Notwithstanding Mozambique’s economic growth in recent years, the country is still ranked very low in the Human Development Index, positioned at 181 out of 188 countries (UNDP 2016). Nearly 3/4 of the economically active population are employed in small-scale farming activities. The country is importing most of its consumption goods, including some basic foodstuff items. The Province of Zambézia is one of the poorest: according to World Bank data (2016), a 70% of residents in this area are below the poverty line and this province, together with Nampula, hosts half (48%) of the country’s poor. the farming industry is the basis of the economy of Northern Mozambique, employing 80% of its active population. In this context, the development of the agricultural market is unanimously seen as the key factor for reducing poverty by generating sustainable development.
This project supports several innovative elements, including:
- Introduction of innovative farming techniques such as Syntropic agriculture – Successional Agro- forestry Systems (SAFs). Under this action, two furtherly innovative elements will be developed: SAFs for extreme climates and areas (e.g. desertification) and 5 agro-fishery units, an activity combining SAFs with fish culture pools and high-efficient manual irrigation patterns.
- ICT for information and data collection: this action involves an innovative method for involving beneficiaries and stakeholders. An ICT platform will be developed to allow ongoing exchange of information and communication by SMSs and data collection forms.
- Marketing and valorization of local products, using the synergy between urban and periurban areas in the supply of farm products.
The project will support the sustainable rural development of the Zambezia province, promoting the adoption of innovative and sustainable practices in producing, marketing and consuming farm products in three districts of Quelimane periurban area, improving the producers’ technical skills, commercial infrastructures and adding value to local productions.
540 producers, 2,000 traders and 12,700 members of their families, 90 technicians and public officers.
Expected results
R1: Enhanced agricultural production in urban and periurban areas, both in quantity and quality, improved profitability and seasonal turnover of crops through agroecological and technologically advanced practices supporting environmental sustainability and adaptation to climate change;
R2: Established a structured marketing chain for local farm products (storage, conservation, transportation and sales) through the establishment of marketing units and the infrastructural reinforcement of proximity markets;
R3: Added value to local farm products through information, communication and policies orienting the consumers, the private sector and the local administrations to prefer healthy and nutritious foods produced in Zambézia.