Voucher beneficiaries

The implementation of the electronic voucher by the "Millennium Development Goal 1c" (MDG1c) sub-programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has so far shown success. This was the conclusion of the review meeting on the voucher component of MDG1c, which was held on 19 and 20 May 2016 in the city of Chimoio, Manica Provinces. 

So far, the electronic voucher reaches approximately 12.500 farmers. According to FAO´s sub-programme coordinator, Walter de Oliveira, the aim is "to increase the number of the e-voucher beneficiaries from 12.500 to 24.000 within FAO´s 2016-2017 season". 

The electronic voucher, which replaces the paper voucher, is one of the components of the MDG1c sub-programme and aims to improve the access to improved inputs by subsistence and emergent farmers through packages partly subsidised by the sub-programme. 

During the pilot phase, the electronic voucher system is being implemented in the provinces of Manica, Sofala, Zambézia and Nampula. 

Augusto Janota, who benefitted from the paper voucher, attended an FAO-run workshop on the electronic voucher, in his home district of Manica, Manica Province. He is excited about the programme: "I found out that I have more opportunities to increase my yields when I use the certified seeds of FAO's voucher scheme as well as the pesticides that come in the package. I often paid much more for poor quality seeds." 

The voucher scheme is an important tool of financial inclusion. Through an easier access to improved inputs, the producers see their yields increase as well as their incomes, knowledge and food safety among their households.