Mozambique
“Mozambique Inclusive Agri-Food Value Chain Development”
Mozambique, with an estimated population of 35 million, is a mostly agricultural country, where most of the population relies on small-scale farming as a primary source of livelihood. The majority of farmers cultivate small plots of land, typically ranging from 1 to 2 hectares per year, and the farming systems are largely rainfed. The agriculture sector heavily depends on staple crops like maize, which is primarily grown for self-consumption, and soybeans, which are sold in domestic markets, especially for poultry feed. Despite the crucial role agriculture plays in Mozambique’s economy, the sector faces numerous challenges such as low productivity, with fewer than 10% of small-scale farmers using improved seeds, and only 4–5% using fertilizers or chemicals. Moreover, high vulnerability to climate shocks, pests, and diseases negatively impacts crop yields. There is an informal seed system, where most farmers use saved seeds, exchange them with neighbours, or buy from local markets. In the end, less than 10% of the total seed supply is distributed through formal seed channels.
In light of these challenges, the “Mozambique Inclusive Agri-Food Value Chain Development” project (funded by the Global Center on Adaptation) seeks to enhance climate resilience in Mozambique’s agricultural sector. This project is implemented under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP) and is a part of the larger PROCAVA programme, which is financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB). This overarching initiative aims to reduce poverty and improve food and nutrition security while promoting resilient livelihoods in line with Mozambique’s National Agriculture Strategy. PROCAVA seeks to integrate family farming and the private sector into the maize, soybean, and poultry value chains, specifically targeting smallholder farmers to increase the net income of 50,800 producers, including 50% women and 30% youth, across five provinces: Maputo, Sofala, Nampula, Cabo Delgado, and Niassa.
The specific objective of the “Mozambique Inclusive Agri-Food Value Chain Development” project is to enhance climate adaptation and resilience within Mozambique’s integrated maize, soybean, animal, and poultry value chain, particularly through the deployment of digital climate advisory services and the promotion of climate-resilient seeds.
The project involves:
- Climate risk analysis and vulnerability assessment
- Capacity-building for Digital Climate Advisory Services (DCAS)
- Market analysis for climate-resilient seeds, including farmer and seed market analysis and development of a business case and investment options
- Scanning of CGIAR and National Systems for Seed Varieties
A key partner in this effort is the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries (MAAP), which plays a central role in supporting agricultural extension services and policy implementation. The project team will closely collaborate with MAAP and extension officers to develop and implement the capacity-building plan, ensuring alignment with national agricultural strategies and maximizing the impact of digital climate advisory services.
Weather Impact is grateful for the support in this project of the Mozambican consultancy company ‘Bassela Consultoria e Serviços’ and three national experts: Dr Calisto Biaz (Agricultural Expert) Suzana Jamal (Poultry Expert) and Felisberto Dimande (Climate-resilient Seed Expert).
In March 2025 the project has officially kicked off in Maputo, where we met with our skilled consortium of local partners, including Bassela Consultoria e Serviços, as well as national experts in agriculture, poultry, and climate-resilient seeds.
Additionally, Paula Trakoštanec represented Weather Impact at the Agri-trade Mission in Mozambique. She joined a delegation of 20 companies, to explore opportunities in agrobusiness, seeds, agrologistics, poultry, digital services and irrigation in Beira, Chimoio and Maputo. A great start for future partnerships and agricultural collaboration.
