STOP Food Loss: FTF Premier-Oholo (PRO) and METL Partnership to Minimize Food Losses in the Nacala Corridor
On September 29, the world observes International Day of Food Loss and Waste, a crucial reminder of staggering global statistics: approximately one-third of food produced for human consumption—around 1.3 billion tons—is lost or wasted each year. This waste results in an estimated economic loss of $940 billion and contributes to 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
In Mozambique, food loss poses a significant challenge, with 30-40% of food lost post-harvest, primarily due to inadequate storage and transportation. This inefficiency is particularly pronounced in staple crops like maize, impacting food security for the 16% of the population facing severe hunger. The economic toll is steep, with food loss estimated to cost Mozambique around $100 million annually.
FTF Premier-Oholo (PRO): A Strategic Initiative
The Feed the Future (FTF) Premier-Oholo (PRO) program, funded by USAID and SDC and implemented by TechnoServe, DAI, and ELIM, recognizes that food loss is a critical inefficiency affecting smallholder and emerging farmers in the Nacala Corridor. These farmers bear the brunt of post-harvest losses, which can decrease their profitability by up to 30%. With an investment fund of $8.2 million aimed at promoting sustainable practices, FTF Premier-Oholo collaborates with local enterprises to create more efficient and resilient food supply chains.
One key partnership within this initiative is being developed with METL, a company based in Nampula that processes around 10,000 tons of maize annually into fortified maize meal. METL faces significant challenges in sourcing high-quality maize, as the grain often arrives with high moisture content and aflatoxin contamination. These issues necessitate costly and time-consuming drying processes that can compromise the quality of the maize and the final product which is maize meal. More than $400,000 will be invested by both parties in improving drying and cleaning capabilities and promoting inclusive supply models.
Addressing Quality and Efficiency
The grain quality greatly affects the price we can offer to farmers. We have to factor in additional costs related to grain treatment, which creates a further burden for the company.
As Isac Presse, a METL Food Quality Manager, explains, “The grain quality greatly affects the price we can offer to farmers. We have to factor in additional costs related to grain treatment, which creates a further burden for the company.” These inefficiencies not only hinder METL’s ability to maximize purchases during the critical harvest season but also significantly impact the prices they can offer to farmers. This cycle of reduced purchasing power exacerbates the challenges faced by local producers, limiting their profitability and reinforcing the need for improved quality management throughout the supply chain.
In response, METL has partnered with FTF Premier-Oholo to enhance its maize drying and cleaning capacities. This collaboration aims to reduce post-harvest losses from 12-14% at this moment experienced by METL to just 2-3% and improve the overall quality of maize supplied by local producers. By investing in modern drying equipment and engaging farmers in best agricultural practices, METL is committed to building a sustainable network that benefits both the company and the rural communities it serves.
Direct Support for Farmers
METL plans to work directly through contract farming with four cooperatives and 6,500 small and emerging farmers, including 2,000 women, in the Nacala Corridor. This supply scheme could improve farmers’ revenues by up to 20%. However, many farmers currently lack the capacity to produce the quantities required for direct supply. By providing resources and training, METL aims to strengthen these farmers’ abilities to meet demand and enhance their livelihoods.
Building a Sustainable Future
The partnership’s impact extends beyond mere numbers. By providing quality seeds and training local producers on good agricultural practices and effective storage techniques, METL fosters a more resilient agricultural ecosystem. These initiatives improve maize quality and contribute to the socio-economic development of rural communities.
Additionally, METL’s ongoing efforts to manage aflatoxin levels through rigorous inspections and training highlight the importance of quality control throughout the production process. Despite facing challenges, METL remains focused on identifying critical control points to minimize waste and improve product quality.
A Call to Action
As we commemorate International Day of Food Loss and Waste, it is essential to recognize the vital role partnerships play in combating food loss. The collaboration between FTF Premier-Oholo and METL exemplifies how targeted investments and shared knowledge can lead to meaningful change in the agricultural sector.
Together, we can pave the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and secure food system in Mozambique. By addressing the root causes of food loss and waste, we can enhance food security, support local economies, and protect our environment for future generations.
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