Agricultural Development in Mozambique: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
- Fundação RESET
- Mar 15
- 2 min read
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Mozambique’s economy, supporting the livelihoods of the majority of its population. However, smallholder farmers face persistent challenges, including low productivity, climate vulnerabilities, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to financial and technological resources. The IGM Agricultural Sector Report 2025 provides an in-depth analysis of the trends, constraints, and potential strategies for improving agricultural productivity and sustainability in the country.
Key Findings
1. Agricultural Productivity and Smallholder Farmers
The report highlights that small-scale farming dominates Mozambique’s agricultural sector, but yields remain significantly lower than in neighboring countries. Limited access to improved seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and modern farming techniques constrains productivity. Despite government efforts, investments in agricultural research, extension services, and mechanization have been insufficient to drive sustained growth. Climate change impacts, such as erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts, further threaten smallholder farmers’ resilience.
2. Barriers to Agricultural Development
Mozambique’s agricultural infrastructure remains underdeveloped, with poor road networks, lack of storage facilities, and limited market access affecting farmers’ ability to commercialize their produce. The financial sector also struggles to provide adequate credit to smallholders, limiting their ability to invest in productivity-enhancing inputs. Moreover, policy implementation gaps and limited institutional coordination hinder the effectiveness of government programs designed to support the sector.
3. Strategies for Sustainable Growth
The report recommends prioritizing smallholder farmers by increasing investment in rural infrastructure, expanding access to financial services, and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. Public-private partnerships and targeted policies should focus on strengthening agricultural value chains, improving storage and transportation, and enhancing market linkages. Additionally, integrating digital solutions, such as mobile-based financial services and weather forecasting tools, could boost productivity and climate resilience.
Conclusion
Addressing Mozambique’s agricultural challenges requires a holistic approach that integrates sustainability, technology, and economic development. Enhancing agricultural productivity, investing in rural infrastructure, and strengthening policy frameworks are key to ensuring inclusive and resilient growth in the sector. Supporting smallholder farmers and fostering innovation will be crucial in transforming Mozambique’s agriculture into a driver of economic prosperity and food security.
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RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). JFS-RESET Cotton School Program is linked to several SDGs:
The SDG'sG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
