(Ecofin Agency) - The United Kingdom approves £40 million to support the agriculture sector in Mozambique over the next five years, the British High Commission in the country informed.

“The funding will improve the involvement of the private sector in selected areas of agriculture to promote greater climate resistance, in addition to stimulating growth in this sector and the transformation of the economy of Mozambique,” the British High Commission said in a statement.

The amount is part of a total £64 million granted by the UK, during the summit held on January 20 in London, to support various projects in the country. It comes as a relief for Mozambique, which has been suffering a long drought period exposing many people to food insecurity.

Agriculture contributes about a quarter of the country’s GDP and sustains about 80% of the population.