The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) today announced support of 7.8 million euros for two cross-border projects aimed at promoting sustainable development and cooperation between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
The projects are aimed at increasing food security, improving livelihoods and promoting resilience against environmental and economic challenges, the FAO said in a statement.
These are the Miombo Integrated Sustainable Forest Management and Zim-Moza Agricultural Value Chain and Trade Development (Zim-Moza ATDP) initiatives.
The first aims to protect, restore and promote the sustainable use of the miombo woodlands shared by Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
‘This vital ecosystem supports millions of people in rural areas, providing them with essential resources such as firewood, food and water,’ the document states.
The project will focus on sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation and improving natural resource management practices in the communities,’ the statement said.
The initiative will directly benefit 5,000 families in selected areas, promoting gender equality and youth participation.
The second project is designed to strengthen agricultural value chains and trade between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
‘By improving market access, developing production practices and promoting cross-border collaboration, the project aims to boost the economic prospects of small-scale farmers and agro-industries,’ the statement emphasised.
The main areas of focus include citrus fruits, pineapples, bananas, coffee, macadamias, maize and various vegetables.
The FAO representative in Mozambique, José Luis Fernández Filgueiras, said that the projects reflect the ‘unwavering commitment’ to promoting sustainable development and economic growth in both countries.
To materialise the two initiatives, which are supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the respective agreements were signed today in Maputo.
‘By working together with AICS, we aim to create impactful solutions that will benefit local communities and improve their ability to deal with environmental and economic challenges,’ said José Luis Fernández Filgueiras, quoted in the document.
Lusa
