Introduction

Mozambique, with a population of approximately 35,606,175 inhabitants and an annual growth rate of 3%, faces a significant challenge in ensuring food security. Despite having around 36,000,000 hectares of arable land, the country struggles with high levels of hunger and malnutrition, with 30.5% of the population (around 9,800,000 people) suffering from undernourishment. The Global Hunger Index (GHI) score of 27.5 indicates a serious hunger problem.

The Contrast Between Food Imports and Food Dependence

Mozambique’s food imports have been increasing, with a significant reliance on external sources to meet domestic needs. In 2024, the country imported $353.9 million worth of rice, and $287 million worth of wheat and meslin in 2023. The patterns show a 46.6% growth in dependence on imports between 2016 and 2023. Projections indicate that if the current scenario persists, the country’s dependence on food imports will remain high until 2043.

The Role of Imports and Distribution

The country’s imports are primarily sourced from South Africa (exporters of maize, potatoes, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and onions) and Asia (exporters of rice). The reception and distribution of imported products are managed by the Tax Authority, including the General Directorate of Customs, and other entities such as the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the National Institute of Standardization and Quality.

Agricultural Programs: Successes and Failures

Despite the high rate of imports, several programs have been established to reduce Mozambique’s dependence on external food sources. These include the Agricultural Development Program, financed by the African Development Bank since 1977, with an investment of around $757 million, and the Sustenta Program, financed by the World Bank with $100 million. However, the results of these programs have been largely unsuccessful due to various factors, including governance issues, lack of infrastructure, and climate change.

A New Approach to Agriculture

To address the food security challenge, Mozambique needs to adopt a comprehensive approach to agricultural development. This includes:

Promoting family farming and subsistence agriculture: Providing training, supervision, and support to families and small-scale farmers.

Land distribution and support: Allocating arable land to young people and entrepreneurs, along with agricultural inputs, supervision, and infrastructure.

Creating buffer provinces: Designating specific provinces as hubs for particular crops to supply the entire country, establishing value chains and product distribution networks.

Conclusion

Mozambique’s food security challenge requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of hunger and malnutrition. By promoting agricultural development, investing in infrastructure, and supporting small-scale farmers, the country can reduce its dependence on food imports and ensure a more sustainable food system.