a lasting difference.

Who wants to drive meaningful change, with a focus on climate-change resilient food production and make a difference to the lives of many, we want to hear from you.

We have opportunities available for professionals to join our team in a variety of volunteer roles.

Formed in 2007, and designed to address malnutrition and ensure food security, Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group has over 150 published materials, for nearly 60 countries.

Internationally recognised, volunteering with Food Plant Solutions Rotary Action Group offers opportunities, in a meaningful and connected environment, whilst providing service and networking opportunities.

E: info@foodplantsolutions.org