Running in parallel with the commercial operation, an outgrowing scheme involving small-scale farmers will be developed. The aim is to support the local population with crucial crop inputs, training, field support and market security with the objective of improving their food security and living conditions.
Malnutrition is a huge problem in Africa and this results in sub-optimal physical and mental development. It is essential that food diversity and security are priorities for sustainable development in Africa. Inadequate access to food causes lethargy and health issues, environmental degradation and decimation of the wildlife resources.
DDI has actually already started to develop activities to support local farmers. Examples of these activities are the direct purchase and marketing of maize exclusively produced by small holder farmers and the promotion of sesame production recently carried out, with DDI providing training, technical assistance and agricultural inputs to 32 families of the Association of Antigos Combatentes de Defesa e Soberania Nacional, to plant 40 hectares of sesame in the vicinity of the concession.
DDI has also carried out other social responsibility actions with the objective of helping to improve the living conditions of the local population. As an example, DDI recovered the school in 7 de Setembro village, one of the villages adjacent to the Chipembe Dam.
