Analysis of agricultural projects funded by the District Development Fund in Chibuto, Mozambique

In order to improve the well being of Mozambican people through increase in agricultural production, the government of Mozambique introduced the District Development Fund (FDD) in 2006. This fund has been given to proponents of different agricultural projects upon submission of agricultural project indicating how the funds will be used and returned. However, the repayment of these funds are limited although higher rate of repayment are desirableso that these funds can be used to benefit more community development projects. This study aims to analyze the implementation of agricultural projects funded by FDD in Chibuto. Qualitative approach based on SWOT analysis is applied in the study. The sample size was composed of 20 farmers and agricultural associations benefiting from FDD. Additionally, a semi-structured interview to the managers of the FDD was conducted. The results show that most farmers and agricultural associations are delinquent in the repayment of the FDD, even with satisfactory monetary incomes. This is due to some factors related to technical, institutional and human nature. In order to improve the scenario, it is necessary to recast the management mechanisms of both farms as managers at district level, accompanied by other policies.