1. Processing
Small-scale industrial processing for local markets (oil, soap, maize, etc.). Threshing, milling, pressing, cooking soap. Primarily in Lichinga because could use Neves’ infrastructure and because greater quantities of sunflowers. Proven market for sunflower oil.
- Reduction of imports
- Reduction of price
- Stimulation of additional crop production
- Creation or securing of employment
- Low level of investment
- Additional income from selling waste to poultry farm
2. Poultry farm
Professional, medium-sized (5,000 - 10,000 chickens) farms in main population centres for both eggs and meat. Vetinerary input very important. Start in Cuamba as easier access to vetinerary assistance, transportation, reliable electricity and water supplies. Market for at least two farms. Works in combination with processing project – waste products from processing make good chicken feed. First step should be that specialists study the quality and origin of the broilers.
- Reduction of imports
- Reduction of price
- Job creation
- Opportunity to transfer skills
3. Loja do Niassa
Small-scale trading company for speciality products. Operating from Maputo with buying centre in Lichinga.
- Widens market for small farmers
- Stimulates production of high-quality, specialised crops
- Showcases Niassa’s products
- Test market for larger project
4. Restaurant
Centre of provincial government and large NGO population so considerable number of people in Lichinga with relatively high income and inclination to eat different, international food such as Italian etc. Most restaurants serve only local food, low levels of service and no atmosphere.
- Improves quality of living for above people
- Job creation
- Stimulates market
5. Farm Co.
There is a huge amount of unused fertile land in Niassa. There is also considerable interest in Niassa’s agricultural potential from foreign farmers. However, these two facts are not currently coordinated. It is extremely important that a farmer gets the best farm for his individual requirements. There is potential for Farm Co. to provide assistance to farmers but we do not know the extent of the help that could be provided as farmers appear to prefer to choose their own land rather than buy an existing farm or defined concession. The farms on the market in Niassa are not selling. Farmers will also need credit facilities – see point 5 of NGO projects.
6. Agricultural organisation
Both small and commercial farmers would benefit from an organisation which provides technical assistance, transportation and storage facilities, equipment, fertilisers, seeds, market access and credit facilities. The legal form that this organisation would take and the scope of its activities are still open. It could operate as a non-profit making cooperative, a profit-orientated private company as Tinus proposes or as a hybrid of the two. The logistics of this project would be extremely complicated, not least in terms of communication. It should have a sophisticated financial and legal structure, secured sales channels, a high-standard of marketing and reliable transportation facilities.
If we find a solution to these problems, this project could have a major impact on the life of large numbers of farmers. It would encourage other farmers to establish themselves in the area and would also provide a blueprint for similar schemes in other provinces.
7. Coffee
The climate in northern Niassa is extremely good for coffee. This is a high value crop which is relatively easy to produce. It is of international importance. We do not know the technicalities of accessing the international coffee market and we therefore do not know how to motivate farmers to produce this crop.
8. Gold
There are apparently substantial gold deposits in northwest Niassa. This was supposedly confirmed by two South African surveys which showed positive results. A new road is being built which will improve access to this area from the Mozambican side. However, it is currently being mined at a primitive level by illegal immigrants and the profit is mostly dissipated over the border. We need to confirm the results of the surveys and then find an international partner for this project.