Access to food-processing equipment is creating new opportunities for members of nutrition committees in the districts of Metuge, Ancuabe, Pemba and Mecufi, in Cabo Delgado Province.
The AgroVida project, implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation, ADPP Mozambique, Gapi, h2n Association, SmartFarming BV and ThirdWay Partners (Multi-Stakeholder Platform), with funding from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the French Development Agency (AFD), is promoting the use of locally available agricultural products, dietary diversification and the creation of income-generating opportunities, with a particular focus on women's economic empowerment through the introduction of food-processing equipment.
A total of 20 food-processing machines have been delivered under the project's nutrition component, with the aim of promoting the processing and commercialisation of locally available agricultural products.
The equipment enables agricultural raw materials to be transformed into nutritious food products with commercial potential, including peanut butter, soya flour and enriched flours made by combining different cereals and other nutritionally valuable ingredients.
In addition to increasing the availability of these foods within communities, the initiative aims to encourage healthier eating practices, reduce agricultural produce waste and strengthen community groups' capacity to develop sustainable income-generating activities.
According to beneficiaries, the introduction of this equipment is helping to increase the value of local agricultural products, including those that previously went to waste due to preservation challenges and limited knowledge of their processing and nutritional potential. The production of cereal flours, soya flour and peanut butter is beginning to attract interest within communities, both for household consumption and commercial purposes.
To ensure the proper use of the equipment and the sustainability of these initiatives, the AgroVida team is also developing business plans and providing a package of coaching and ongoing support to beneficiaries. This assistance aims to strengthen their skills in business management, cost control, pricing, marketing and the organisation of production activities.
By supporting nutrition committees in processing locally available agricultural products, AgroVida seeks to establish a direct link between improving household nutrition, strengthening women's economic roles and generating income within communities.