Sugarcane outgrower schemes in Mozambique: Findings from the field

Author(s)

Leite, J. G. D. B. ^{[1, 2]} ; Leal, M. R. L. V. ^[3] ; Langa, F. M. ^[4]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Campinas Unicamp, Interdisciplinary Ctr Energy Planning NIPE, Rua Cora Coralina 330, BR-13083896 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[2] UFFS, Ave Fernando Machado 108E, POB 181, BR-89802112 Chapeco, SC - Brazil

^[3] CNPEM, Natl Res Ctr Energy & Mat CTBE, Brazilian Bioethanol Sci & Technol Lab, POB 6192, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

^[4] Gwevhane Xinavane, Maputo - Mozambique

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL SUGAR JOURNAL; v. 119, n. 1427, p. 896-900, NOV 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Agro-industries have been widely acknowledged as a way to kick-start agricultural development in developing regions. A number of pro-poor organizations promote production models that include the engagement of smallholder farmers as potential enablers for employment generation, economic development and livelihood improvements. Initiatives such as this appear in Sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on food and bioenergy crops. However, the large-scale production of cash crops, such as sugarcane, also raises concerns. A critical aspect is the impact of land-use on food security, particularly if local communities are constrained in cultivating traditional crops. In this paper, we explore the relationship between a sugarcane mill and smallholder farmers in Maputo province, Mozambique. Our main goal was to investigate some key characteristics of sugarcane outgrower schemes and the implications for sustainable local development. We also complemented local findings with lessons learnt from other regions, such as Brazil. In August 2015, a field assessment examined the interplay between the sugarcane industry and local communities in southern Mozambique. We interviewed three smallholders' associations of sugarcane producers in Xinavane, together with researchers, non-governmental organizations and agricultural government bodies. Our assessment finds that the impacts of sugarcane remain somewhat unclear. Government bodies and some of the consulted NGOs claim benefits, both on income and local food production. However, these benefits are less evident to farmers. While they acknowledge labour and social services as opportunities brought by the sugar mill, progress on capacity building and irrigated areas for food production fall short of expectations. Moreover, there is also tension as to the sugarcane outgrower contract. Incomplete information seems to undermine trust from farmers who become increasingly sceptical of their contracts with the sugarcane mill, especially the payment system. Transparency, coupled with more effective food production strategies, are decisive to ensure sustainable agro-industrial development along with poverty reduction. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/00282-3 - Bioenergy contribution of Latin America, Caribbean and Africa to the GSB project - LACAF-Cane I
• Grantee: Luis Augusto Barbosa Cortez
• Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Thematic Grants