As dimensões da sustentabilidade nas políticas públicas para o setor agrário em Moçambique

Abstract

Mozambique is an essentially agrarian country, where the majority of the population is dedicated to agriculture and livestock. Agriculture is the main source of food and income, besides its important role in food security. Since the majority of the population depends on agriculture, natural resources are often exploited without considering their sustainability. Therefore, the government should opt for public policies that jointly reinforce the dimensions of sustainability, which can contribute to the improvement of food security and, above all, to the alleviation of poverty. The aim of this work was to analyze how the dimensions of sustainability are addressed in Mozambican agricultural policies, particularly in the Strategic Plan for the Development of the Agricultural Sector (PEDSA) 2011-2020. To this end, a qualitative approach was adopted, through documentary research and interviews, both analyzed with the support of content analysis techniques, and the economic, environmental, social and cultural dimensions were defined as categories. It was found that since the creation of the Agrarian Policy and Implementation Strategies (PAEI), the objectives defined in subsequent policies are partially related to the dimensions of sustainability, although the economic dimension prevails. In the approach to sustainable development, it was noted that the Environmental Strategy for Sustainable Development is based on the same perspectives as the Brundtland Report, with the exception that in addition to the traditional dimensions, the political, ethical and cultural values that represent other dimensions of sustainability are considered and should be included in all sectorial policies oriented to the promotion of agriculture and rural development. Analyzing the dimensions of sustainability in PEDSA, it was noted that the economic dimension stood out, with the focus of the policy being on technological innovation that ensures increased production and productivity to meet the challenges of food security, although without considering its impacts on the environment and the local context. The environmental dimension was also much addressed in the plan, where several actions to encourage the sustainable use and management of natural resources stand out, such as the prevention of soil degradation and measures to protect against climate change through conservation agriculture and the production of biofuels. However, only 2% of the financial resources were allocated to this dimension, compared to the economic dimension in which more than 85% of these resources were allocated. Although little addressed, the social dimension appears in PEDSA related to social and gender equity, involving the inclusion of women in rural employment and access to productive resources. The cultural dimension, although important in the context of sustainable agriculture, was not addressed in the PEDSA. It was thus perceived that the dimensions of sustainability are not fully present in PEDSA and those that prevail are treated in isolation. Thus, there are many challenges to be overcome by policy makers and society in general, in order to ensure that policy implementation promotes sustainability in its different dimensions. The starting point is to understand the concept itself so as to ensure its effective inclusion in sectoral policies and strategies.