Strengthening Rural Communities Through Mobile Communication and Agricultural Development in Niassa, Mozambique

The “Juntos com Vida” project was implemented as a pilot initiative in 2010, integrating mobile communication units within the cotton production scheme of SAN. This project, supported by UNICEF, SAN, and ECOSIDA, aimed to enhance community outreach, health awareness, and agricultural development. Operating in the Niassa province, specifically in Cuamba district, the initiative sought to improve education, healthcare, and economic sustainability for rural populations, particularly focusing on cotton farmers. Over 5,887 people, including children, women, and men, benefited from awareness campaigns and direct engagement strategies.

Key Findings

The project successfully reached 30 communities in Cuamba, targeting rural farmers and their families. Each community was visited at least once, with additional visits to areas showing high engagement, such as Mapina and Merico. The initiative engaged over 5,000 cotton producers, raising awareness on public health issues and best agricultural practices. The integration of mobile communication and agricultural extension services significantly enhanced knowledge transfer, creating a holistic approach to rural development.

2. Financial and Operational Efficiency

The total investment required for the project was approximately 1.53 million MZM, with major contributions from SAN, UNICEF, and ECOSIDA. The cost per community visit was 16,633 MZM, ensuring efficient allocation of resources. The project emphasized cost-effectiveness, with an estimated 90 MZM per participant, demonstrating the feasibility of expanding similar outreach programs across rural Mozambique.

3. Sustainability and Future Expansion

Based on the success of the pilot phase, there was strong justification for expanding the project to additional districts, such as Mandimba, Mechanhelas, Maúa, and Marrupa, covering an estimated 660,000 rural inhabitants. The initiative proved that strategic partnerships between agricultural and health sectors could amplify community development efforts. However, future implementation requires addressing challenges such as poor road infrastructure, equipment maintenance, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

The “Juntos com Vida” project demonstrated the power of integrated rural outreach, combining agriculture, health, and education to support Mozambique’s rural communities. Through mobile communication and farmer engagement, the project improved public health awareness and agricultural productivity while fostering community resilience. Expanding this initiative could significantly enhance rural livelihoods, particularly for cotton-dependent households, by providing sustained access to critical services and information.

The Bibliography source:

RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Juntos com a Vida Project 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.