FAO’s Director-General meets President of Mozambique – Watch

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FAO’s Director-General meets President of Mozambique – Watch

1:11 CAT | 10 Jul 2019

FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva in talks with President Nyusi of Mozambique at FAO Headquarters in Rome. [Picture: FAO]

FAO’s Director-General José Graziano da Silva met Mozambique’s President, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, at FAO Headquarters in Rome on Monday (July 8).

President Nyusi thanked FAO for its continued support to Mozambique’s livestock and fisheries sectors in the aftermath of tropical cyclones Idai and Kenneth, which exacerbated threats to the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of farmers and fishers, in a country where an estimated 1.78 million people already faced food insecurity.

Hoje, reafirmamos nossa cooperação estratégica com #Moçambique, para o
presente e para o #futuro. #FomeZero @_CPLP @FNyusi pic.twitter.com/v15t3c4mjZ

— José Graziano da Silva (@grazianodasilva) July 8, 2019

For a country where 80 percent of the population depends on agriculture, keeping animals alive, rehabilitating damaged land and rebooting food production is critical.

FAO’s support focused on resuming local food production, assisting fishing communities and supporting livestock owners. FAO is also overseeing the distribution of seeds and tools to regions most affected by the cyclones, as well as administering a large-scale vaccination campaign for cattle and small ruminants.

President Nyusi also referred to the droughts the country frequently experiences and requested FAO’s further support for its agricultural sector, particularly in strengthening value chains and improving infrastructure for rural development.

“Our partnership and cooperation is fundamental, and we would like to acknowledge the Organization’s support in agricultural development and food security,” he said in remarks following the meeting, noting the potential for joint work in reforestation projects and water tank (cisterns) initiatives for water scarce regions.

Building climate-change resilience

Graziano da Silva offered FAO’s support to Mozambique in accessing Green Climate Fund (GCF) funds aimed at combating deforestation, hunger and poverty, and building the climate-change resilience of local populations.

Both principals also discussed the importance of the United Nations Decade of Family Farming (UNDFF, 2019-2028) to boost support for family farmers.

They also agreed on the close links between peace, food security and sustainable development.

President Nyusi praised Graziano da Silva’s leadership during his two terms as FAO Director-General.

Watch President Nyusi’s remarks following the meeting: