Mozambique secures US $150m for Rural Resilience Project

0
582
Mozambique secures US $150m for Rural Resilience Project

The government of Mozambique has secured US $150million for the Northern Mozambique Rural Resilience Project. The million dollar funds which was approved by the World Bank from the International Development Association (IDA) is set for boosting the country’s efforts to improve incomes and build social and economic resilience in rural communities north of the country.

It is in line with the country’s priorities outlined in its five-year plan, the World Bank’s partnership framework with Mozambique for the years 2017-21, as well as the new conflict-prevention and resilience-building focus of the bank’s activities in Mozambique. The Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, Land and Environment as well as Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries will implement the operation.

Fragility in rural communities

“This operation complements our efforts aimed at supporting Mozambique to address some of the key drivers of fragility in rural communities in Northern Mozambique. It is my hope that local communities especially women and youth, be adequately represented in decision-making processes, and benefit from the project’s support proportionately to their involvement in livelihoods activities in targeted areas,” said Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough, World Bank Country Director for Mozambique, Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles.

The project will benefit approximately 300 communities, particularly those most vulnerable to compounded shocks and fragility affecting the region. The Northern Mozambique is also affected by terror perpetrated by Islamists in Cabo Delgado Province, who are widely known as Ansar al-Sunna, affiliated to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

“The credit will directly benefit local communities living in the target landscapes, by promoting improved access to livelihood opportunities and healthier ecosystems,” said Franka Braun, Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist and the project’s Task Team Leader.