Southern Africa has a growing demand for soybean. Soy production and utilization in Mozambique is increasing rapidly due to demand from poultry millers and soybean-based products such as soymilk, soy flour and soy protein, however, farmers often lack access to the necessary inputs and knowledge on production practices, necessary to improve productivity.  In an attempt to meet the expected domestic demand for soy in a sustainable manner, Grow Africa, IDH and Solidaridad set up a programme across Angonia and Gurue in Mozambique, aiming at increasing the soy volumes produced by small holder farmers by promoting the soy and soy seed production, strengthening the local supply chain through engagement with smallholder farmers for improved social and economic development.

The programme consisted of trainings linked to finance literacy, business skills, seed multiplication, sustainable soy production, sustainable use of pesticides aiming at providing farmers with the necessary skills to sustainably continue to produce with high returns per money invested across impacted communities in the identified the districts.

The project employs the concept of lead farmers in all trainings. The lead farmers were selected by the community and participated in specific trainings and later engaged in knowledge transfer to other farmers and group members. Each lead farmer had a demonstration plot and mentors an average of 40 other farmers. Lead farmers received inputs and additional support for land preparation/weeding control, as part of their compensation.  Each one of the lead farmers was equipped with a bicycle and an android cellular phone to enable them to keep records of their farming activities. The lead farmers are also responsible for the demo plots that are used to teach, experiment, and share ideas about agricultural practices. All the outputs of the demo plot are used by the lead farmer.  To date, a total of 679 lead farmers have been cumulatively trained.

Due to this programme, farmers such as Nolia Waisson from the Angonia district can now employ the knowledge from the trainings coupled with existing experience and background.

“As a seasoned farmer that has benefited from the training, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of this programme for individuals looking for an agricultural education.  The experience gained through this programme has taught me to keep records of all agricultural operations, production costs and production sales revenues. This is important as it allows me to accurately calculate my gains.” Said Nolia.

“The training also provided me with the opportunity to create a second income stream selling fertilizers and insecticides in a neighbouring village;” she added.

Farmers such as Joaquina Potoro are now able to drive tractors and personally manage all the issues to do with the maintenance required to ensure the suitable performance of tractors. Thus, there is no need to hire the services of a tractor driver or mechanic.

Promotion of soy production by Grow Africa, IDH and Solidaridad in Mozambique has provided vital support to make current soya business models socially inclusive and economically viable.