HEINEKEN Mozambique, in partnership with Solidaridad Southern Africa, Kvuno, Hiveonline, and the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation, launched the "Promoting Regenerative Agriculture for Sustainable Livelihoods" (PRASL) project last Thursday, April 17.

The three-year initiative focuses on empowering women and young adults to adopt climate-resilient agricultural practices that can improve soil health, restore ecosystems and strengthen community resilience.

The PRASL project comes at a critical time when small farmers in Mozambique are facing the growing challenges of climate change, including irregular rainfall and soil degradation.

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

"Mozambique's future depends on transforming smallholder farmers into resilient, food-secure agro-entrepreneurs. We envision a nation where farmers are not merely surviving, but thriving - able to withstand climatic and market shocks, and contribute significantly to a diversified and inclusive economy. Empowering them is the key to expanding our tax base and building stronger, locally-oriented industries," said Francisco Nhanale, Country Director, Solidaridad Mozambique.

Collaboration between the private sector, development organizations and local farming communities is fundamental to the success of the project.

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

"Digitizing the agricultural value chain is not just a matter of innovation - it's 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 registers that give banks the confidence to invest in smallholder agriculture and unlock real economic inclusion for rural communities," says Lydia Banda, Regional Manager at Kvuno.

With at least 60% female participants and 30% young adults, PRASL puts inclusion at the heart of its approach. The project seeks to fill gender gaps in agricultural leadership and promote the participation of young adults in agriculture through mentoring, skills development and access to finance.

The PRASL project will run from 2024 to 2027, ensuring that farmers have the resources, knowledge and market links needed to sustain regenerative practices beyond the duration of the project.

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

"It is with great pride and excitement that we celebrate the launch of our latest project. PRASL represents a significant milestone in the HEINEKEN Africa Foundation's ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable development and empowering smallholder farming communities in 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." - Edwin Moerkerk, Director General of the HEINEKEN Foundation Africa.