Mozambique’s cotton industry is undergoing a resurgence with the establishment of the Institute of Cotton and Oilseeds of Mozambique (IAOM, IP) in 2020. The IAOM’s mission is to revitalize cotton production, processing, and exportation for textile purposes. This initiative is supported by a network of six companies engaging around 150,000 producers across 130,000 hectares, yielding an average of 350 kilograms of cotton per hectare annually. With an output of 50,000 tons of seed cotton, 19,000 tons of fiber, and 30,000 tons of seeds each year, Mozambique’s cotton sector remains a vital component of the nation’s economy, contributing approximately USD 30 million to the national balance of payments. While cotton production fuels employment opportunities, generating around 30,000 positions, there is untapped potential in the cotton value chain, including biomass, fuel, and livestock feed.
The problem is that most of the cotton production in Mozambique relies on conventional farming which is proven to be detrimental to biodiversity and climate. Conventional cotton production significantly contributes to climate change through carbon emissions, water usage, and pesticide use. One metric ton of non-organic cotton fibre emits 1.8 metric tons of carbon dioxide. It takes over 2,700 litres of water to produce a cotton t-shirt and nearly 11,000 litres for a pair of jeans.
In this context, regenerative agriculture presents an opportunity for the cotton industry in Mozambique to address climate challenges and enhance sustainability. By prioritizing soil health and biodiversity, regenerative practices reduce the impact of extreme weather events while bolstering rural livelihoods and food security. Through techniques such as conservation tillage and reduced chemical usage, regenerative agriculture ensures the long-term vitality of farming communities and ecosystems alike.
Addressing the climate and biodiversity impact of cotton production is crucial. However, current climate change assessments often overlook the benefits of carbon temporarily stored in the cotton garments we wear. While scientific understanding of this phenomenon is still developing, research suggests that capturing carbon in products such as cotton clothing can mitigate atmospheric warming and yield environmental benefits. By choosing cotton clothes over petroleum-based alternatives like polyester, consumers effectively prevent CO2 emissions. As cotton plants grow, they absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, storing it within their fibers, stalks, and roots in the soil. This underscores the significance of regenerative cotton, which promotes the production of high-quality clothing while facilitating long-term carbon sequestration.