Enhancing Mozambique's capacity for resilient recovery: FAO supports training on Post-Disaster Needs Assessment and Damage and Loss Methodologies

Mozambique, a nation highly susceptible to climate-related hazards such as cyclones, floods and droughts, continues to face profound socio-economic repercussions of these recurrent events. The agriculture sector, contributing approximately 24.3 percent to the national GDP and employing over 70 percent of the labour force, remains particularly vulnerable.

The recent El Niño-induced droughts in 2023/24 exemplified this fragility, resulting in substantial crop losses. Estimated at 19 percent of overall production, including nearly 720 000 tonnes of maize valued at around USD 349 million. These impacts, compounded by ongoing conflicts in the north, have exacerbated food insecurity, with projections indicating that up to 3.3 million people could face severe acute food insecurity between October 2024 and March 2025.

In response to these challenges, the Government of Mozambique, through the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD) and the National Directorate of Agriculture within the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to deliver a comprehensive five-day training programme.

Held from 15 to 19 December 2025 in Maputo, the training focused on the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) methodology and an introduction to FAO's Damage and Loss (D&L) approach in the agricultural sector. This training aimed to bolster national and sectoral capacities to assess post-disaster impacts, estimate damages and losses, and formulate data-driven recovery strategies across key sub-sectors: crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries/aquaculture.

Building technical expertise for effective recovery

Designed to provide hands-on learning and foster collaboration, the programme equipped participants with skills to estimate damages, losses and recovery needs, while integrating cross-cutting issues such as gender, environment, livelihoods, and disaster risk reduction. Interactive sessions included discussions on baseline data, the adaptation of PDNA tools to the Mozambican context, and the launch of draft sectoral guidelines for agriculture. The focus explored FAO's D&L methodology, highlighting its complementarity with PDNA.

Diverse participation for inclusive preparedness

The training brought together over 11 technical staff from key government institutions, including INGD, CENOE (National Centre of Emergency Operations)DPC (Department of Planning and Cooperation), MAAP, DINAG (National Directorate of Agriculture), DNP (National Directorate of Livestock), DARIDAS (Division for the Development of Arid and Semi-Arid Zones), and SETSAN (Technical Secretariat for Food Security and Nutrition). UN agencies and development partners engaged in post-disaster recovery also participated, promoting a coordinated and harmonized approach.

Notable attendees included Rita de Almeida, Head of Planning and Cooperation at INGD, and Ana Cristina Manuel, Head of the National Centre of Emergency Operations (CENOE), whose leadership underscored the Government's commitment to enhancing national disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

Paving the way for access to Global Climate Funds

This initiative not only strengthens Mozambique's readiness for timely and coordinated recovery planning but also positions the country to effectively respond to international funding opportunities. By improving national capacities in loss and damage assessments, the training aligns with the objectives of the Funds for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), which supports vulnerable developing countries in addressing irreversible climate impacts through country-owned, locally driven initiatives.

As the FRLD launches calls for funding requests – such as the recent one at COP30 under the Barbados Implementation Modalities – Mozambique's improved capacities will enable stronger applications for resources to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other climate shocks.

Expected outcomes and FAO's ongoing commitment

Participants emerged with a deeper understanding of PDNA and D&L methodologies, improved data readiness, and draft sectoral guidelines tailored to Mozambique's agricultural needs. These outcomes are poised to enhance coordination among stakeholders, ensuring resilient recovery and long-term development planning.

FAO remains committed to supporting the Government of Mozambique in building climate resilience, leveraging evidence from the 2024 El Niño impact assessment to inform targeted and effective interventions. Through continued collaborations with national partners, FAO aim to safeguard livelihoods, strengthen agricultural productivity, and foster sustainable development in the face of increasing climate risks.