Agriculture is the mainstay of Mozambique’s economy, contributing 28% of gross domestic product (GDP) and employing over 81% of the work force. Much of the country’s agricultural production is done by small-scale subsistence farmers and 95% of food production is rain-fed. Any climate variations will have an immediate impact on the agricultural sector. Not only will an increase in climatic natural hazards, such as cyclones and droughts, have a direct impact on the agricultural production systems via crop loss, but also the onset of more subtle changes, such as groundwater salinization and higher soil temperatures, can lower yields. As the climate changes, the suitability of lands to harvest crops will shift and farmers will need to adjust their crops and seeds accordingly.

This section provides insights into the climate change impacts on agricultural productivity indicators and the trends in agriculture related socio-economic indicators.