Prioritisation of no-regret solutions to address food system disruption in central Mozambique

Abstract

Extreme weather events (floods, droughts, and cyclones) have become more frequent and severe, posing a threat to food systems. These disruptions have devastating effects on agriculture, livelihoods, and food security, particularly for vulnerable smallholder farmers. This study addresses the pressing need to prioritize "no-regret" solutions which are actionable and feasible for food system problems in Central Mozambique. The research problem is framed within Southern Africa's vulnerability to climate-related shocks, with Mozambique experiencing catastrophic events, including protracted droughts, cyclones, and flooding, that have disrupted the food system and left millions of people in severe food insecurity. The systematic review functioned as a mechanism for gathering insights from diverse studies. This data was sifted using Atlas.ti and subsequently structured into a questionnaire. Through purposive sampling, stakeholders were selected and invited to rank the items within the questionnaire. Stakeholder perspectives, including farmers, government institutions, non- governmental organizations, and academia, was gathered through purposive sampling and questionnaires to assess the viability of these strategies. Key findings show that while food assistance, particularly cash transfer programs, plays a vital role, it often functions as an ex- post intervention following disasters. Insurance-based solutions emerge as a frequently cited mechanism, showing the need for well-designed financial protection instruments. The research identifies six interconnected themes (Supply chain infrastructure, Agriculture, Education and public awareness, financial, public institutions and Research, processing and technology) that, when integrated, offer a rounded strategy for addressing food system disruptions. Given Central Mozambique's vulnerability to climate-related shocks, climate-smart agriculture emerges as a top priority. Stakeholder diversity in preferences features the complexity of addressing food system challenges. Agriculture consistently ranks as a top priority, reflecting v its central role as the primary income source for a significant population. The study recommends a broad set of actions, including adopting climate-smart agriculture practices, proactive food assistance programs, and developing financial protection instruments. The study's outcomes conclusion presents a stakeholder-driven, rounded strategy to prioritize actions, emphasizing governance, agriculture, research and technology, education, finance, and supply chain dynamics to support policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working towards building a more resilient and sustainable food system in Central Mozambique, particularly in the context of increasing threats from extreme weather events.