This project, realized by a concessional loan from the Austrian Ministry of Finance/Kontrollbank (OeKB), in conjunction with Mozambique’s Ministry of Agriculture and the “SUSTENTA” program, represents a pioneering effort to bolster rural development in Mozambique. By integrating infrastructure development, smallholder empowerment, and agricultural advancement, the initiative aims to foster sustainable growth and resilience in the country’s agriculture sector.

At its core, the project focuses on enhancing agricultural infrastructure in key rural districts such as Chichocane, Maphinhane, Nhamatanda, and Homoine. Through the construction of four advanced “Agricultural Centers”, equipped with essential amenities like electricity, water, and access roads, the project seeks to address longstanding infrastructure deficits while creating new job opportunities and fostering economic development in these communities.

Furthermore, recognizing the critical role of modern agricultural practices in addressing food insecurity and promoting economic growth, the project delivers a comprehensive suite of modern agricultural equipment to smallholders in cyclone-affected provinces like Inhambane and Sofala. This includes tractors, tillage machinery, seeders, fertilization equipment, and more, tailored to maximize yields and minimize post-harvest losses. Importantly, these resources are not only for the use of the centers but are also available for loan to nearby smallholders, enabling them to adopt professional farming practices and improve their livelihoods.

Integral to the project’s success is its emphasis on capacity building and knowledge transfer through the “Train the trainer” method to pass on knowledge as sustainably as possible. Through the establishment of four “Agricultural Centers” as hubs of expertise, led by local professionals supported by tailored training from Austria, the project ensures that farmers and technical staff receive the necessary education and skills to enhance agricultural productivity sustainably. By promoting knowledge exchange and technology transfer, these Centers become focal points for ongoing agricultural innovation, driving continuous improvement in farming practices and contributing to food and nutrition security for local communities.