Abstract
In recent years, Mozambique has reported impressive agricultural growth, most notably a 7.4% increase in agricultural GDP following the rollout of the World Bank-funded SUSTENTA project. Yet, during the same period, food insecurity increased, rising from 68.4% to 73.7%. This disconnect prompts me to ask: Does higher productivity lead to greater food security? And whose voices are being included in the process? This research draws on qualitative interviews with farmers and experts, conducted in two districts in Nampula, as well as policy analysis and literature review. The findings reveal a troubling gap between government-led project goals and the actual experiences of smallholder farmers, especially farmers. While the project aims to improve productivity and value-chain integration, issues like unequal land access, limited decision-making power, and lack of transparency in program implementation continue to undermine both food security and sovereignty. Women, who make up the majority of the agricultural workforce, remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles and access to resources. This study also highlights how local needs, agroecological conditions, and cultural dynamics are often overlooked in favor of standardized, top-down models. This study argues that meaningful inclusion, transparency, and gender equity are not optional, but are essential to the success and sustainability of food reforms.
Presenters
Arcenia Notilija VilanculoFood Studies, Syracuse Urban Food Forest Project, New York, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Food Production and Sustainability
KEYWORDS
FOOD SECURITY, FOOD SOVEREIGNTY, MOZAMBIQUE, GENDER, AGRICULTURE, SUSTENTA, MOZAMBIQUE
