Maputo, Mozambique – For far too long, subsistence farming has been the harsh reality for countless Mozambican families. But a beacon of hope has emerged in the form of Laura José, a 43-year-old farmer from Nampula Province, who is not only transforming her own life but also pulling others out of the cycle of low productivity.
“I always wanted to be a successful farmer and help others achieve the same,” says José, a resident of the Naperere community. “The chance to make a difference came through the World Bank-supported MozRural program.”
MozRural empowers small-scale commercial farmers like José to act as private extension agents, offering crucial support and services to networks of subsistence farmers.
“These emerging farmers create business plans, and upon approval, contribute a minimum of 20% towards the investment, which is then matched by the project,” explains Cecília Mondlane, a spokesperson for MozRural. “This funding tackles the very challenges hindering Mozambican agriculture – limited access to resources, markets, and expertise.”
José’s plan, greenlit in 2022, focused on sesame, maize, and pigeon pea production. It also included acquiring a tractor, a game-changer for mechanization efforts on her own land and for assisting fellow farmers.
“The tractor has been a huge help,” says José. “It allows me to cultivate more land and provide vital support to others in the community.”
Through José’s initiative, 80 subsistence farmers, including 21 women, received a lifeline. They gained access to agricultural inputs, market guarantees, and much-needed extension services.
“The support we received has been incredible,” says Maria Machava, a beneficiary from the program. “We now have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to improve our yields and incomes.”
The results speak for themselves. Over two seasons, José has quadrupled her farmland, focusing heavily on sesame – a crop in high demand. This expansion has led to a staggering eight-fold increase in her sesame production and a significant rise in overall revenue.
“The improved inputs, technical assistance, and better farming practices have been key to our success,” says José. “My family’s life has improved dramatically, and I’m so proud to see the positive impact on the community.”
José’s story underscores several crucial lessons. Firstly, ownership fosters responsibility. “Laura’s personal investment in her plan created a sense of ownership that fueled growth and effective partnerships,” says Mondlane.
Secondly, group mobilization builds strength. “Organizing farmers into groups creates a united front, facilitating targeted assistance and collective bargaining for better prices,” she adds.
Thirdly, market security is paramount. “By acting as an aggregator and buyer, Laura provided a safety net for smallholders, minimizing losses and encouraging increased production,” explains Mondlane.
Finally, knowledge is power. “The technical assistance and improved inputs significantly boosted productivity, highlighting the importance of technological advancement,” she concludes.
Looking ahead, the focus will be on strengthening market linkages and exploring value-addition opportunities. Access to market information, digital tools, and improved infrastructure are crucial. Additionally, integrating climate-resilient practices is essential for long-term sustainability and broader societal benefits.
Laura José’s story is a testament to the transformative power of empowering smallholder farmers. Through a combination of collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to agricultural progress, she has not only achieved her own dreams but also laid the foundation for a brighter future for Mozambique’s agricultural sector.
