Cargill has joined forces with Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and plans to invest US$1.35 million to provide support for the Bilibiza Agriculture Institute (IABil), providing educational opportunities for farmers in northern Mozambique
Under the three-year deal, which has been backed by Cargill’s businesses in Switzerland and Africa, IABil plans to improve its teaching capabilities and to reach more student farmers in the northern region.
“Cargill is committed to supporting our African farming communities to develop sustainable and responsible agricultural practices,” said Pieter Reichert, a business development manager in Mozambique.
“To do this, we are working with NGOs and governments to develop public/private partnerships and help develop a sustainable market for food and agriculture. This project is a fabulous step towards strengthening the next generation of farmers in Mozambique and we are excited to have this opportunity to collaborate with both the Aga Khan Foundation and the Bilibiza Agriculture Institute.”
The deal will bring new changes such as more teaching staff at the IABil, training on entrepreneurial and technical fields of agriculture (including livestock and processing), improving infrastructure and helping to promote a commercially-operated farm for long-term financial support.
Faiza Janmohamed, CEO of AKF Mozambique, said, "With our national and other international partners, including the Government of Mozambique, Cargill’s support will allow us to set a firm foundation to progressively upgrade teaching, infrastructure and management of the school.
"Our joint efforts to address the need for skilled smallholder farmers are timely and relevant in Mozambique, given government policies, which emphasize the importance of the smallholder sector.”
