Value chain analysis of mangrove forests in central Mozambique: Uses, stakeholders and income

This study aims at documenting the value chain derived from mangrove forests in selected sites in central Mozambique (Zambezi Delta, Nhangau and Chiveve River), through the identification of the services delivered by mangrove forests and assessment of stakeholder’s engagement within the value chain. Furthermore, this work evaluates the income pathways as well as the current and potential benefits of different stakeholders and the socio-economic sustainability of mangroves in the three regions. Zambezi Delta is one of largest mangrove swamps in Africa and Chiveve is located in Beira City, impacted by Cyclone Idai in 2019. The main benefits obtained by the communities both in the Zambezi Delta and Nhangau were derived from commercially important wood extraction and honey production for domestic use. Within the Zambezi Delta, profit for small mangrove poles accrued at the wholesale level (82.6%), while that for large poles accrued to harvesters (125.0%), after a small initial direct investment. At Nhangau, small poles fetched profits of 17%, medium poles 11.5%, and large poles 24%; for charcoal, the greatest portion of profits went to retailers at 50%. Men were mostly involved in mangrove wood harvesting for commercial purposes, while women collected firewood mainly for domestic use. At the Chiveve, the community benefited predominantly from non-extractable services such as flooding control, water purification, nursery grounds for fisheries and aesthetic beauty. It is suggested that Mozambique mangrove forests are valued at USD 2 400 per hectare per year. This monetary accounting can be used to inform decision making on mangrove management and to improve the performance of the value chain and the wellbeing of local communities

Assessment of the vulnerability of coastal mangrove ecosystems in Mozambique

Mangrove forests are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth. However, there is still insufficient information available for strategic prediction of conservation and management intervention, particularly in the case of Mozambique. This country has the longest coastline and mangrove forests of Eastern Africa, but is prone to global climate hazards. Using recent field data and environmental parameters subjected to the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) collinearity test (bioclimatic variables, slop, salinity, land cover, and elevation), we ran MaxEnt to model the distribution of mangrove forests based on occurrence data of the most emblematic and representative mangrove species in Mozambique (Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata). Moreover, in order to understand which areas should be prioritized for management interventions on mangroves and costal dunes, an Exposure Index (EI) to climate hazards and erosion was compared with the potential distribution of these species. Our results showed that average wind speed of summer season, land surface elevation, Mean Diurnal Range, and saltwater exposure (salinity) were determinant on the distribution models of both species. The central coastal region of Mozambique (so-called swamp coast) presents the largest potentially suitable areas for mangroves species occurrence, having the highest levels of exposure. We also found that A. marina presents a higher EI than R. mucronata. The scarcity of studies concerning the central region of Mozambique; which was recently devastated by cyclone Idai (category four, 2019), which hit Mozambique and the neighbouring countries, reinforce the urgency for management intervention. The findings of this study should be used by managers and decision makers to promote best practices to safeguard lives and people's livelihoods and assets threatened by coastal climate hazards and anthropogenic impacts.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio