Food Security in Mozambique: Challenges and Progress Over the Years
- Fundação RESET
- Mar 14
- 2 min read
Mozambique has long faced challenges in ensuring food security for its population due to factors such as climate change, armed conflict, economic instability, and infrastructure deficits. Over the years, various initiatives have been implemented to improve food production, strengthen agricultural resilience, and ensure that vulnerable communities have access to sufficient nutrition. However, the country remains highly susceptible to external shocks, including natural disasters, political conflicts, and fluctuations in global food markets.
Key Findings
Mozambique’s food security has been heavily impacted by climatic extremes. The country has faced severe droughts and floods, which have destroyed crops and reduced yields, leading to increased food insecurity. The frequency of extreme weather events, such as Cyclones Idai (2019), Gombe (2022), and Freddy (2023), has highlighted the vulnerability of the agricultural sector. Additionally, prolonged dry spells linked to El Niño and La Niña phenomena have caused water shortages and desertification, further straining food production.
Agricultural productivity has been constrained by limited access to modern farming inputs, poor infrastructure, and low investment in mechanization. Smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of the agricultural workforce, often lack access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation systems. Government programs, such as Sustenta, have aimed to address these gaps by providing small farmers with access to credit and training. However, the impact of these initiatives has been uneven, with many rural communities still struggling to achieve food self-sufficiency.
Armed conflict, particularly in northern Mozambique, has exacerbated food insecurity. The insurgency in Cabo Delgado has led to the displacement of thousands of people, disrupting local food production and supply chains. Many displaced families have been forced to rely on food aid provided by humanitarian organizations. Additionally, logistical challenges and security concerns have hindered efforts to distribute food to affected communities, making the situation even more precarious.
Despite ongoing efforts to improve food security, Mozambique continues to face significant challenges. Climate change, infrastructural deficits, and conflict-related displacements remain major threats to agricultural stability and food availability. Strengthening climate adaptation strategies, expanding access to agricultural inputs, and promoting sustainable farming techniques are critical to ensuring long-term food security. Additionally, addressing social and economic disparities will be essential for building resilience in vulnerable communities.
The Bibliography source:
RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Food Security in Mozambique reports are 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.
