Our Results

Expanding Food Security for Rural Communities in Mozambique

MEFSI

Stand Out Results:

  • Africare provided support services related to production and marketing to over 24,000 farming families through a system of 9 extension agents and 108 community demonstrators.
  • Africare facilitated contract farming for the production of maize seed that generated a total of $85,000 in revenue for 161 farmers.
  • The average duration of the hunger period fell by over 40%
  • Chronic malnutrition in children 6-59 months old fell significantly. 54% of children were stunted at the start of the project compared to 22% in 2006.
  • The % of infants below 4 months who were exclusively breast fed increased by over 65% from 39% of children to 65%.


Project: MEFSI - Manica Expanded Food Security Initiative Mozambique 


Funders: USAID

Budget: $4.6 Million (plus cost-extension funds)

Country/Timeframe: Mozambique/2001-2007

The Problem:  Food insecurity is high in rural Mozambique, especially during post-harvest dry periods, which can last up to four months. The high levels of poverty, chronic malnutrition, and low agricultural productivity worsen the situation and render the population vulnerable to environmental shocks and illnesses. Additionally, the limited rural infrastructure and poor road networks are further constraints to cultivating and marketing cash crops.    

Long-Term Goal of Project: Increase food security and nutritional status of rural households.  


Project Objectives:

  • Increase production and marketing of food and cash crops through provision of supporting services.
  • Improve nutrition and related health practices through training and support of community-based activities.  

Direct Beneficiaries: 22,181 households residing in the four central districts of Manica Province: Sussundenga, Manica, Gondola and Barue.