©FAO- Inputs distribution in Cabo Delgado

14 June 2024, Cabo Delgado- The Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations (FAO) will assist 24,200 households in the Cabo Delgado Province, northern Mozambique, with winter season agricultural inputs to benefit internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in the region.
The winter season distribution represents a critical step in FAO's ongoing efforts to mitigate the impacts of displacement and ensure food security through sustainable agricultural practices.

By providing essential seeds and tools, FAO aims to empower local farmers to produce nutritious crops and generate income, contributing to the overall resilience of the community.
FAO, in collaboration with the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries (DPAP) of Cabo Delgado, launched the winter season assistance by distributing agricultural inputs to 300 households in Muaria village. This distribution is part of 1,000 inputs foreseen to assist the Mecufi District.

Each households received a kit composed of seeds of tomato, onion, okra, pumpkin and kale, and one sickle and one watering can. This event was marked by a ceremonial distribution attended by the FAO Representative (FAOR), José Luis Fernandez, the Governor of Cabo Delgado, Valige Tauabo, the Director of DPAP, Daudo Ussuhale, and the Permanent Secretary of Mecufi District.
The officials symbolically handed over kits, underscoring the importance of this initiative in supporting local agriculture.

Ibo Island Distribution of Fishing Kits
The ongoing conflict and insecurity in Cabo Delgado is severely impacting the livelihoods of many residents, particularly in the fishery sector. As of December 2023, 17,216 people were displaced to Ibo District, facing significant disruptions to their agriculture and fishing activities.

Recognizing the urgent need for support, FAO, through a Norwegian Funded Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation (SFERA) project, has been implementing targeted interventions in priority districts such as Quissanga and Ibo.
On Ibo Island, FAO distributed fishing kits as part of its Northern Mozambique Crisis Response.

The distribution aimed to address disruptions in the fishery value chain and included the following items:
• 30 gillnets kits for Quirimba fisherfolk
• 30 gillnets kits for Quirambo fisherfolk
• 40 gillnets kit for Ibo Fisherfolk
• 2 fish silage kits for Fundacao Ibo
• 1 fish silage kit for Quirimba
• 30 octopus collection kits for women in Quirimba
• 120 octopus collection kits for women in Ibo
• 20 cool boxes for women in Quirimba
• 40 cool boxes for women in Ibo

This intervention has successfully provided essential tools and equipment to the targeted beneficiaries, significantly aiding in the revitalization of Fisheries Community Councils (CCPs) and strengthening the co-management system.
A well-organized CCP serves as the entry point for further project initiatives and input distribution, ensuring the sustainability of the fishing industry in the region.

FAO's continued efforts in Cabo Delgado, through the distribution of agricultural and fishing inputs, play a vital role in supporting vulnerable communities among displaced populations, returnees, and host communities.
By addressing both immediate and long-term needs, FAO contributes to the resilience and socio-economic development of these communities amidst ongoing challenges.