Kvuno stands in solidarity with the United Nations as it commemorates World Food Safety Day on 7 June 2024 to highlight the critical importance of maintaining high standards in food safety to ensure the health and well-being of populations worldwide. This year’s theme, “Prepare for the Unexpected,” underscores the necessity of being vigilant and positions food safety as a global health imperative for all.
According to the United Nations, food safety is a cornerstone of public health. Each year, one in ten people globally fall ill from contaminated food. Alarmingly, 40% of the foodborne disease burden affects children under five, making it crucial to address food safety comprehensively. Food safety incidents can arise from various sources, such as accidents, inadequate controls, food fraud, or natural events. These incidents pose significant health risks, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts from policymakers, food safety authorities, farmers, food business operators, and consumers.
Growing Seedlings of Hope
“While preparing food safely is crucial, having food in the first place is just as important. This highlights the broader issues of food security and sustainable agriculture—core values of Kvuno, a socially inclusive business that leverages digital tools and technology to empower smallholder farmers and foster wealth creation through farming,” says Phindiwe Nkosi, Public Relations and Communications Specialist at Solidaridad.
One such person to agree with this concept is Florida Mdyetseni, Lead Farmer for Kalimphecha in Malawi who shares her experience of how she was trained, empowered and equipped by Kvuno to feed herself, her four children and orphans in her community through Kvuno and its partners working together to call for a turnaround on hunger.
“In these rural parts of Africa, hunger is often a reality. Having food is not always guaranteed. As a mother of four, it bothered me to see the many orphans in our community without food. It ached me to see their empty bowls and to hear their cries for sustenance. I am grateful to Kvuno for reminding me that I was not helpless. You reminded me that I had the potential to birth solutions – and you took a chance on me. Thanks to Kvuno’s Malimbewu services, trainings and offerings; I can proudly call myself a woman farmer. Not only do I now feed my family, but I am also feeding the orphans in our community,” says Mdyetseni.
Malimbewu offers rural agricultural finance solutions and is dedicated to providing farmers with the essential resources and training necessary for sustainable growth and prosperity. It is based on the premise that with the right financial support, each seed sown can result in a bountiful harvest. By focusing on both financial assistance and education, Malimbewu plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices and improving the livelihoods of farmers in rural communities.

The Role of Preparedness in Food Safety
Being prepared for food safety incidents is vital. This involves establishing robust systems and protocols to detect, manage, and mitigate risks associated with food consumption. Governments and food safety authorities play pivotal roles in this, implementing stringent controls and regulations to safeguard public health. Farmers and food business operators must adhere to best practices and standards, ensuring that food produced and distributed is safe.
Consumers, too, have an active role in maintaining food safety. Simple measures such as proper food storage, thorough cooking, and hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne diseases. Awareness and education are key to empowering individuals to make informed choices about the food they consume.
On World Food Safety Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable food for all. By prioritizing food safety and being prepared for potential incidents, we protect not only our health but also the well-being of future generations. Together, we can build a world where everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food.