Increased food security and income through agroforestry
In northern Mozambique, where 80% of the adult population are farmers, the community faces significant challenges. Poor soil quality and unpredictable weather make it difficult to produce enough food and secure a stable income. By implementing agroforestry practices on farms, farmers can reduce climate risk, improve soil health, and gain additional household income.
Agroforestry is a practice that combines trees with annual crops. Instead of only growing crops in the fields, farmers also plant trees and shrubs that provide multiple benefits, such as food, shade, and protection against extreme weather.
By planting trees alongside crops, farmers can ensure a more consistent food supply even under adverse weather conditions for annual crops. Trees bear fruit and nuts at different times than annual crops, providing a valuable supplement to household nutrition. Additionally, the deep roots of trees improve water filtration and soil health, supporting sustainable food production year after year.
Goal
Our goal is to introduce agroforestry to 75,000 small-scale food producers across northern Mozambique, thereby improving their food security and income.
About the project
Cultivation and Distribution of Seedlings: In collaboration with AMPCM, we support farmers in establishing small nurseries within their communities. These nurseries will collectively produce millions of seedlings each year, which farmers can plant on their own land.
Building on our previous success with cashew farmers, we have established a regional network of nurseries, including a large central nursery and 70 smaller community-based nurseries. We plan to support the establishment of an additional 60 small nurseries, where healthy trees will be grown from quality seeds in good soil.
Training in New Skills: Both nursery owners and agricultural advisors will train farmers in agroforestry practices. This includes guidance on which trees are suitable for their farms, optimal planting density, and proper care of the trees to ensure strong and healthy growth. This will be done by showcasing examples on demonstration farms and establishing learning groups where farmers are invited to integrate their own knowledge with agroforestry concepts.
Facilitating the Sale of Carbon Credits: Agroforestry can provide farmers with an additional income source through carbon credits. Trees capture carbon, which helps combat climate change. Companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint can purchase these credits from farmers. This financial incentive complements the other benefits of agroforestry, such as increased food production and improved resilience.