Mozambique, especially the coastal Zambézia Province, faces serious challenges from climate change, soil degradation, food insecurity, and rural poverty. ICEI has promoted Successional Agroforestry Systems (SAFS) as a sustainable solution to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and improve food security.
This case study, conducted within the three-year Ethaka project (2023–2025), assesses the potential of SAFS to strengthen sustainable food systems in eight rural communities across Maganja da Costa and Namacurra districts. It focuses on the impacts on food security, women’s livelihoods, agrobiodiversity, and soil quality.
The SAFS model is based on a holistic, science-informed, and community-led approach. Key components include soil restoration, multi-layered cropping for year-round food availability, high-frequency yields (3–4 harvests per year), integrated livelihoods (e.g., beekeeping and fish farming), strong community involvement, local knowledge transfer, and continuous training through Farmer Field Schools. Nutrition education complemented the agricultural interventions.
The findings reveal strong improvements across all indicators. Women’s dietary diversity (MDD-W) increased significantly—from 8% to 23% in Zambézia and up to 43% in Maganja da Costa. Severe child malnutrition was eliminated, and crop diversity rose from 13–15 to 20–26 species per farm. Average crop yields increased by 16% in Namacurra and 87% in Maganja da Costa. Women’s income grew by over 120%. Soil fertility improved with pH levels moving closer to neutral, higher organic matter, and better moisture and nutrient retention.
The study concludes that SAFS offer a technically sound, regenerative, and socially inclusive model that is scalable for building resilient food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. SAFS contribute meaningfully to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land). Long-term success will require supportive policies, investment in capacity building, and integration into national agricultural strategies.