Multi-million dollar project to boost farming in Zambezia, Mozambique

Login

Register

http://www.clubofmozambique.com/

Multi-million dollar project to boost farming in Zambezia, Mozambique

7:43 CAT | 20 May 2016

farmlandgrab.org (File photo)

The Mozambican government in partnership with the World Bank is funding over four years a 17 million US dollar project to boost farming and increase agricultural productivity in the Zambezi Valley.

The Catalytic Fund for Innovation and Demonstration is being implemented by the Zambezi Valley Development Agency (ZVDA) in the central provinces of Tete, Manica, Sofala and Zambezia. In particular, it will benefit farmers along the banks of the Zambezi River.

Speaking on Friday in the city of Chimoio, in the central province of Manica, ZVDA’s Nelson Antonio said that the programme aims to support small-scale producers, increase domestic production and reduce imports.

He added that 12 million dollars will be disbursed by the World Bank with the balance being funded by the Mozambican government.

The programme will run from 2015 until 2019. So far the emphasis has been on identifying suitable projects. However, this year funds will begin to be released.

Antonio also revealed that the programme will be expanded to include the Nacala Corridor in the north of the country. This will cover the provinces of Nampula, Cabo Delgado and Niassa at a cost of another 17 million dollars.

According to the permanent secretary of the Manica provincial government, Francisca Maluana, the initiative is in line with the government’s main focus which is on boosting agriculture and combatting poverty.

Source: AIM