“Advancing sustainable and regenerative agriculture among small-scale producers and agri-SMEs”
About the AgroVida Project
The Challenge
Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, is a region grappling with agricultural challenges due to poor soil quality, frequent climate extremes, and socio-economic instability. Local communities face difficulties in maintaining productive and sustainable farming practices, which is further compounded by limited access to quality inputs, market information, and financial services. This situation is exacerbated by the impact of conflict, which threatens food security and the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and fishers in the region
The Project overview
AgroVida’s overarching goal is to enhance nutrition and food security for the people of Cabo Delgado. It aims to reach 24,500 small-scale food producers across eight districts, ultimately impacting the lives of 125,000 people. This goal will be achieved in four ways:
1 The adoption of regenerative farming practices
By promoting sustainable agricultural techniques, AgroVida seeks to enhance soil fertility, water retention, and crop productivity, fostering resilient farming systems. AgroVida will do this by promoting traditional and new extension systems in the region through a network of Green Champions. These will comprise recent graduates from nearby agriculture institutes, who will be trained in regenerative farming, fishing production, participatory training methodologies, gender equality, nutrition and more.
2 Promoting social inclusion
Through capacity building and support for agri-micro, small, and medium enterprises, particularly among women and youth, AgroVida aims to stimulate rural economies and create avenues for sustainable livelihoods. One of the consortium partners, Gapi, will also offer financial loans packages for farmers looking to expand production. In addition, small-scale food producers will be invited to form community-based savings groups to promote savings and access revolving credit outside of formal banking and lending systems.
3 Providing nutrition education
AgroVida aims to improve dietary habits and holistic well-being by promoting good nutrition practices within communities. It will integrate nutrition education into the existing curricula for Green Champions and small-scale food producers’ Producer’s Clubs, focusing on diverse, nutritious foods, local produce, cost-effective meal preparation and home gardening.
The programme will also collaborate with community leaders and local media to dispel cultural myths about food consumption, particularly those affecting women and children. Given that community radio stations are a key information source in rural Mozambique, AgroVida will create a network of independent reporters to promote nutrition and sustainable agricultural practices, including regenerative farming, quality inputs and sustainable fishing techniques.
4 Creating an enabling environment
AgroVida aims to build a sustainable food ecosystem at the community, district, and provincial levels by fostering collaboration and leveraging local resources. The programme will engage commercial farmers and local influencers to promote agricultural innovation and knowledge sharing.
To support these efforts, AgroVida will introduce digital solutions like SMS platforms that provide real-time crop and market data, helping farmers optimise practices and improve market access. SmartFarming BV will manage the integration and promotion of these accessible digital tools.
The project partners
The project partners
AgroVida is funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in partnership with the Government of Mozambique, and implemented by Fundação Aga Khan, SmartFarming, ADPP Mozambique, GAPI, ThirdWay Partners, and h2n Moçambique. This will be implemented by a consortium of partners including the Aga Khan Foundation,ADPP Moçambique, Gapi, Associação h2n, ThirdWay Partners, and SmartFarming BV. For more information see: https://www.akf.org.uk/akf-launches-agrovida-programme-to-improve-nutrition-and-food-security-for-125000-people-in-northern-mozambique/