The “Promoting Regenerative Agriculture for Sustainable Livelihoods (PRASL)” project has been officially launched in Maputo, an initiative that aims to transform family-based agriculture through sustainable practices, with a special focus on empowering women and young people, the news portal Engineering News reported on Wednesday, April 16 .
With funding of 1.7 million dollars (107.4 million meticals) over three years, PRASL will directly benefit four thousand small farmers in the district of Boane, Maputo province. The project is being implemented by a consortium made up of the organization Solidaridad, the digital platform Kvuno, the fintech Hiveonline, Heineken Mozambique and the Heineken Africa Foundation.
The initiative’s main objective is to promote the adoption of regenerative agricultural techniques that are resilient to climate change, capable of restoring soil health, improving ecosystems and increasing the resilience of rural communities. In addition to the technical component, the project includes the use of digital solutions to support farmers’ decision-making and facilitate access to the market and financing.
According to Francisco Nhanale, Solidaridad’s country director in Mozambique, “the future of the country depends on transforming small farmers into resilient, food-secure agro-entrepreneurs. We want to see them thrive, withstand climate shocks and contribute to a diversified and inclusive economy.”
Regenerative agriculture promises a better condition for small farmers
With an approach centered on inclusion, PRASL expects at least 60% of beneficiaries to be women and 30% young adults, promoting female leadership and youth participation in agriculture through mentoring, training and access to credit.
For Lydia Banda, Kvuno’s regional manager, digitizing the agricultural value chain is essential. “Without reliable data on production and income, farmers remain invisible to financial institutions. PRASL will create digital records that will give banks the confidence to invest in family farming,” she said.
The project, which is scheduled to last until 2027, is committed to creating a more resilient, self-sufficient and sustainable agricultural sector, and could serve as a model for other regions of the country. The Heineken Africa Foundation sees the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen its commitment to sustainable development on the continent.
“Investing in African agriculture is investing in the future of the world,” concluded Edwin Moerkerk, the foundation’s managing director.
