Are there ways that the cash crop sector could have substantial yield increases to meet the growing population?
FM: There are several. We have about 10 agro-ecological zones in Mozambique and of these, six of them are in the northern parts of the country. In all those six zones it is possible to raise something like ten times the yield we are currently producing, provided that we: use the right seeds, have irrigation, and have the right equipment for harvesting. The losses in production can be reduced if we have the proper technology. IPS: Cash crops are significant to Mozambiques agriculture. But does livestock play a significant role in the contribution to Mozambiques economy? FM: Yes, it plays a large contribution. Livestock is like a banking system. Families prefer to have livestock (to money) especially in rural areas where we dont have banks or any of the systems of modern savings. They use cattle, goats and animals as a way to save. Whenever they need money they sell the animals. Livestock is involved in traditions like, for example, weddings where they use some of these animals. In centr