In the agricultural sector, the AICS Office in Maputo supports farmers in the Beira Corridor and other strategic areas, with the aim of strengthening productivity, increasing resilience to climate shocks – particularly the effects of the El Niño phenomenon – and promoting more sustainable agricultural systems in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Special attention is also given to the development of high value-added agricultural value chains, such as coffee, through an integrated approach that also involves the Italian private sector, including Illycaffè, contributing to improving production quality, market access and income opportunities for small-scale producers.
The agricultural sector operates through concrete projects such as Manica para as Mulheres, aimed at promoting women’s empowerment in the agricultural sector and strengthening the role of women in productive activities and agri-food value chains.
Of particular importance is the CAAM project, a flagship initiative of the Mattei Plan, which aims to support the transition of the horticultural sector in Manica Province towards an inclusive, competitive and resilient agro-industry. The initiative foresees the development of an innovative Agri-Food Centre (CAAM) for the aggregation, certification, processing and distribution of local products, as well as the creation of a territorial governance system capable of ensuring its effective operation.
In Malawi, Italian Cooperation also supports a school feeding programme, contributing to strengthening food security, improving child nutrition and encouraging children to remain in the school system.