Agricultural Input Markets Strengthening Project
Mozambique
Overview
CNFA implemented the two-year, $250,000 USAID-funded Agricultural Input Markets Strengthening Project (AIMS) (2006-2008) to fill identified market gaps in Mozambique. AIMS developed the capability of private sector agrodealers to respond to increased demand for productive inputs and opportunities for market-oriented agricultural production. Overall, AIMS opened up and established more competitive markets and agrodealer networks as primary channels through which farmers could access improved agricultural technologies, which led to better crop quality and increased incomes.
Impact
- 215 households impacted by project initiatives and trainings
- 36 household asset vouchers provided
- 56 vulnerable households participating in Cash for Assets activities
- 159 individuals participating in agricultural sector productivity or food security training
Approach
- Increased Availability of Agricultural Inputs: AIMS strengthened farmers’ access to inputs, including fertilizer and improved seed and crop protection products, in the Beira and Nacala corridors, where prospects for commercial agriculture production are improving.
- Encouraged Adoption of New Technology: The project boosted the adoption of best input technology packages for key commodities in the Beira and Nacala corridors, based on profitability and potential for adoption by smallholders.
- Improved Agricultural Input Affordability: AIMS reduced fertilizer and seed costs to smallholder farmers and increased input quality and diversity in the market, increasing crop productivity of selected commodities in target areas.
- Strengthened Farmer Market Access: Through linkages with new input and output markets, AIMS enhanced the commercialization of smallholder agriculture.
Partners
To implement AIMS, Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA) collaborated with a diverse group of both international and local partner organizations, including the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC).
