Input subsidies in Mozambique: The future of peasant farmers and their seed systems

In this paper, we discuss and assess the input subsidy programmes in Mozambique, as part of the larger agriculture policy landscape, the impact this has had on the agricultural sector in Mozambique, and particularly on smallholder farmers. Input subsidy programmes in Mozambique are fragmented and operate more along the lines of projects and pilots. Therefore, this paper selects a few key projects to explore approaches being taken by the Mozambican government, along with international donors, providing agricultural inputs to peasant farmers. Notably we consider the more recent Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s input subsidy programme, and the World Bank funded Agriculture and Natural Resources Landscape Management (SUSTENTA) programme/project, implemented by the National Sustainable Development Fund2 (FNDS), under the Ministry of Land, Environment and Rural Development (MITADER). This paper provides a brief background to agriculture in Mozambique, followed by the agricultural policies, plans and budgets guiding agricultural investments in the country. After briefly outlining the agricultural sector – notably seed, fertiliser and agro-dealers in the country – we discuss and analyse selected input subsidy programmes in Mozambique. The paper closes with a conclusion and recommendations to feed into future discussions with farmers, farmer organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and others in Mozambique.

978-0-6399760-4-4