The inception meeting of SUSTAIN Pro, which took place in Maputo, Mozambique on 19 May 2022, aimed at launching the initiative formally in the region. It brought together key actors engaged in agricultural development from government, business and civil society to help shape how the programme will be implemented in Mozambique.

The event sought to develop a shared understanding with partners of the role and scope of the programme. Aspects such as improving extension services, climate resilient production and market access were raised as key areas for work. 

SUSTAIN will engage with local government, farmers and the private sector to build new knowledge, connect and scale-up successful agricultural solutions, and promote climate resilience and sustainability. 

Discussions during the inception meeting centred on adapting SUSTAIN Pro to the unique set of challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable agricultural development in the Manica Province of western Mozambique.

Photo: ©IUCN/Carla Manjate Rombe

SUSTAIN will focus its work primarily in the Manica Province within the Beira Corridor, a significant contributor to the country's agricultural production. This province is key for the production of soy and maize, as well as horticulture, coffee and tree nuts (such as macadamia and cashew). 

Growth Corridors have the potential to catalyse the transition to sustainable food systems but must be carefully designed working with farmers and local communities to transition from subsistence to commercial farming while ensuring food security and ecosystem health. 

“The Local Economic Development Agency of Manica welcomes the support from SUSTAIN to build a stronger bridge between agricultural productivity, conservation agriculture and climate resilience for farmers and communities in Manica Province” said Manuel Queiroz, ADEM Director.

The current situation in regards to global food supply, price spikes and the challenge for supply chains to source food is of particular concern for countries like Mozambique. What is key is the need to maximise opportunities for farmers to increase production and protect soils, biodiversity, and ecosystem health for sustainable production. Planning for the long term to reform agricultural production systems is key to help farmers adapt to climate change impacts in Mozambique, as well as protecting their livelihoods and local food needs.

SUSTAIN Pro is funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation. The initiative will benefit smallholder farmers, local communities, agri-businesses, small and medium enterprises, national industry associations, growth corridor secretariats, as well as public authorities involved in land use planning, agriculture and water resource management.

^{For further information, please contact:}

^{Maria Ana Borges, IUCN Water and Land Management Team: mariaana.borges@iucn.org}

^{Isabel Ramos, IUCN Mozambique: isabel.ramos@iucn.org}

^{Claire Warmenbol, IUCN Knowledge and Library Team: claire.warmenbol@iucn.org}