The Promoting Regenerative Agriculture for Sustainable Livelihoods (PRASL) project, which will see €1.5-million invested over three years to support 4 000 smallholder farmers, has been launched in Mozambique.

The project is focused on empowering women and young adults, to adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices that can enhance soil health, restore ecosystems and strengthen community resilience.

By promoting regenerative agriculture, the initiative will equip farmers with innovative, sustainable farming techniques, improve market access and introduce digital solutions that enable better decision-making.

Civil society organisation Solidaridad, smallholder farmer digital tools organisation Kvuno, fintech Hiveonline, brewer Heineken Mozambique and the Heineken Africa Foundation were partners in the endeavour.

The PRASL project comes at a critical time as smallholder farmers in Mozambique face the increasing challenges of climate change, including erratic rainfall and soil degradation, the organisations say.

“Mozambique's future depends on transforming smallholder farmers into resilient, food-secure agro-entrepreneurs,” says Solidaridad Mozambique country manager Francisco Nhanale.

“We envision a nation where farmers are not merely surviving, but thriving, and capable of withstanding climate and market shocks and contributing meaningfully to a diversified and inclusive economy. Empowering them is key to expanding our tax base and building stronger, locally-driven industries,” he says.

Collaboration between the private sector, development organisations and local farming communities is key to the project's success.

Through strategic partnerships, the PRASL will provide farmers with access to training, digital platforms, and financial inclusion tools to enhance productivity and long-term sustainability.

“Digitalising the agricultural value chain is not just a matter of innovation, but a strategic necessity. Without reliable data on production, costs, and yields, our farmers remain invisible to financial institutions.

“Through initiatives like PRASL, we aim to build strong digital records that give banks the confidence to invest in smallholder agriculture and unlock real economic inclusion for rural communities,” says Kvuno regional manager Lydia Banda.

The PRASL project will run to 2027, ensuring that farmers have the necessary resources, knowledge and market connections to sustain regenerative practices beyond the project's duration.

By fostering local ownership and knowledge-sharing, the initiative aims to create a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector in Boane district, the organisations say.

Further, the PRASL places inclusivity at the heart of its approach, with at least 60% of participants being women and 30% young adults. The project seeks to bridge gender gaps in agricultural leadership and promote young adult participation in farming through mentorship, skills development and access to finance.

“It is with great pride and excitement that we celebrate the launch of our latest project. The PRASL marks a significant milestone in the Heineken Africa Foundation’s ongoing commitment to foster sustainable development and to empower smallholder communities across sub-Saharan Africa.

“We are committed to working together with our partner farmers. We believe that investing in African agriculture is investing in the future of the world.” says Heineken Africa Foundation GM Edwin Moerkerk.