Solidaridad, the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation, Kvuno and Hiveonline have launched the Promoting Regenerative Agriculture for Sustainable Livelihoods (PRASL) project in Mozambique. The project is aimed at strengthening smallholder farmers’ adoption of regenerative agricultural practices that restore ecosystems, improve soil health and build resilient rural communities.

By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming

The three-year programme, launched in 2025, targets 4 000 smallholder farmers in the Boane District, with a strong focus on empowering women (at least 60%) and young adults (30%). Central to the initiative is a farmer-centred approach designed to promote local ownership and ensure long-term sustainability beyond the project’s lifespan.

“In close partnership with HEINEKEN Mozambique and Solidaridad, we are embarking on a journey to transform the lives of 4 000 smallholder farmers in the Boane District over the next three years,” said Edwin Moerkerk, general manager of the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation. “Through this collaboration, we aim to indirectly benefit more than 20 000 people, creating a ripple effect of prosperity and resilience across local communities.”

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Driving Regenerative Practices and Innovation

According to Francisco Nhanale, Solidaridad country manager for Mozambique, the future of smallholder agriculture depends on collective action and a shared recognition of the vital role farmers play in food security.

“PRASL helps farmers to do what they do best –feed the nation,” Nhanale said. “Through training in regenerative agricultural practices, we are improving soil health while opening up opportunities for farmers to increase their income.”

For participating farmers, the impact is already visible. Delfa Nhobomba and Anna Langa, members of the 15-member Empowered Girls Association, said the project is helping address some of the structural barriers faced by women in agriculture.

“Access to land is one of the biggest challenges for female smallholder farmers in Mozambique,” said Nhobomba. “[Along] with the high cost of infrastructure, such as shade-net structures, this [makes it difficult to grow crops]. Support from Solidaridad and its partners is a game-changer. Although the project is still new, we are already seeing positive results, and our families are benefiting too.”

Langa said regenerative agricultural practices are particularly appealing to young farmers, while digital tools introduced through the project are strengthening decision-making at the farm level.

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Data as a Tool for Farmer Empowerment

Kvuno plays a key role in capturing and analysing farm-level data. Farmers’ activities are recorded and uploaded at different stages using Kvuno Farmer IDs, allowing for field mapping and data-driven interventions.

“Through Kvuno’s data-driven interactions, we are helping farmers build wealth,” explained Igor Espanol, Kvuno’s regional manager for Mozambique. “Access to market price information enables farmers to negotiate fair prices, while accurate weather data supports better planting and harvesting decisions. Collaboration is essential for improving quality standards, boosting production and improving livelihoods in Boane District and beyond.”

Digitisation is further strengthened through Hiveonline’s digital platform, which enables PRASL farmers to build secure digital records of their agricultural activities, production and financial behaviour.

“This data footprint is critical in making smallholder farmers visible to financial institutions and improving their readiness to access formal finance over time,” said Stefano Gasparini, Mozambique country manager at Hiveonline. “By combining regenerative agriculture with reliable data and digital tools, PRASL is laying the foundation for resilient livelihoods and long-term economic inclusion.”

Building Sustainability Beyond the Project

By prioritising a farmer-centred approach and promoting local ownership, the PRASL initiative seeks to ensure that its benefits last beyond the three-year programme. Ultimately, the project aims to contribute to a more resilient, productive and sustainable agricultural sector in Mozambique’s Boane District, while improving livelihoods and strengthening climate-change adaptation for smallholder farmers, particularly women and young adults.