Permaculture (P) is a methodology for designing diverse and robust systems for food production, which collaborate with nature, rather than work against it. P provides a diverse range of food for human needs, generates income and benefits the ecology (soil fertility, water purity, biodiversity) of the land, addressing both productivity and environmental degradation at once. P seeks to preserve aspects of indigenous (agri)culture which benefit ecosystems, but fills gaps in traditional systems by incorporating new practises, ideas and resources. P integrates ecological agriculture, rain-water harvesting, soil and water conservation, small scale irrigation, nutrition gardens, tree nurseries, small livestock, appropriate labour-saving design-technology, alternative energy and nutrients based on locally available resources.

Permaculture would go along way to addressing the severe food insecurity and poor educational achievement problems in Mozambique, yet there is so little mention of it in research and apparently little evidence for it on the ground in Mozambique. We need to act quickly before large scale foreign investment in agriculture creates large commercial cropping which displaces and disadvantages local farmers (80% of the population) and ignores the socio-ecological and cultural sensitivities of local people.