Assessing Smallholder Farmers’ Engagement and Agricultural Practices in Mozambique

The 2019 AgDevCo baseline survey, conducted in collaboration with GreenLight Lda, evaluated smallholder farmers engaged with Sociedade Algodoeira do Niassa João Ferreira dos Santos (SAN-JFS), Mozambique’s largest cotton processor and exporter. The study aimed to establish a reference point for understanding farmers' adoption of good agricultural practices (GAPs) through farmer training videos and assess the broader socio-economic conditions of rural farming communities. The survey covered 897 smallholder farmers across 79 markets in southern Niassa Province, analyzing production, training participation, income use, and socio-economic factors.

Key Findings

The survey highlighted key socio-economic challenges faced by smallholder farmers. The average household size was 5.4 people, with 78% of respondents being married and only 38% able to read and write. Household assets were limited, with only 32% owning a mobile phone, and salaried employment was scarce, with only 3.8% of households having a member in formal employment. These findings underscore the financial vulnerability of smallholder farmers and their heavy reliance on agricultural income.

Agricultural Practices and Production Trends

The majority of surveyed farmers cultivated multiple crops, with maize being the highest-priority food crop, while cotton remained the primary cash crop. On average, farmers cultivated 2.6 hectares, of which 1.6 hectares were allocated to cotton. Cotton farmers faced significant challenges, including low yields (280 kg/ha on average), limited mechanization, and reliance on manual labor. Additionally, only 26% practiced crop rotation, and pesticide use was prevalent, often without proper protective equipment, indicating gaps in safety compliance and sustainable farming practices.

The survey assessed farmers’ exposure to SAN-JFS extension services and training programs. While 60% of farmers reported that technical questions during training sessions were fully addressed, 40% expressed dissatisfaction with seed quality. Participation in training sessions was inconsistent, with 45% attending five or more sessions, while others cited a lack of awareness as a barrier. Demand for technological solutions was evident, with 73% of respondents expressing interest in acquiring solar panels for household use, although affordability remained a challenge.

The baseline survey revealed both opportunities and challenges in Mozambique’s smallholder cotton sector. While SAN-JFS plays a critical role in supporting farmers with inputs and training, key barriers such as low literacy rates, limited financial resources, and low agricultural productivity persist. The study suggests that expanding access to training, improving farm mechanization, and promoting sustainable practices such as crop rotation and safe pesticide use could enhance cotton production and farmer livelihoods. Strengthening financial inclusion, access to solar energy, and improving agricultural education are also vital for fostering long-term rural development.

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RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The AgDECo analysis study is linked to several SDGs:

The SDG'sG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.