Mozambican agriculture enters a new phase of modernisation and sustainability with the launch of the PRASL project – Promoting Regenerative Agriculture for Sustainable Livelihoods, announced on 17 April. This initiative, scheduled to last three years, aims to promote regenerative farming practices among smallholders, with a particular focus on women and young adults.
Through an alliance between HEINEKEN Mozambique, Solidaridad Southern Africa, Kvuno, Hiveonline and the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation, the project aims to respond to the growing challenges faced by Mozambican farmers, such as soil degradation and climate variability. PRASL will be implemented in the district of Boane, the region chosen to host this strategic commitment to sustainable and inclusive farming practices.
“The country's future lies in transforming smallholders into resilient and sustainable economic agents. It is not enough to survive; we must prosper,” said Francisco Nhanale, National Director of Solidaridad Mozambique.
The project promotes technical training, access to markets, digital training and financial inclusion, key pillars for strengthening the local farming ecosystem. The use of digital platforms to record production, income and costs will be central to creating solid financial profiles, capable of attracting bank investment and giving farmers greater visibility.
“Without hard data, farmers remain invisible to the financial sector. This project changes that paradigm,” explained Lydia Banda of Kvuno, which coordinates the initiative's digital component.
With clear targets for gender equity and youth inclusion, PRASL ensures that at least 60% of beneficiaries are women and 30% young adults, promoting leadership and farming entrepreneurship skills in traditionally under-represented groups.
More than a simple training programme, PRASL aims to put down deep roots of change in the way farming is practised in Mozambique. The vision shared by the organisations involved is a long-term one: to foster a more autonomous, resilient and market-connected agricultural sector.
“We are deeply committed to sustainable development and to empowering smallholders. Investing in African agriculture is investing in the future of the world,” stressed Edwin Moerkerk, Managing Director of the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation.
With a formal start in 2024 and an expected end in 2027, PRASL promises to leave a legacy of local knowledge, consolidated regenerative practices and continued access to technology and financing. A strategic investment, in both the present of Mozambican agriculture and its future.
