New FAO project to stimulate agriculture trade between Zimbabwe and Mozambique

In a decision ready to strengthen agricultural trade and empower farmers, the Italian Development Cooperation Agency (AICS) finances 3.5 million euros, Zimbabwe Mozambique Agricultural Value Chain Project (Zim-Moza ATDP), Zimbabwe will receive 1,166 million euros in the total budget.

In Zimbabwe, the Zim-Moza ATDP is implemented by FAO in close collaboration with the Department of Economy, Markets and International Trade under the Ministry of LANDs, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD) and other key stakeholders through the agricultural and trade sectors.

The main mission of the project is to speed up the process of agrifood transformation inside and between Zimbabwe and Mozambique. By focusing on the strengthening of agricultural value chains, the Zim-Moza ATDP seeks to create opportunities for farmers and other actors in the agricultural sector to actively participate in global value chains.

Speaking during the project creation meeting in Harare, the FAO sub-regional coordinator for southern Africa and the FAO representative in Zimbabwe, Patrice Talla, underlined the project transformer potential. “The Zim-Moza ATDP is a crucial step to unlock the immense potential of the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe and Mozambique. By empowering small farmers and promoting collaboration between players in the public and private sector, we can create a more resilient and inclusive agricultural landscape. ”

The project will focus on assistance to the actors of the value chain, in the public and private sectors, in the implementation of solid and favorable trade policies. This support will allow economic agents to capitalize on the concrete advantages offered by bilateral, regional and international facilitation executives, in particular at a time when regional integration is gaining momentum on the African continent.

“This project is incredibly opportune,” said Obert Jiri, the permanent secretary, in the ministry of lands, agriculture, peaches, water and rural development, in a speech read in his name of Gamuchi Kapembeza. “The project is a key catalyst to accelerate agrifood transformation processes in and between the two countries.

Specific interventions in the Zim-Moza ATDP should include:

Capacity building: Provide training and technical assistance to farmers, merchants and other stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to improve production techniques, post-harvest management and marketing strategies.

Market access: Facilitate access to national and international markets thanks to an improvement in infrastructure, market information systems and commercial promotion activities.

Political support: Support the development and implementation of policies adapted to exchanges that create a fair playground for all actors in the agricultural sector.

Development of the value chain: Strengthen specific value chains, such as horticulture, livestock and cereals, attacking the bottlenecks and promoting innovation.

The FAO expressed its commitment to work closely with the government of Zimbabwe, the Mozambique government and the AIC to ensure the success of the Zim-Moza ATDP. “FAO remains dedicated to supporting Zimbabwe and Mozambique by improving agricultural value and trade chains to guarantee healthy nations without hunger and malnutrition,” said Patrice Talla.

The ZIM-MOZA ATDP marks a significant step forward in the promotion of regional agricultural development and trade. It is a testimony to the commitment of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, FAO and AIC to work together to achieve sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth. This project hopes to become a model for future collaboration efforts through the African continent.

Source: New United States