The River Shore (LZ16a) and Zambezi River Valley (LZ16b) zones cover the area along the Shire and Zambezi rivers, including parts of the districts of Morrumbala and Mopeia in Zambézia Province, Mutarara and Tambara in Tete Province, and Caia, Chemba, Cheringoma, and Marromeu in Sofala. Zones 16a and 16b have different hazards and responses to shocks, which is why they should be considered as distinct livelihood zones.
The information presented refers to mid-March 2006 to mid-March 2007 for Zone 16a, and mid-March 2007 to mid-March 2008 for Zone 16b. These were fairly normal or average years for food security. Provided there are no fundamental and rapid shifts in the economy, the information in this profile is expected to remain valid for about five years (i.e. until 2013).