In response to climate hazards affecting the livelihoods of 32 million people in Mozambique, the "Synergi" project implemented by University College Dublin (UCD) in Ireland is promoting the development of sustainable and resilient urban agriculture, particularly in the capital Maputo.
“Diversified urban agriculture can help cities address the twin challenges of food security and climate change by providing a sustainable food supply. Christine Bonnin, Project Manager of University College Dublin (UCD) in Ireland, said at the launch of the Synergi project in Maputo, Mozambique. The initiative aims to develop inclusive and resilient food systems in the face of the effects of climate change in major Mozambican cities such as Maputo, Matola, Beira and Nampula.
Specifically, the project will test rainwater harvesting systems, pollution filtration, carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration, as well as eco-responsible cultivation techniques for Moringa, sweet potato and other fruit trees. According to Patrick Empey, Ireland’s ambassador to Mozambique, the project will also contribute to the implementation of the UN’s sixth sustainable development goal (SDG) on gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“Synergi is being implemented in partnership with the Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) in Maputo, civil society organisations (CSOs), and the Irish Research Council (IRC) through its Irish Aid agency, which supports sustainable development in 13 countries including Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Liberia, Malawi and Mozambique.
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In this East African country, where food supplies are partly dependent on Russia and Ukraine during the war, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has granted $5.6 million in the second half of 2022 to boost agricultural production in areas affected by flooding. This funding, which is part of the Emergency Reconstruction and Resilience Project initiated by the government of Mozambique, will facilitate local farmers’ access to modern inputs through the development of smart agriculture.
Benoit-Ivan Wansi
