The Context

Angola is one of Africa’s most resource-rich countries. It is sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest oil producer, after Nigeria, and the world’s fourth-largest producer (in value) of diamonds. The country also possesses a wealth of other natural resources, including minerals, water, agriculture, forestry and fisheries.

Two thirds of the population depends on agriculture for food, income and employment, with women providing most of the labour force. An estimated 80 per cent of farmers are smallholders. Their productivity is low and they generally produce little or no surplus. 

Prior to independence in 1975, Angola was self-sufficient in key food crops (except wheat) and was an exporter of cash crops, in particular coffee and sugar. The war for independence and lack of investment severely hindered the agriculture and fisheries sectors, and the country has been dependent on food imports since 1990. A mere 10 per cent of the country’s arable land is currently under cultivation, and per-acre productivity is one of the lowest in sub-Saharan Africa.

The country’s 27-year civil war led to a massive exodus from many rural areas as people flocked to towns and cities for safety. Around 4 million people (about one third of the population) were internally displaced at the end of the war in 2002. 

Since then much progress has been made. Together with its national and international partners, the Government has developed and implemented programmes to restore order and security, revitalize the economy, restore basic social services and rehabilitate infrastructure. 

Although the rural economy has all but collapsed, tens of thousands of people are returning to rural areas now that they are more secure. An estimated 68 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, and 15 per cent of households live in extreme poverty. In rural areas 94 per cent of households are categorized as poor.

Despite government demining efforts, landmines and unexploded bombs are a danger to people and a constraint on economic and social recovery. 

Social and physical infrastructure is badly damaged. In particular the lack of roads and bridges prevents farmers from getting their products to markets, impeding trade. Farmers also lack access to agricultural inputs and other assets necessary to begin producing again. They need seeds, adequate tools to work the land, animals for traction and fertilizers for areas such as the central highlands, where soil fertility has been depleted.

The Strategy

In Angola, IFAD loans support efforts to improve food security and rebuild the livelihoods of poor rural people through rural and agricultural development.

Activities target the poorest areas of the central highlands. Our projects address vulnerable groups such as women and households headed by women, as well as young people, demobilized soldiers and displaced persons.

Key activities include:

• increasing smallholder production of basic food crops and inland fisheries and aquaculture;
• strengthening rural organizations and representatives of vulnerable groups;
• ensuring access to services and basic rural infrastructure for the most disadvantaged groups;
• promoting pro-poor policies based on knowledge of the needs of poor rural people in specific localities.