Tzu Chi volunteers produce 140 tonnes of food in Mozambique

Tzu Chi volunteers produced 140 tonnes of food at the Mecuzi farm in the Sofala province of Mozambique.

The organization uses this produce to support humanitarian projects, specifically targeting schoolchildren, patients, and people in vulnerable situations. The farm occupies approximately 100 hectares and grows vegetables and cereals. These crops go toward a school meals project designed to reduce student absenteeism by providing snacks to children in schools built by the foundation.

The organization also delivers food to healthcare facilities, including the Nhamatanda Rural Hospital, which treats at least 60 patients daily for inpatient care. The foundation also manages agricultural activities to fund its ongoing initiatives. Agriculture Manager Arsénio de Sousa stated that the organization is currently cultivating 80 hectares of cashew nuts and expects to expand this area to over 100 hectares by the end of the year.

The foundation also plans to sell more than 40 tonnes of maize to ensure the sustainability of its humanitarian programs. Tai-Lin Tsai, the founder of the Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, noted that heavy rains at the start of the year made the volunteers' work difficult. The organization has operated in Mozambique since 2012 and increased its activities in the region following Cyclone Idai in 2019.