Agricultural and economic experts are intensely debating the recent revelation by the Mozambican Agricultural Research Institute (IIAM) about the possibility of transforming Niassa province into a reliable source of wheat for the country by the end of 2024. With rising global tensions, including the war between Russia and Ukraine, wheat supplies have become scarce in Mozambique, igniting discussions about independence and self-sufficiency in agricultural production.
The successful trials of wheat varieties conducted by IIAM in collaboration with the agricultural company African Century Matama in recent years show promising potential for drastically reducing Mozambique's external dependence on this important cereal. In the last three years, African Century Matama has already supplied more than 450 tons of wheat to the Mozambican market, signaling the viability and capacity of local production.
Experts emphasize that Mozambique has ecological agricultural resources and proven potential for wheat production in quantities that could guarantee the country's self-sufficiency. They point to the provinces of Niassa, Manica, and Tete as areas with proven capacity not only to meet domestic needs but also to potentially become suppliers of this cereal to the global market.
However, the debate focuses on the crucial need for strategic agricultural policies that maximize these potentialities. Issues such as investment in infrastructure, technical support for local farmers, access to financing, and appropriate technology are at the heart of the discussions. Proponents of this movement argue that this transition will strengthen the national economy, reduce vulnerability to fluctuations in the international market, and ensure a stable supply of wheat for Mozambicans.
On the other hand, skeptics raise concerns about logistical challenges, large-scale production capacity, and the need for substantial investment to achieve self-sufficiency. They also highlight the importance of balancing wheat production with other essential crops to avoid monoculture and ensure the country's overall food security.
As the country assesses this opportunity, it is clear that the discussion about Mozambique's agricultural potential and the possibility of self-sufficiency in wheat production is only just beginning, with divergent views seeking a path that can boost the country's agricultural and economic development.
