Mozambique currently ranks 113th of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index, with 43% of children under 5 suffering from stunting. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the national food security landscape and the agricultural realities that drive these indicators.
Food Security Indicators
National Statistics
| Metric | Value | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Global Hunger Index rank | 113/125 | — |
| Stunting (children <5) | 43% | 22% |
| Wasting (children <5) | 6% | 7% |
| Undernourishment | 32% | 9% |
| Food insecurity (moderate+) | 70% | 25% |
| Lean season months | 2-4 | 0-1 |
| Per capita calorie intake | 2,100 kcal/day | 2,800 |
| Protein intake | 45g/day | 75g |
Provincial Food Security
| Province | Stunting % | Food Insecure % | Lean Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabo Delgado | 48% | 75% | 4 months |
| Nampula | 45% | 70% | 3 months |
| Zambézia | 43% | 65% | 3 months |
| Gaza | 40% | 60% | 4 months |
| Tete | 38% | 55% | 3 months |
| Niassa | 37% | 50% | 2 months |
| Sofala | 36% | 55% | 2 months |
| Manica | 33% | 45% | 2 months |
| Inhambane | 32% | 50% | 3 months |
| Maputo | 25% | 30% | 1 month |
The Lean Season Crisis
What Is the Lean Season
The lean season (fome/seca) is the period before harvest when food stocks run out:
- Timing: November-March (before March-April harvest)
- Impact: Families eat one meal per day instead of three
- Coping strategies: Sell assets (livestock, tools), gather wild foods, migrate
- Children: Most affected — malnutrition during growth years causes permanent stunting
Why the Lean Season Exists
- One harvest per year: No irrigation leads to no dry season crops.
- No storage: Pests destroy stored grain within 3 months.
- No income diversification: Lack of income during the dry season restricts food access.
- No safety net: Absence of formal social protections like food stamps or unemployment insurance.
Impact on the Smallholder Season
For a smallholder farmer in places like Zambezia, the lean season creates a critical gap where resources are exhausted before the next harvest arrives. During these months, the household focus shifts from production to survival, often resulting in the sale of essential tools or livestock to purchase food. Access to early-season inputs can help stabilize production, ensuring that farmers have a reliable buffer against these predictable periods of scarcity.
The Nature of the Harvest
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Nutritional Deficiencies
| Nutrient | Deficiency Rate | Health Impact | Food Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 60% of households | Stunting, poor immunity | Beans, groundnuts, fish, eggs |
| Iron | 70% of women | Anemia, maternal mortality | Dark leafy greens, beans, meat |
| Vitamin A | 50% of children | Blindness, poor immunity | Sweet potato, mango, papaya |
| Iodine | 40% | Goiter, cognitive impairment | Iodized salt, fish |
| Zinc | 60% | Stunting, immune deficiency | Whole grains, beans, meat |
Biofortified Crops
Researchers and organizations are exploring biofortified crops—staple foods bred to contain higher nutrient levels. Innovations include orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for Vitamin A, high-iron beans to combat anemia, and quality protein maize to address chronic deficiencies. While these represent research directions for the future of agriculture, their adoption is key to long-term community health.
Frequently asked questions
What causes stunting in children? Stunting is primarily caused by chronic malnutrition during the first 1,000 days of life, preventing proper physical and cognitive development.
How do pests affect food security? Inadequate storage infrastructure means that pests can destroy a family's stored grain harvest within three months, leading to premature food shortages.
Why are biofortified crops significant? They are bred to naturally contain higher levels of essential vitamins and minerals, helping to reduce nutritional deficiencies in populations dependent on specific staple crops.
Understanding the Landscape
To learn more about how to support farmers and gain a deeper understanding of the agricultural sector, check out these resources:
- How sponsoring a farmer works
- Meet the farmers
- How to help farmers in Mozambique
- Before you give: 7 questions
Maputo Bridge Capital, founded by Anselmo Boaventura in Fort Worth, Texas, connects sponsors with verified smallholder farmers in Mozambique, including those working with the COJAZ cooperative in Zambezia. A sponsor gives from $25, which goes directly to the farmer’s local seed and fertilizer shop; 92% of the funds reach the shop, while 8% covers field verification and documentation. These sponsorships are gifts, not investments, and are not tax-deductible. To support a farmer, visit /donate.