By Lyse Comins
Mozambique is seeking to reduce its reliance on South African vegetable imports by expanding domestic agricultural production, prompting a warning that import substitution efforts should not result in restrictions on regional food trade.
Mozambican Agriculture Minister Roberto Albino said the southern province of Gaza had the capacity to produce large quantities of vegetables currently imported from South Africa.
During a visit to Massingir Valley Farms, which has resumed production after suffering flood damage, Albino called for a concerted effort by producers, seed companies and other stakeholders to replace imports of potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage and onions.
He also visited bean seed production fields in Guijá district, which he said had the potential to become a centre of excellence for maize and bean seed production.
Mozambican Agriculture Minister Roberto Albino
Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) chief economist Wandile Sihlobo welcomed Mozambique’s efforts to expand agricultural production, saying increased output could support economic growth and shared prosperity in the region.
“Such efforts of wanting to improve Mozambique’s agricultural production ought to be supported. We all want shared prosperity in southern Africa. There are lessons and technologies that Mozambique can learn from South African agribusinesses to boost its agricultural production,” Sihlobo said.
However, he warned that efforts to increase domestic production should not lead to restrictions on regional food trade.
“Agriculture is around 20-25% of Mozambique’s GDP, and its recovery would have a material impact. But the approach to these agricultural expansion efforts in our region should be one that doesn’t encourage irregular border closures.”
Borders should remain open to food trade while governments, farmers and agribusinesses worked to increase domestic production, Sihlobo said.
“South Africa’s agriculture must not be viewed as a threat, but as a key collaborator and provider of essential inputs. We want shared prosperity in agriculture in our region, and trade friction would defeat that goal,” he said.
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