Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Food Security in Mozambique: Policy and Market Challenges

The report evaluates Mozambique’s agricultural productivity growth, market access, and policy framework to improve food security. Conducted under the Food Security III LWA initiative, the study highlights key interventions, including technology adoption, infrastructure development, and government policy impacts on agricultural value chains. The findings reveal persistent challenges in productivity, limited access to quality inputs, and the need for improved market integration.

Key Findings

Mozambique’s agricultural sector has struggled with low productivity and limited institutional support, affecting smallholder farmers. The government’s Action Plan for Food Production (PAPA) aimed to increase production but was hindered by insufficient funding and lack of donor support. While the country initially planned to introduce improved seed and fertilizer programs, the absence of financial backing led to the exclusion of fertilizers, significantly limiting the expected productivity boost. The value chain approach has been instrumental in identifying profitability challenges and opportunities for crops like maize, cassava, cotton, and beans.

A major constraint identified in the study is the lack of market access and poor agricultural infrastructure, especially for smallholder farmers. While government programs like PROAGRI and PAPA attempted to strengthen agricultural value chains, limited investments in transportation, storage facilities, and marketing strategies have restricted economic benefits for rural communities. Additionally, price volatility and weak financial services have hindered farmers from investing in improved agricultural technologies.

The study also underscores the potential of technology adoption in improving productivity, particularly through initiatives like the use of animal traction and conservation farming techniques. The introduction of improved seeds, mechanization, and access to extension services have proven to be key drivers of agricultural growth. However, adoption rates remain low due to financial constraints and insufficient government and private sector support.

Mozambique's agricultural productivity is highly dependent on sustained policy support, market access improvements, and technological advancements. Addressing financing gaps, enhancing infrastructure, and increasing research-based interventions are crucial for boosting farmer incomes and food security. The findings emphasize that targeted investments in value chains, market connectivity, and policy coherence will be essential to achieving long-term agricultural sustainability.

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