SUSTAIN - Inclusive growth through healthy productive landscapes in Tanzania and Mozambique
SUSTAIN is a 10-year initiative working towards sustainable food systems and healthy productive landscapes in the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania and the Beira Agricultural Growth Corridor in Mozambique.
The economies of Tanzania and Mozambique are highly reliant on agriculture, forestry and fisheries, with large parts of their populations living in rural areas, dependent on subsistence farming and natural resources for their survival. Both countries are also highly vulnerable to climate change (e.g. increase in cyclones in Mozambique and droughts in Tanzania) leading to major economic costs affecting millions of people and their livelihoods.
The SUSTAIN initiative will build on the achievements of the previous project phase to optimise the potential for inclusive and sustainable agricultural development in both countries. Through the development of a second phase, SUSTAIN will strive to accelerate a shift from business-as-usual to development paradigms that build resilience in economies, people and nature.
The FAO[1] defines a sustainable food system as “a food system that delivers food security and nutrition for all in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for future generations are not compromised”. In order to realise the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, it is critical to secure sustainable food systems.
SUSTAIN will encourage the implementation of sustainable food systems by adopting a holistic approach, including all aspects related to the food system (i.e. value chains, markets, etc.), alongside economic, environmental and social impacts. To be sustainable, food systems need to be supported by well-functioning ecosystems.
Goal and objectives
SUSTAIN addresses the barriers and opportunities for sustainable growth in Africa emphasizing on how to make agriculture more sustainable, while protecting and restoring ecosystems for sustainable livelihoods.
The project will:
- Enhance sustainable and inclusive governance and management of natural resources;
- Implement integrated landscape management and innovative nature-based solutions to generate inclusive and sustainable business and livelihood opportunities; and
- Catalyse innovative and inclusive investments in healthy ecosystems, sustainable agribusinesses and value chains.
SUSTAIN will be implemented in three landscapes the Southern Agricultural Growth Corridor of Tanzania and specifically the Ihemi, Kilombero and Sumbawanga Clusters, and will also extend its work to on landscape in the Beira Corridor in Mozambique. SUSTAIN will build on the partnerships established from 2014-2020 in a first phase of the programme, ensuring continuity and aiming at long-term sustainability.
“Easily accessible and reliable financing can help farmers combat the effects of climate change that continues to cause setbacks to their initiatives. The private sector is ready to help, but an enabling business environment is needed” – Geoffrey Kirenga, CEO of the SAGCOT Centre, a strategic SUSTAIN partner in Tanzania.
SUSTAIN is made possible through the generous financial support of the Norwegian Development Agency (Norad) and will run initially for a 3-year period (2021-2024).