Nampula (Mozambique) - Last week Dutch Minister Koenders (Development Cooperation) visited SNV activities in the province of Nampula, Mozambique. He met with numerous farmers associations and local councils that are supported by SNV and other development organizations.

In discussions Koenders praised their initiatives and participation in building up a democratic society from bottom-up. He also focused on their continued efforts in improving the agricultural economy with crops such as cashew, groundnut, sesame and soybean.

The Nampula province has a population of four million, 80% of which are living in rural areas on less than 1 US$ a day. SNV has been active in Nampula for the last ten years in collaboration with the Dutch Embassy. SNV and the Dutch Embassy have agreed to join forces and develop activities in the area of decentralization and domestic accountability.