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Manica Province is a vulnerable area, frequently affected by extreme weather changes. Climate-related hazards, such as drought and floods occur frequently and have a devastating impact on the population that is often insufficiently prepared. These disasters not only affect the people but also their food security, natural resources, public health, and economic growth. Erratic rains, and prolonged dey spells, frequently followed by concentrated torrential rains, have compelled farmers to revise their planting season, determine shorter windows-of-production, and prolong the “hunger season”, when they rely on stored food and/or cash savings for their food security.
The AFOC - MSD project aimed to improve food security and adaptation and resilience to climate change by smallholder farmers in central Mozambique, by promoting and disseminating improved varieties (focus on maize, beans and vegetables); disseminating selective and climate-intelligent agricultural practices; and facilitating diversification by offering support for income-rearing activities through cash harvests and the integration of small animals with crop farming.
The AFOC - MSD project was designed on the premise that the agricultural sector remains key for development in Manica Province and provides a buffer to withstand the drastic impact of sporadic climate changes. Investing in agriculture will also capitalise on new economic opportunities, bearing in mind the limited size of off-farm economies in the region.
Through trials and campaigns, AFOC-MSD raise awareness to promote drought resistant tropical varieties of vegetables, as well as appropriate climate-smart agricultural practices. In addition, there are demonstrations of manual sowers, intelligent irrigation solutions (suitable for Manica province), agricultural conservation and the promotion of turkeys and small orchards.
1. Market Systems Development (Inclusive Markets)
2. Knowledge Management of Climate-Smart Agriculture Solutions
3. Women Economic Empowerment (WEE)
Dissemination of improved bean varieties
The aim is to increase the up-take of the improved varieties; presently the rate of adoption is only 12-15%. The benefits of the improved varieties are well documented and highly appreciated by farmers, and include characteristics like higher yields, shorter cycle of production, better quality, and higher drought resistance. Their use will result in a combination of improved food availability and food access (as possible cash-crops).
The final objective of this component is to increase bean production in the region and to create a new habit among farmers of regularly purchasing base seeds for multiplication on their own plots, every 3-4 years.
Diversification / integration of staple crops with horticulture
The promotion and integration of staple crops/horticulture to allow farmers to have two cycles of production per year - staple-crops followed by vegetable production, thus creating the opportunity to earn additional income. Improving access to improved tropical varieties through local input providers for crops that have a high import substitution potential will be pursued.
Transfer of technology on selected CSA solutions
The project facilitates experts for technology transfer of SMART agricultural practices/solutions. The selection of CSA best practices will improve access to water, income diversification and productivity.