The ability to produce healthy food without consequence

In Africa, where approximately 20% of the world's forests exist, 3 million hectares of this land are lost annually. 65% of productive land is degraded, while 45% suffers from desertification. Sub-Saharan Africa has a food insecurity rate of 30%.

The current agricultural system is not working for Africa.

Modern-day agriculture relies upon the application of synthetic fertilisers and agrochemicals that can cause pollution of the soil and watercourses.  It is dependent on large-scale mono-crop production methods that leave crops vulnerable to pest and disease infestations, increasing the need for costly artificial inputs.  The land is often ploughed or cultivated annually exposing it to erosion from the wind and rain, as well as drying out in the sun.

Another issue is slash-and-burn agriculture, also known as shifting cultivation, which is a traditional farming method that is commonly used in developing countries. It involves cutting down and burning a plot of forest or grassland to clear the land for farming, and then using the ash and nutrients from the burned vegetation to fertilize the soil. In developing countries, slash-and-burn agriculture is often used by small-scale farmers who have limited resources and access to modern farming techniques. One major issue is that it drives deforestation, which has negative impacts on the environment, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. Additionally, this method of farming can only be used for a limited period of time before the soil becomes depleted of nutrients and farmers must move on to clear a new plot of land.

At Mozambique Renewables we believe there is a different way – agroforestry – to produce healthy food without having to do any of these things. Agroforestry is a land-use management system that involves integrating trees with crops and/or livestock in the same area. It is a sustainable farming practice that offers a range of benefits for both farmers and the environment. This practice provides several advantages such as sequestering carbon dioxide, enhancing biodiversity, improving degraded soils, and decreasing soil erosion. It also supports the growing population's food needs and helps farmers worldwide to become more climate-resilient and generate additional income.

Agroforestry can be used to stabilise soil, buffer against drought stress, and improve soil fertility to increase crop yields. By intercropping cereals with fruit and nut trees, nutritional diversity can be enhanced, and farmers can generate revenue streams by harvesting lumber products, fruits and nuts, natural gums and resins, and carbon credits. By enhancing food security, income, and climatic resilience for rural smallholders, agroforestry can have significant benefits.