Changing the internally displaced persons paradigm in Mozambique

communities aims to increase access to healthy diets, promote the consumption of nutritious food, and provide opportunities for income generation and diversification.

_{Having the resources and technical support he needed to thrive meant Ali’s farm could flourish despite the challenges. ©FAO/Fábio de Sousa}

A new lease on life

FAO technicians routinely go back to check on the progress made by project participants as part of its crop development monitoring. Upon their return to Montepuez, Ali, with a good memory of both names and faces, was delighted to see the same FAO officials from the earlier kit distribution return to assess his progress. His onions, cabbage, okra, pumpkin and beans were all doing well.

“I have already started selling produce from my new farm,” a delighted Ali exclaimed, “the onions and cabbage are fetching great prices because the quality is a notch above the available options at the market”. As assessed by the FAO officials, the crops were impressive in size and appearance.

“I have a new lease on life. The land, seeds, tools and technical support have all played a big role in where I am today,” an emotional Ali remarked. He can now comfortably feed his family and sell the surplus produce to purchase vital products like medication.

_{Through agriculture, displaced families like Ali’s can sustainability feed themselves and meet other household needs. ©FAO/Fábio de Sousa}

More action needed

Indeed, FAO’s and its partners’ efforts have made a difference in the lives of many like Ali, but more action is needed. With nearly a million people already displaced and the potential for many more, FAO and its local partners urgently require USD 38.7 million to provide the same sustainable and life-saving support to over 967 550 IDPs in 2023.

Ali proves that IDPs can provide for themselves with the proper support, generating livelihoods and more easily integrating into host communities.