African Women’s Collaborative for Healthy Food Systems Director, Mpofu, Joins Shashe Community to Commemorate World Localization Day

SHASHE, Zimbabwe – More than 120 people gathered at the Shashe Community in Zimbabwe on June 18, 2026, to commemorate World Localization Day and participate in a Thanksgiving Ceremony organized by the Shashe Agroecology School.

Community members and stakeholders attend the World Localization Day commemoration at Shashe Community, Zimbabwe. Photo: African Women’s Collaborative for Healthy Food Systems.

The event brought together representatives from the Masvingo District Office, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, the Ministry of Youth, the Ministry of Health, local leaders, and community members to celebrate the importance of localization and community-led development.

The Shashe Agroecology School, which has worked with Local Futures for several years in organizing events centred on different themes, used this year’s commemoration as an opportunity to hold a Thanksgiving Ceremony in recognition of the community’s collective efforts in promoting sustainable and locally driven solutions.

Founder and Director of the African Women’s Collaborative for Healthy Food Systems, Elizabeth Mpofu, attended the event and welcomed participants, providing a brief background on the significance of World Localization Day and the importance of celebrating local initiatives that strengthen communities.

Founder and Director of the African Women’s Collaborative for Healthy Food Systems, Elizabeth Mpofu.

Discussions during the gathering highlighted the vital role local communities’ play in building sustainable food systems, strengthening local economies, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing community resilience.

The event also provided a platform for stakeholders to exchange perspectives, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm their commitment to advancing healthy and sustainable food systems.
Following presentations by various stakeholders and the Community Coordinator, participants shared a meal featuring traditional dishes, sweet beer, and traditional beer, reflecting the rich cultural heritage, unity, and hospitality of the Shashe Community.

She said organizers expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, leaders, and community members whose participation contributed to the success of the event, noting that the celebration demonstrated the growing commitment to localization and community-led development initiatives in Zimbabwe.