Post Harvest Loss In Mozambique Estimating Maize Loss In Manica And Zambezia Provinces

In Mozambique, food security remains a key issue and the country suffers perennial food shortages, especially in the provinces of Manica,Tete, Sofala, Zambezia, Maputo and Gaza. Weaknesses in post-harvest systems, which contribute to both a lower supply and higher food prices (due to post-harvest losses) are key reasons behind these food shortages. Currently, none of the post-harvest losses programmes conducted in Mozambique provides loss estimates along the entire value chain for a given commodity. In this report, we quantify losses across the value chain in maize, which is a key staple food in Mozambique, in the provinces of Manica and Zambezia. The study, carried out by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in collaboration with the Agrifood Economics Division (ESA) at FAO, sheds light on understanding the magnitude, nature and consequences of food losses across the maize value chain in selected regions in Mozambique. In particular, the methodology used in this report allows to accurately measure food losses and identify in which segment of the value chain these food losses occur and the causes of the losses.

This catalogue aims to improve the dissemination and outreach of FAO’s knowledge products and overall publishing programme. By providing information on its key publications in every area of FAO’s work, and catering to a range of audiences, it thereby contributes to all organizational outcomes. From statistical analysis to specialized manuals to children’s books, FAO publications cater to a diverse range of audiences. This catalogue presents a selection of FAO’s main publications, produced in 2021 or earlier, ranging from its global reports and general interest publications to numerous specialized titles. In addition to the major themes of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, it also includes thematic sections on climate change, economic and social development, and food safety and nutrition

This report-part of an extensive body of work IFPRI undertook on the state of poverty in Mozambique at the end of a long period of war-zeroes in on the question of what determines living standards and poverty in Mozambique. It aims to identify those public policy interventions that are likely to reduce poverty the most. The authors examine household and community characteristics linked to poverty and develop a microeconometric model to measure the influence of education, employment, demographics, agricultural technology, and infrastructure on consumption. Although the results of this research are directed to policymakers in Mozambique, those concerned with other low-income countries will find the analytical methods and findings useful, especially the message that investment in human development as well as physical capital is essential to reduce poverty.

Addressing two sets of concerns, this report covers both the abuses relating to the seventeen years of war between the Mozambique Armed Forces and the rebel Mozambique National Resistance, as well as the reforms instigated by the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front under President Joachim Chissano. Africa Watch evaluates the progress made by the Liberation Front government toward a democratic system of government that respects civil and political rights. The 1990 Constitution and related legislation are the centerpiece of this transition, and represent the most wholehearted attempt to build an institutional and legal framework to guarantee respect for human rights so far attempted in the history of Mozambique. Major concerns remain, however, relating to the ability of the government to implement the promised changes.

The recent influx of agricultural investment to Africa is increasingly equated with land grabbing by investors from emerging and Northern economies seeking to produce commodities to serve the needs of their own food and energy markets. This paper reflects on this discourse by unpacking agricultural investments in Mozambique – one of the largest recipients of agricultural investment in Africa. By drawing on official investment data and structured interviews conducted with 69 agricultural investors in Mozambique, this paper analyzes agricultural investment trends, characteristics and the factors that shape investors’ social and environmental conduct. It illustrates that, contrary to popular depiction, regional investors, domestic food end-markets, and private finance are the primary drivers of investment. Moreover, this paper shows that investors differ significantly in the types of strategies, business models and practices they adopt. The findings highlight a lack of nuance in the global agricultural investment discourse and the need for more evidence-based policy intervention in order to adequately leverage the potential of agricultural investments to contribute to inclusive green growth.