The Mozambican poultry sector is reeling from the impact of the widespread unrest that followed the country’s general elections in October last year. The prolonged period of civil unrest, which paralyzed much of the country for approximately two months, has inflicted an estimated US$300 million in losses on the industry.

According to Yacub Latif, vice-president of the Agribusiness, Nutrition and Food Industry Department at the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA), the disruptions severely hampered operations across the poultry value chain. “Access to essential raw materials, such as eggs and incubators, was severely disrupted,” Latif explained to Notícias. “Furthermore, widespread vandalism and looting targeted numerous poultry farms and processing facilities across the country, exacerbating the crisis.”

The impact extended beyond production. Feed shortages became commonplace, impacting the quality and availability of poultry products. “Retailers faced significant challenges,” Latif noted. “When feed was available, its quality was often compromised due to supply chain disruptions.”

The consequences of these disruptions are far-reaching. The prolonged unrest has severely impacted the financial health of many poultry businesses, threatening their very survival. “If this situation persists, many companies and small-scale poultry farmers will be forced to close their doors,” Latif warned. “This will have a devastating impact on employment, leading to significant job losses across the sector.”

The poultry industry is now urging a swift resolution to the ongoing unrest to prevent further economic damage. The prolonged instability poses a significant threat to the country’s economic recovery and underscores the urgent need for a return to normalcy.