Funded by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the Mozambique Agro-Dealer Development (MADD) project (2009-2012) builds on the achievements of AIMS, which promotes private sector investment in agro-input technologies and improves farmers’ access to these technologies through competitive markets and more effective agro-dealers. MADD is strengthening and expanding agro-dealer networks in the Manica and Tete provinces of Mozambique.
To achieve the most efficient supply of inputs, MADD is developing marketing skills and business linkages with and through farmer associations and enhancing agro-input dealer/supplier access to commercial credit.
The project is developing a network of 400 agro-dealers in urban, semi-urban and rural markets and facilitating the formation of a provincial agro-dealer association. MADD is working to create demand for agro-inputs by helping farmers to access and use modern crop production and inputs technology.
The project is addressing the following components, which will produce a synergistic effect on agro-input market development and agricultural production:
- Capacity building in business management and enhancement of product knowledge.
- Association building and networking.
- Development of business linkages.
- Technology transfer and demand creation for seed, fertilizers and other inputs.
- Strengthening of the nation’s market information system.
- Increasing access to business finance through risk-sharing arrangements with commercial banks and wholesale input suppliers.
- Working to create and sustain seed and fertilizer quality assurance measures.
IFDC Progress (November 2010-June 2011)
- A total of 93 new agro-dealers were trained.
- Demonstration plots were established, with agro-dealers to demonstrate the benefits of agro-inputs and modern agricultural methods.
- A credit guarantee facility was established in collaboration with Opportunity Bank of Mozambique. US $200,000 is now available in guarantees to leverage credit for agro-dealers.
- Strengthening agro-dealers’ capacity building was emphasized, as well as linking their institutions and individually trained agro-dealers to input markets.
- Agricultural demand creation activities reached a total of 6,375 maize farmers, all of whom attended at least one of the numerous field days focused on increasing maize production. More than 10,000 leaflets containing information about the correct use of seed and fertilizer for maize were distributed to farmers during those field days.
- Project staff collaborated closely with FAO in the implementation of an agro-inputs voucher program, working through agro-dealers who were previously trained under the MADD program.
Past Highlights (June-October 2010)
In support of 114 agro-dealers trained during the previous semester, the main activities during this period concerned linking agro-dealers to the market. Important activities included business plan training, linkages with microfinance institutions, agricultural demonstrations and orientations and preparation for the new agricultural season. Focus was also on communications, seed fairs and the development of district agro-dealer associations.
District Governments began using the project’s new agro-dealers for a seed distribution program. Officials are expected to allocate local funds through these agro-dealers during the next year.
- The project connected 52 agro-dealers to the Mozambique Opportunity Bank loan program. These dealers received credit to fund the purchase of fertilizer and seed stocks.
- MADD-trained agro-dealers distributed 600 mt of maize seed to smallholder farmers.
- A total of 42 agro-dealers were trained in product knowledge and business management, of which 26 participated as refresher training.
- Agricultural demand creation activities reached 5,449 farmers, who attended field days for maize and horticulture.
- Mass media events and seed fairs were held in 10 primary villages, where about 5,000 farmers received leaflets for maize. The six agro-dealers involved in the fairs sold 6,000 kg of seed. More than 3,000 leaflets containing information about the correct use of seed and fertilizer for maize were distributed to farmers. Agro-dealers in those villages began to sign agreements with suppliers.
- A total of 39 agro-dealers who are members of a District Association were involved in leadership training and started the legalization process for their organizations. AMPIA was linked with the District Associations, including representatives from districts who participated in the AMPIA General Assembly. The 2010 General Assembly was involved in planning activities for output marketing through the World Food Program’s Purchase for Progress program (P4P).
- Agro-dealers from primary markets in both Manica and Tete provinces were selected and trained in data collection. The training was organized and developed jointly between MADD and AMITSA. For two months, agro-dealers have accessed input prices from their regional and local markets. A newspaper is issued monthly to reach an audience of agro-dealers, agricultural extension agents and local authorities.
- By the year’s end, MADD plans to expand to 150 new agro-dealers, targeting more than 60,000 farmers. These efforts will be guided by the project implementation plan from November 2010 to April 2011.
Past Highlights (December 2009-May 2010)
- A group of 15 extension agents, teachers and service providers who were previously selected as Trainers of Trainers (ToT) participated in the training program in January, 2010. Of these, eight were selected as authorized ToTs.
- In March and April 2010, training sessions were organized in Chimoio and Tete. A total of 114 agro-dealers were trained and certified.
- Newly trained agro-dealers were organized into nine District Associations and later linked with AMPIA. Thirty district leaders were democratically elected.
- In order to develop business linkages, the project began working on a database of dealers, wholesalers, suppliers and service providers. Recently trained agro-dealers were involved in identifying their potential clients, influencing 20,000 farmers on the modernized input and output market system.
- One business meeting was organized to develop strategies for the cropping season. The meeting involved bankers, agro-dealers and suppliers. Discussions were initiated with the World Food Program’s P4P to link P4P and agro-dealers for further development of output markets.
- To promote technology transfer and agro-input demand creation, training sessions were organized for agro-dealers and extension agents in four cluster areas on organizing field demonstrations. Twenty field days were performed in May 2010. About 3,000 farmers attended these field days.
Past Highlights (July-November 2009: Beginning of Project)
- The Project expanded into 13 new districts.
- A total of 130 new agro-dealers were identified and selected as project beneficiaries in 110 markets in Tete and Manica provinces.
- A group of 15 extension agents, teachers and service providers were selected as ToT and will participate in the training program next January.
- Agro-input demand-creation activities influenced farmers and agro-dealers. During this period, 23,680 farmers benefited through 37 field demonstrations. This total was 79 percent of the first-year target.
- The Pilot Voucher Program running under FAO and with IFDC implementation in Manica and Tete Provinces influenced 10,000 farmers.
- One fertilizer distributor was linked with seven agro-input dealers and wholesalers who distributed seed and fertilizers to 107 retailers within the MADD program area.
MADD Information
Articles
An IFDC Core Competency: Agro-Dealer Development (Taken from IFDC Report Volume 35, No.3)
In Free Market, Seeds of Africa's Food Solution
Mozambique Monthly Journals
Mozambique Monthly Journal - September 2010 - Portugese
Current Situation: Current Prices of Raw Materials in Key Markets in Chimoio, Mozambique - Portugese
Radio Spots:
The following radio spots are examples developed in collaboration with the Institute for Social Communication (ICS), a local producer in Mozambique. The radio spots are recorded in Portuguese and will be broadcast on community radio stations. The topics of the radio spots include: the benefits of the use of good quality seed and fertilizer and how and where these inputs can be procured.
Radio Spot #1
Radio Spot #2