Agroforestry systems

Castro Fernando bends over the small mango tree and smiles as he carefully prunes the seedling. Though in his early thirties, his weathered features suggest otherwise, but his hands move with precision, trimming away dry leaves. Today is transplant day, and Castro carefully selects plants for his field. Each member of the community nursery group established with Government of Mozambique and FAO support under the EU-funded PROMOVE Agribiz programme—will receive 300 seedlings of both timber and fruit trees. The selection includes species such as pterocarpus and afzelia, as well as mango and lemon trees, all destined to be planted in the farmers' own agroforestry systems. The nursery, with a capacity of 50 000 seedlings, also grows khaya nyasica, guava, custard apple, and moringa.

Together with fellow farmers from the Impuíte community in Alto Molócuè district, Zambézia province, Castro learned how to build the nursery and prepare the substrate to promote strong root development. He now understands that plants, much like people, need water to thrive and nutrients to grow. "And if you plant today, you won’t cut tomorrow," he says, stressing the importance of patience and care.

Impuíte is one of 36 community nurseries established by FAO in Nampula and Zambézia provinces. Castro is one of 5 000 smallholder farmers who are planting approximately 1.7 million trees in their fields.

Women watering seedlings. © FAO/Ricardo Franco

"Our rivers won't dry up so quickly."

Most of the seeds used in the nursery are sourced locally, but others— like mbaua, a native timber species—require long journeys to collect. "It’s a 20-kilometre walk," Castro explains. "It’s a sacrifice, but it’s worth it." Just like dedicating three days a week to working in the nursery. While some members fill plastic bags with substrate, others sow, transplant, water, prune, and check for pests. "We do this for ourselves, but also for our children," he adds, "because if we stop, we’ll ruin the environment forever".

With his wheelbarrow already loaded with the first batch of seedlings, Castro reflects on the changing climate. "It used to rain a lot. Now it takes much longer. It might rain today, and then not again for a whole month". That’s why the community realized: planting trees is worth it. Trees will provide shade, and when it rains, "the canopy will soften the impact. Rain won’t hit the soil directly." Once grown, the trees will protect the land from erosion, shield taller crops from strong winds, and, when their leaves fall, "they’ll become natural fertilizer."

By planting trees, Castro believes they’re contributing to a Better Environment: "Our rivers won’t dry up so quickly. Our lakes won’t dry up so quickly." Trees surrounding water bodies help retain moisture. "With trees nearby, lakes and rivers take longer to dry out. There will always be water."

FFS community nursery. © FAO/Ricardo Franco

"These trees will help regulate the climate in our fields."

In Castro’s field, coloured ribbons—red, blue, yellow, grey—flutter from stakes marking different spots across the one-hectare plot. Each colour represents a different species, carefully arranged according to a printed planting plan in his hand. There is a strategy behind agroforestry.

Through training, Castro has learned that agroforestry systems can significantly boost agricultural yields. "With these trees, we’ll be able to regulate the microclimate in our fields. Our crops will benefit from natural pest and disease control, the soil will retain more moisture, and overall conditions will improve." This not only supports more resilient agriculture – it also helps diversify diets and income sources.

The nurseries are also open to neighbouring communities. "Anyone who wants seedlings can come and buy them,” Castro says. “That way, we earn some income, too." Part of those earnings goes into the group’s savings fund, used for emergencies like health care. The group is already planning to build a second nursery. Because, as Castro says, “we are doing this for our future, and to teach the next generation that to breathe, we need clean air. And for clean air, we need trees. Without trees, we’ll fall sick."

"We are working for ourselves and to teach our children that in order to breathe, we need good air. To have good air, we need trees. Without trees, we'll be sick."