Implementing the National Development Strategy: Poultry and cotton production clusters
This project seeks to support the implementation of the National Development Strategy by designing a set of policy interventions with a focus on the poultry and cotton sectors. The National Development Strategy aims at inclusive and sustainable economic growth, driven by structural transformation and economic diversification. It is a high-level cross-sectoral policy document that guides the development strategy for the next 20 years, but is in need of sector-specific analysis and action plans to implement its overarching vision.
The Ministry of the Economy and Finance (MEF) selected the poultry and cotton sectors as pilot-studies for such sector-specific action plans on the basis of actual or potential comparative advantages and - in the case of poultry - growing domestic demand. Although these sectors relate to very different value chains, both present opportunities for smallholder farmers. Furthermore, both have strong links to agro-processing, which can be a first step towards industrialization. The poultry industry, which is growing fast due to increasing demand for chicken meat by the emerging middle class, has significant links to soy and maize processing. Although almost all lint cotton is currently exported raw, the sector does present large opportunities for agro-processing and job creation in the cotton spinning and textile sectors.
The studies will adopt a value-chain approach, with an analysis encompassing the production and distribution of inputs, supporting services such as extension support, veterinary services, market information, transport, and the delivery of the final product to the consumer. The methodology will involve the analysis of existing studies and data sources, interviews and related field information. Interviews with key stakeholders from the public and private sector were conducted, both in Maputo and the provinces. Throughout the process, the strong involvement of the relevant Ministries and institutions is being sought, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and others.
The final output will consist of two studies, one for cotton and one for poultry. These will include an in-depth analysis of both sectors, a set of policy suggestions and an objective, time-bound action plan. This plan would be implemented around a partnership between the government and private sector. This compact will detail the policy reforms that the government would undertake, as well as the investment commitments from the private sector. Thus, sector development would be grounded on a medium and long-term public-private cooperative arrangement.
Beyond boosting the performance of the two specific sectors that will be addressed directly, this approach to designing and implementing industrial policy could serve as a model for other sectors.
