Community-based forest carbon project in Mozambique

Zambézia, the project province area, is characterised by under-developed infrastructure and service sectors, predominance of low intensity land use, subsistence agriculture mainly, and lack of market-oriented activity such as production of cash crops. Forest clearance for agriculture and consequent degradation of natural resources are likely to continue in the area in the absence of other livelihood options or mechanisms, which enable local communities to capture more of the value of forests.

It has been estimated that in Zambézia there are 0.7 million hectares of potential areas for plantation establishment, which include 589 000 ha potential for small-scale (1 20 ha) activities, and forested areas that could be conserved if proper incentives are provided to the communities. The establishment of forest plantations and the avoidance of deforestation if linked to a carbon payment scheme could contribute to poverty reduction and improved livelihoods.

However, the benefits to farmers will depend on the management of the project and the payment mechanism. The carbon payment scheme needs to be tailored to the local context to take into account the capacities of the farmers, and their community organisations, and the availability of existing support institutions and local financial intermediaries.