A groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Mozambique has officially been launched. The Promoting Regenerative Agriculture for Sustainable Livelihoods (PRASL) project kicked off in the Boane District earlier this quarter, signaling a renewed commitment to sustainable agriculture, community empowerment, and data-driven development.
The project is a result of a dynamic partnership between Solidaridad, Kvuno, Hiveonline, HEINEKEN Mozambique, and the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation—with the latter investing €1.5 million (approximately USD 1.7 million) over the next three years.
A Bold Vision for Lasting Change
“Our mission is to strengthen the resilience of Africa’s smallholder farmers and improve their livelihoods,” said Edwin Moerkerk, General Manager of the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation. “Together with our partners, we aim to directly support 4,000 farmers in Boane, and indirectly benefit up to 20,000 individuals across the community.”
Building Resilience Through Regenerative Agriculture
Speaking at the launch, Francisco Nhanale, Solidaridad’s Country Manager for Mozambique, highlighted the urgency of the initiative:
“The future of smallholder farming in Mozambique depends on the decisions we make today. Through PRASL, we’re equipping farmers with regenerative agriculture skills to restore soil health and increase incomes.”
Nhanale emphasized that the project is already showing impact—improving yields and inspiring hope, particularly among young and female farmers.
Voices from the Field: Women Leading the Way
Farmers like Delfa Nhobomba and Anna Langa, members of the Empowered Girls Association, are already benefiting. Nhobomba shared how the group of 15 young women is working under shade nets to grow tomatoes and cucumbers while saving to buy their own land—a major hurdle for female farmers in the region.
“Access to land is a big challenge for women like us. Thanks to this project, we’re learning how to get more from the land we work on. We can see the impact, and so can our families,” said Nhobomba.
Langa added that regenerative practices have sparked strong interest among young farmers, especially with the support of technology that allows them to track progress and make informed decisions.
Data Meets Agriculture: The Power of Digital Tools
Through Kvuno’s farmer e-commerce platform, participants are issued unique Kvuno Farmer IDs, enabling them to map their fields, record farm activities, and access real-time data on weather and market prices.
“Data gives farmers negotiating power and helps them make smart, timely decisions,” explained Igor Espanol, Kvuno’s Regional Manager. “This is about building wealth through knowledge and collaboration.”
A Shared Responsibility for a Sustainable Future
In a powerful reflection during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Shungu Kanyemba, former Managing Director of Solidaridad Southern Africa, likened the launch to the birth of a child:
“This project must be nurtured with care, commitment, and community involvement. PRASL reflects our belief that smallholder farmers are not just beneficiaries—they are co-creators of Africa’s sustainable future.”
Looking Ahead
With strong partnerships, a clear vision, and active community participation, the PRASL project is more than just a development initiative—it’s a blueprint for transformational agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa. As it unfolds, it promises not only to revitalize land and livelihoods, but also to redefine the role of farmers as agents of change.