The debate over the agrarian sector is not only important for Mozambique, but for the world in general, and especially for Africa. The sector is recognized as key to broad-based economic growth, poverty reduction, and food security in sub-Saharan Africa (Chilonda, Machethe, & Minde, 2007)1 . As the backbone of many African economies, this sector generates on average 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Sub-Saharan Africa and contributes about 44% to employment generation for the region2 . Studies indicate that growth in agriculture has the potential to reduce poverty two to three times more than growth in any other sector.
Yet, Sub-Saharan Africa remains the only region in the world where food insecurity and poverty have worsened over time 3 . The poor performance of agriculture in productivity and competitiveness represents a serious structural challenge for the continent, which must deal with its demographic transition and compete in an increasingly globalized and more competitive market for agricultural and agro-food products.