GreenLight Farmer Survey – Socioeconomic and Agricultural Insights

In August 2023, GreenLight Africa conducted a farmer survey in partnership with Sociedade Algodoeira do Niassa João Ferreira dos Santos (SAN-JFS), Mozambique’s oldest cotton processor and exporter. The survey aimed to assess cotton production techniques, farmer satisfaction, socioeconomic conditions, and agricultural trends. Data was collected from 486 farmers across 18 local markets in Cuamba district, Niassa Province. The findings provide valuable insights into rural livelihoods, market access, and food security, shaping future interventions for improving agricultural productivity and rural development.

Key Findings

The survey highlighted significant poverty indicators among cotton farmers, with 72% earning 3,000 MZN or less per month, far below Mozambique’s agricultural sector minimum wage of 5,800 MZN. Additionally, 97% of respondents live in houses with dirt floors, and 98% lack improved latrines, reflecting poor living conditions. Despite these challenges, 74% of households reported making joint decisions on cotton income allocation, with education, food, and household essentials being the top spending priorities. However, access to formal banking and savings mechanisms remains extremely low, with 49% of farmers keeping cash at home and only 2% using savings groups.

In terms of agricultural production, cotton remains the primary cash crop, cultivated by 100% of surveyed farmers, followed by maize (93%), peanuts (27%), and beans (62%). The average cotton farm size is between 1-2 hectares, with an average yield of 13.69 sacks per season. Farmers sold their cotton at 33 MZN/kg in 2021/22, generating an average income of 14,778 MZN per season. 68% of respondents identified soil quality as the most critical factor for cotton yields, followed by crop rotation (42%) and seed quality (32%). 99% of farmers recommended cotton cultivation and reported strong community leadership support for the industry.

The survey also revealed low levels of access to energy and market services. Although 71% of farmers had access to electricity, 52% relied on solar power, with 67% purchasing solar systems through SAN-JFS. Farmers also reported limited access to extension services, with only 18% attending more than five training sessions. However, farmers expressed strong interest in improved agricultural support, including better pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation systems, and mechanization tools. Additionally, only 49% were aware of the João Stores initiative, which sells farming inputs and essential goods, but 88% of those who visited made purchases.

The 2023 GreenLight Farmer Survey underscores the socioeconomic vulnerabilities and agricultural constraints faced by Mozambican cotton farmers. While cotton farming remains a critical livelihood source, farmers face significant poverty, limited access to agricultural services, and poor market integration. Expanding agricultural extension programs, improving market access, and investing in rural infrastructure are essential to enhancing productivity and farmer well-being. Strengthening financial inclusion, mechanization, and input supply chains will also be key to driving long-term sustainability in Mozambique’s cotton sector.

The Bibliography source:

RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By prioritizing agricultural development, financial inclusion, and rural infrastructure, Mozambique can significantly improve the livelihoods of smallholder cotton farmers while ensuring long-term sustainability. The Green Light Farmer Survey 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.