The national poultry sector is consolidating, with the emergence and growth of enterprises in all provinces, which are increasingly contributing to reducing the shortfall in availability and access to protein of chicken origin.
128 thousand tons: amount of chicken needed for the country to be self-sufficient in 2019
109 thousand tons: amount of chicken produced in the country in 2018
14.6% (16,000 tons): Nampula province contribution to chicken production in 2018
Source: PNISA
As part of the new members joining the Network, SBNMOZ has visited and talked to the Managers of the company Novos Horizontes de Moçambique (NHM) to learn more about their initiatives in the sector and their contribution to improving nutrition in Nampula. NHM was founded in 2005 as an integrated broiler operation. In early 2006, NHM began operations at its animal feed hatching and production plant, with the first breeders being established in 2007. In 2008, the slaughterhouse was commissioned. NHM is currently operating throughout the whole poultry value chain and is investing in the expansion of the slaughterhouse and HACCP certification to better serve the national consumer.
SBNMOZ: Given an approach where rural and local development are driven by social inclusion and economic empowerment strategies, how does NHM promote small local producers?
NHM: NHM provides chicks, feeedstocks such as ration and medication, as well as technical assistance and poultry training to local communities. Out growers are responsible for the poultries until they reach the age of slaughter, then they are bought by NHM and the out growers receive the profits, removing the costs of purchasing the chick, ration and medication. This initiative has helped to improve and positively impact the communities with which we have worked.
SBNMOZ: How does NHM, as a member of the Network and making clear commitments, intend to approach and address the challenges of malnutrition as a business opportunity in the next 5 years?
NHM: NHM intends to work side by side with The Network and more strategic partners to deliver quality and needed products to markets, as we believe that by giving Mozambique what the country really needs, we can help fight or even eliminate malnutrition in the country.
SBNMOZ: The cost and myths surrounding some of the food that NHM produces are still a barrier to local consumers. How has NHM dealt with these barriers to overcome them and yet ensure the availability and consumption of these foods?
NHM: We have the support of skilled professionals with experience in community work to train and raise awareness in communities as a way of demystifying certain 'truths' acquired by our communities. At first we faced some resistance, but after seeing the improvement in the lives of those who made themselves available, many households look for us to learn and develop.
SBNMOZ: Poor workplace diets, including poor access to information on good food and nutrition, can cost countries a productivity loss of about 20% due to malnutrition. As a private sector, what is the NHM’s opinion about the impact of food choices (nutrition) on your business?
NHM: We believe that food choices can impact the performance of our employees and, consequently, the productivity of the company as a whole. And we expect our employees to receive food that ensures energy and nutrition for their activities. NHM has been providing all employees with food at work at its two production facilities: Rapale and Namicopo, breakfast and lunch. We are currently in the process of partnering with a vegetable growers association such as way to diversify and improve our employees’ food.
SBNMOZ: As a member of SBNMOZ, since 2019 and a member of the Practice Communities for a longer time, what are the benefits and counterparts that NHM has identified that have affected or influenced your business?
NHM: In the past, NH has encountered major difficulties in acquiring quality raw materials and for the more complex and complete laboratory tests required for a very sensitive industry such as of food.
SBNMOZ: In addition to the support already provided by SBNMOZ according to its strategy, what are the bottlenecks that NHM, as a private sector, considers relevant and which Network could support to increase the supply and demand for nutritious foods as well as improving the capacity of small and medium-sized local entrepreneurs while always looking for their strategy?
NHM: NHM would like The Network to support in introducing our new product, the African Chicken, to potential customers throughout the country and the world, as well as support in educating more communities for optimal consumption of animal protein (chicken and egg), as our vision is to expand to other corners of Mozambique.
