The European Commission has awarded 3.3 million Euro (US$3.9 million) in funding to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) office in Mozambique for a four-year project to increase food security.

The program, to begin January 2004, will target 7,500 rural households, mainly subsistence farmers and their families, benefiting 45,000 people in the province of Inhambane, Mozambique. The main components of the program include agriculture, irrigation, strengthening of civil society, storage, marketing, and farmers associations.

The project presents an integrated effort in the areas of natural, infrastructure, and human development and aims to revive cashew production, reduce poverty levels, and increase food availability and accessibility. Activities to accomplish this include the establishment of cashew development centers at the district level, community nurseries, and new cashew plantations. Farmers will be trained in integrated cashew management reforestation, improved agricultural and storage techniques to reduce losses, marketing skills, and the production of improved food crops, fruits, and vegetables.

"ADRA Mozambique has a strong history of successfully implementing Food Security and Cashew Reforestation Projects in Mozambique," stated Curtis Hesse, country director for ADRA Mozambique. "ADRA has been implementing Cashew Reforestation and Food Security Projects since 1997 and is presently implementing four projects in ten districts and four provinces, including two connecting projects to the north and south of the target area."

Food insecurity in Mozambique results from a combination of problems. Food crops, cash crops, and the marketing infrastructure suffered severe damage during civil conflict. Agro-climatic conditions, low soil fertility, and low population concentration are other contributing factors. Food insecurity is also often related to low income and inability to afford vital agricultural inputs in addition to a lack of proper marketing techniques and opportunities.

ADRA is present in more than 120 countries providing individual and community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age or ethnicity.