SUSTAIN/Stories: Landscapes in action
A journey towards healthy, connected ecosystems and thriving communities in Mozambique and Tanzania
In the heart of the Manica province, Mozambique, it’s midday and the air is hot and heavy, filled with the rustle of tall grasses, the low chatter of voices in the fields, and the steady rhythm of hands picking crops…
Here, smallholder farmers are changing how they work the land. For instance, with SUSTAIN’s support, climate-smart agriculture practices are being used by communities to grow their food. Farmers are also increasingly turning to organic composting and natural soil enrichers to restore degraded land and boost crop productivity.
“These new practices reduce spending and increase profits,” says farmer John Moteriua.
By replacing chemical fertilisers and pesticides, farmers are decreasing nutrient run-off and safeguarding the quality of local water sources. These approaches help make communities resilient to a changing climate and increase long-term food security.
Back in Manica, farmers have learned to create their own organic pesticide by combining leaves from the Muquina plant with soap, hot pepper, and tobacco. After soaking the mixture for a day, the liquid is drained and diluted with water, providing a safe, low-cost alternative to chemical sprays.
Artur Tunguza, the president of Bairro Maputo, a local farmers’ club, explains this process: “We combine all these ingredients, adding 200 grams with a one-inch size piece of soap to create a strong pesticide that helps combat resistant pests.”
Blending traditional knowledge with modern techniques, farmers are returning to the practices that help create more resilient and productive landscapes.
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