News in Brief:
– IFAD commits $63 million to PROPEIXE project in Mozambique, benefiting 90,000 artisanal fishers.
– PROPEIXE aims to boost incomes, nutrition, and food security while addressing challenges in the artisanal fisheries sector and building resilience against climate shocks.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has committed a substantial $63 million to the Artisanal Fisheries Resilient Development Project (PROPEIXE) in Mozambique. This transformative initiative aims to uplift the lives of 90,000 artisanal fishers across five coastal provinces, addressing key barriers to sustainable production and marketing.
PROPEIXE, spanning seven years, holds the promise of enhancing incomes, nutrition, and food security for local communities. Recognising the vital role of women in the sector, the project ensures their active participation, constituting 50% of the participants.
IFAD Country Director for Mozambique, Jaana Keitaanranta, emphasises that PROPEIXE is not just a project but an investment in Mozambique’s future. By empowering artisanal fishers and promoting sustainable practices, the initiative aims to secure food for communities, preserve ecosystems, and build resilience.
Tackling challenges in artisanal fisheries industry
Despite contributing significantly to daily protein intake and supporting 50% of the coastal population, Mozambique’s artisanal fisheries sector faces challenges like reduced fish stocks, degraded marine resources, and inefficiencies in the value chain.
PROPEIXE will address these challenges by promoting climate-smart practices, disaster preparedness, and community empowerment in fisheries management. Aligned with national development strategies prioritising climate-smart practices, the project also encourages responsible fishing and the adoption of environmentally friendly gear.
With Mozambique witnessing the direct impact of 14 cyclones between 2000 and 2023, PROPEIXE will also implement mechanisms to respond to climate shocks. This includes replacing lost fishing gear, rehabilitating fisheries, and production infrastructures, and safeguarding the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Funding and partnerships
The project’s funding comprises contributions from IFAD ($29.3 million), The Global Environment Facility ($8.9 million), the private sector ($5.5 million), and the Government of Mozambique and project participants ($5.6 million). An additional $11.07 million financing envelope is open to new and interested financiers.
Since 1983, IFAD has invested over $435.77 million in 16 rural development programs in Mozambique, benefiting 2,391,789 rural households. PROPEIXE marks a significant step forward in the collective efforts to build a resilient and thriving future for Mozambique’s coastal communities.
