©FAO- Signing ceremony between FAO, AICS and the government

Maputo, Mozambique, 30/07/2024 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the governments of Mozambique and Zimbabwe, is proud to announce the signing of two significant transboundary projects. These initiatives aim to foster sustainable development and cooperation in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, and promoting resilience against environmental and economic challenges.

The Transboundary Integrated Sustainable Management of the Miombo Woodlands Project 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 fuelwood, food, and water. The project will focus on sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity conservation, and the enhancement of community-based management practices. It will directly benefit 5,000 families in selected areas, promoting gender equality and youth participation. This initiative is in line with the Protocol and the Maputo Declaration (2022) on sustainable and integrated Management of Miombo Woodlands, adopted in August 2022 by the country's region.

The Zim-Moza Agriculture Value Chain & Trade Development Project (Zim-Moza ATDP) is designed to strengthen agricultural value chains and trade between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. By improving market access, enhancing production practices, and fostering cross-border collaboration, the project aims to boost the economic prospects of smallholder farmers and agribusinesses. Key focus areas include citrus, pineapple, banana, coffee, macadamia, maize, and various horticultural products. The initiative will address barriers to trade, support value addition, and enhance the competitiveness of agricultural products in both local and international markets.

FAO, together with AICS, is committed to supporting sustainable development and economic growth in the region. These projects represent a significant step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities.

Key Speakers at the Signing Ceremony:
FAO Representative in Mozambique, José Luis Fernández Filgueiras, commented: "These projects reflect our unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development and economic growth in both countries. By working together with AICS, we aim to create impactful solutions that will benefit local communities and enhance their ability to cope with environmental and economic challenges."

Italian Ambassador in Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, added: "Italy is dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development and improve livelihoods. These initiatives are also aligned with the recently approved Mattei Plan, launched in 2024, which aims to establish a new relationship between Italy and Africa, with agriculture as one of its main pillars. These projects are a testament to our strong partnership with FAO and our shared vision for a better future."

AICS- Maputo - Deputy Head of Office, Maria Cristina Pescante highlighted: "These two initiatives align with the efforts promoted by Italian Cooperation, particularly in environmental protection and conservation, as well as in the development of agricultural value chains in the Beira Corridor. Moreover, these projects are in line with the Agency's commitment to fostering greater regional integration between two countries within its purview: Zimbabwe and Mozambique."

Representative of the Ministry of Land and Environment, Teresa Nube, commented: "This project [Project for the Sustainable, Integrated and Cross-Border Management of the Miombo Forests between Mozambique and Zimbabwe] is of capital importance, because it will contribute to achieving both the objectives set out in the National Forestry Programme, as well as the goals set out in the Maputo Declaration on the Integrated and Sustainable Management of the Miombo Forest. This initiative will enable our country, together with Zimbabwe, to implement more coordinated and strategic cross-border enforcement actions with the participation of the various forces and intelligence centres in both countries to combat the illegal trade in forest resources. This will be supported by the creation of opportunities to generate alternative livelihoods and family income for more than 5,000 families throughout the project."

Director General of Mozambique's Cereals Institute, Alfredo Nampuio, said: "The [Zim-Moza Agricultural Trade and Value Chain Development] project represents a strategic initiative of great relevance to the industry and trade sector with the potential to cyclically boost trade and economic development in both countries in line with national and regional development strategies and policies. The project shows a solid commitment to working in collaboration with the governments of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. We believe that this project will make a significant contribution to strengthening trade relations between our countries and will have a positive impact on economic growth and the well-being of our communities."

About FAO:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. FAO works in over 130 countries worldwide, aiming to achieve food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives.

About AICS:
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) is the operational arm of the Italian Cooperation system, aiming to be a leading force in eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, affirming human rights, and promoting peace in Mozambique and worldwide. The AICS Maputo office is responsible for initiatives funded by the Italian Cooperation in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Angola.