On July 31, 2024, in Maputo, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) signed two agreements for projects aimed at protecting the miombo forest and facilitating trade between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Funding and Framework
The projects, valued at just over $8 million, are funded by Italy under the Mattei Plan for Africa. They focus on promoting sustainable development and cooperation between Mozambique and Zimbabwe by enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, and building resilience against environmental and economic challenges.
Project 1: Integrated Transboundary Sustainable Management of Miombo Forests
Objective
The first project aims to protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of the Miombo forest, which is shared by Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This forest is crucial for millions in rural areas, providing essential resources such as firewood, food, and water.
Key Components
- Sustainable Livelihoods: Focus on improving the economic well-being of local communities.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Efforts to preserve the rich biodiversity of the Miombo forest.
- Community-Based Management: Enhancing local management practices and promoting gender equality and youth participation.
Target Beneficiaries
The initiative will benefit 5,000 families in selected areas. It aligns with the Protocol and the Maputo Declaration (2022) on sustainable and integrated management of Miombo woodlands.
Project 2: Zim-Moza Agriculture Value Chain & Trade Development Project (Zim-Moza ATDP)
Objective
The second project focuses on developing the agricultural value chain and enhancing trade between Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It aims to improve market access, production practices, and cross-border collaboration.
Key Focus Areas
- Agricultural Products: Citrus, pineapple, banana, coffee, macadamia, maize, and various horticultural products.
- Trade Barriers: Addressing obstacles to trade and supporting value addition.
- Competitiveness: Enhancing the competitiveness of agricultural products in local and international markets.
Economic Impact
The project aims to boost the economic prospects of smallholder farmers and agribusinesses in both countries.
Regional and Environmental Significance
Miombo Woodland
The Miombo woodland is a vast African dryland forest ecosystem covering approximately 2.7 million square kilometers across southern Africa, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Biome and Importance
The Miombo biome includes tropical and subtropical grasslands, bushlands, and savannahs. It encompasses four bio-regions and maintains the Greater Zambezi, a crucial transnational river basin.
Statements from Officials
Teresa Pinto
The Mozambican Ministry of Land and Environment representative stated that the initiatives would enable Mozambique and Zimbabwe to implement coordinated actions and cross-border surveillance to combat illegal forest resource trade.
José Fernandes
FAO representative in Mozambique emphasized the vital role of the Miombo forests in providing resources like firewood, food, shelter, medicines, and water. He highlighted the FAO’s commitment to ensuring that at least 50% of beneficiaries are women and 30% are young people, promoting inclusive growth and resilience.
Gianni Bardini
The Italian ambassador noted that the projects would mobilize resources and ensure the sustainability of the Miombo forest, strengthen regional integration, and address common challenges such as promoting agriculture and food security, benefiting close to 5,000 families.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary objective of the Integrated Transboundary Sustainable Management of Miombo Forests project?
a) To increase trade between Mozambique and Zimbabwe
b) To protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of the Miombo forest
c) To develop agricultural value chains
d) To enhance regional integration
Answer: b) To protect, restore, and promote the sustainable use of the Miombo forest - Which agricultural products are a focus of the Zim-Moza Agriculture Value Chain & Trade Development Project?
a) Coffee, tea, and cocoa
b) Citrus, pineapple, banana, coffee, macadamia, maize, and horticultural products
c) Rice, wheat, and soybeans
d) Apples, grapes, and oranges
Answer: b) Citrus, pineapple, banana, coffee, macadamia, maize, and horticultural products - How many families will directly benefit from the Integrated Transboundary Sustainable Management of Miombo Forests project?
a) 2,000
b) 5,000
c) 7,500
d) 10,000
Answer: b) 5,000 - What is the total value of the projects funded by Italy under the Mattei Plan for Africa?
a) $5 million
b) $6 million
c) Just over $8 million
d) $10 million
Answer: c) Just over $8 million - Which document aligns with the objectives of the Integrated Transboundary Sustainable Management of Miombo Forests project?
a) The Kyoto Protocol
b) The Paris Agreement
c) The Maputo Declaration (2022)
d) The Rio Declaration
Answer: c) The Maputo Declaration (2022)