©FAO- Farmer Ananias Matlhohi

28 August 2024, Gaza Province- "The drought hit us hard, but we don't back down" they say
In the rural community of Tihovene, located in Massingir district, southern Mozambique, Ananias Gabriel Mathlohi rises each day with a singular purpose: to keep his farm alive. The challenging drought that has devastated the region has turned his once fertile fields into dry land, threatening his livelihood and the survival of his family.
Ananias, a father and dedicated farmer, has relied on agriculture for years to support his family. "I sustain my family with farming, I pay for my children's education and buy them clothes with the money I earn from selling our crops. But this year has been particularly tough" he says.

The drought, intensified by the 2023-2024 El Niño, has devastated crops across Mozambique, and Ananias has not been spared.
"The drought hit us hard, we planted maize, peanuts, and beans, but the sun was too strong. Even with irrigation, the humidity just vanished. Even though we use motor pumps, the sun is very intense, the humidity disappears soon, but we don't back down", says the farmer.

Despite the challenges, Ananias remains determined. He continues to cultivate what he can, growing cassava, sweet potatoes, and vegetables like cabbage and lettuce. "I could do more if I had seeds," he says, reflecting on the struggle to keep his farm going. "But I don't give up. We must keep working."

For him, the fight against the drought is not just about survival; it's about hope. He believes that with the right support, he can continue to provide for his family and contribute to his community. His resilience, in the face of overwhelming odds, is a good example of the strength of Mozambique's farmers, who refuse to let the drought defeat them.
Still in Massingir's district, in Marranguele Village, the severe drought that has gripped the region has threatened Samuel's Cubai livelihood as well.

Samuel, a father of eight, has spent his life working on the land. "I farm to provide for my family, but this drought has made it hard to grow anything. The heat has been unbearable, and most of what I planted didn't survive."

Samuel's one-and-a-half-hectare farm, where he grows maize, onions, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables, has suffered greatly under the relentless sun. "I tried to water the crops, but the temperature was just too high. Nothing survived."
Despite these hardships, Cubai continues to plant and harvest what he can. "There's been some improvement, but the drought isn't over," he says. "We're still struggling with the lack of seeds, and the heat hasn't let up completely. But we can't stop. We must keep working."

His determination is evident as he speaks about his future. Samuel encourages other farmers in his community to keep going, even in the face of such overwhelming challenges. "We need to make the most of the little water we have and plant crops that can survive in these conditions," he advises. "If we all work together, we can help each other through this."
Samuel Cubai's story is one of resilience and hope, showing that even in critical conditions, they keep working hard with a great sense of mutual support within the community. His solid commitment to his land is a powerful reminder of the strength of those who continue to fight for their livelihoods amidst the ongoing drought.

FAO calls for urgent efforts to face Mozambique's Drought Crisis affecting 1.8 million people
The country is facing a severe drought crisis, exacerbated by the recent El Niño phenomenon. The drought, which has severely impacted the agricultural sector, is affecting 1.8 million people across the country, particularly in the southern and central regions.

To support farmers like Ananias and Samuel, FAO has been providing urgent support to the most vulnerable communities in the drought-affected areas in response to the crisis. The immediate focus is on supplying seeds for the incoming main agricultural season, ensuring that farmers can plant their crops on time and avoid further food shortages. This effort is crucial to protect vulnerable households from the worst effects of the drought and to safeguard their livelihoods as we head into the critical growing season.

Key interventions include:
• Distribution of Drought-Tolerant Seeds: We are providing farmers with seeds that can withstand dry conditions, helping to ensure that they can still produce food despite the challenging environment.
• Water Harvesting and Conservation: FAO is promoting techniques such as water harvesting and conservation to help communities make the most of the limited water resources available.
• Livestock Support: We are also implementing livestock restocking programs, supplementary feeding, and veterinary care to sustain and improve livestock health and productivity.
• Conservation/Climate Smart Agriculture: By intensifying and scaling up conservation agriculture practices, FAO is helping farmers maintain soil health and increase resilience to future climate shocks, as well as in training farmers to use the climate smart agriculture practices.

The 2023–2024 El Niño event, one of the strongest on record, has disrupted rainfall patterns, leading to below-average rainfall and above-normal temperatures in many parts of Mozambique. This has resulted in failed harvests and heightened food insecurity, with 1.8 million people currently in high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 and above) in areas of severe drought. In some areas, one in every three people is vulnerable, with many smallholder farmers struggling to produce enough food for their families. Crops have failed, water sources are drying up, and families, particularly women, are forced to leave their homes in search of water. The situation is dire, but there is still a window of opportunity to prevent further suffering.

FAO is committed to working alongside the Government of Mozambique, humanitarian partners, and the international community to provide the necessary support and ensure that vulnerable populations receive the assistance they need.

For more information about Mozambique's response and how you can support our efforts, please visit the full appeal: Mozambique: Drought Appeal, August 2024 - July 2025. 
More information about: FAO Component Appeal