Social Issue

Ibo, the most important island of the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique, has a population of 32,000. Over half live in poverty, and the median age is just 18 (UNDP, 2022). Despite its rich cultural and natural heritage, the island’s potential for sustainable development has been severely impacted by a series of humanitarian crises.

Since 2017, jihadist violence in Cabo Delgado province has displaced over one million people. The population of Ibo District has since doubled, significantly increasing pressure on food and social resources. Insecurity has disrupted the supply of agricultural products from the mainland, pushing the island to seek self-sufficiency.

In this new reality, many displaced individuals with farming experience have begun cultivating land on the island.

Our Response

Fundación IBO has worked since 2005 to reduce socio-economic inequality on the island. Netri has supported its efforts since 2011 financing projects focused on nutrition, women’s empowerment, education, and economic development. 

After Cyclone Kenneth in 2019, the foundation placed a renewed focus on revitalizing productive sectors like fishing, trade, tailoring, and agriculture.Through Fundación IBO’s Business Center, a savings group model has been promoted, managed by the members themselves, as a means to stimulate the local economy.

This donation from Netri will support agricultural associations on the island, with a focus on increasing agricultural production through infrastructure improvements, the purchase of materials and supplies, technical training in sustainable farming, and improving market access via the strengthening of local and regional markets.

A key part of the budget is dedicated to financing an agronomist who will accompany the associations throughout the production cycle, identifying areas for improvement and providing on-site training.

Expected Social Impact

The overall objective is to improve the quality of life in the Ibo District by increasing food security and strengthening an emerging economic sector.

By supporting savings groups engaged in agricultural production it is expected that  these associations will grow and become more sustainable,  improve food security—both in terms of availability and diversity—and increase members’ incomes through the sale of surplus crops. These earnings will allow families to access other basic needs and reinvest in their livelihoods.