THE AGRICULTURAL CONTEXT
In Mozambique agriculture remains one of the mainstays
of the economy, with a 21,1% contribution to the Gross
Domestic Product. Mostly low-yield outdated production
techniques are employed. About 96% of agricultural
production takes place on smallholdings, with the result
that stimulating smallholder agricultural production has
been identified as a major focal point. The situation in
Coutada 5 reflects the national scenario with regards to
production, although it is highly likely that the great
majority of people living in the Coutada are either
entirely, or to a major degree, dependent on agriculture
for their daily livelihoods. Agricultural development
will thus be one of the priority objectives of the
company, taking into consideration no less than nine
factors that will inhibit the success of such a
development.
The overall agricultural development vision for the
Coutada can be defined as follows:
'To create an enabling environment, to provide the
required inputs and to develop institutional
arrangements, in order to establish a local agricultural
industry to generate sustainable socio-economical
livelihoods of the present community in the project
area, and to provide viable livestock ranching
opportunities for investors.'
The sustainable agricultural development plan will be
implemented in four phases, and the first two phases
involve a 14-point implementation procedure. The
pertinent role of the local communities, being
essentially the 'owners' of the plan, in the execution
of the plan is stressed. Provision is also made for
agricultural investors, specifically cattle ranchers, to
become involved in the Coutada. Such an involvement will
lessen the huge financial burden emanating from the
expensive wildife re-introduction program.
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