‘To speak of agroecology is to speak of farmers’ autonomy’: Interview with Olga Muthambe

In Mozambique, a civil society organization named Hikone Moçambique is making strides in promoting agroecological practices and empowering rural women. Founded in 2013 by Mozambican social activist and current executive director Olga Muthambe, the non-governmental organization (NGO) operates in the provinces of Maputo and Gaza, Tete, and Cabo Delgado. The initiatives they champion primarily target women facing social vulnerability due to the adverse effects of extractive industries.

Extractive industries often result in displacement, erosion of livelihoods, expropriation of land and resources, and labor exploitation. These factors contribute to the undermining of food sovereignty and exacerbate existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting women who lose their income-generating alternatives. Hikone Moçambique was co-founded by Olga Muthambe, who brings over three decades of experience working with rural communities, including during Mozambique's civil war (1977-1992) and the recent conflict in Cabo Delgado.

Throughout its history, Hikone Moçambique has benefited more than 5,000 women through training, community gatherings, and seminars. In 2021, the NGO expanded its efforts to support women affected by violence and forced displacement in Cabo Delgado. As of 2025, the organization continues its work, ensuring that women can maintain their autonomy and contribute to their communities through sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.