Local seed multiplication

Damião Caixão is happy—very happy, in fact. This season, he expects to harvest 20 tonnes of maize from his field. "It’s a good yield. A very good one." Caixão is a seed multiplier in Namilepe village, in Alto Molócuè district, Zambézia province. To harvest his more than four hectares, he relies on the help of his family: his wife, two children, a daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

But Caixão wasn’t always a seed multiplier. He previously worked as a machine operator and tractor driver, while in the field, he "just did regular farming work". That changed when the EU-funded PROMOVE Agribiz programme arrived, and the Government of Mozambique and FAO trained him in seed multiplication. “They taught me how to multiply seeds — the best seeds,” he says. That was four years ago. Since then, he has become "well-versed in seed multiplication": monitoring crop development, weeding at the right time, and managing pests early to prevent damage. This, he says, is what "inspires the community" to buy from him. "People pass by, amazed by the field and the quality of the maize. They say, 'Man, next year I want to buy from you.'"

"Selling seeds in the community is a victory for me."

The variety multiplied by Damião Caixão is ZM523, known for its tolerance to drought and low soil fertility. This improved maize variety is adapted to local agro-climatic conditions, resistant to environmental stress, and capable of producing higher yields. "What motivates me to multiply seeds is that more and more people are buying them and improving their production," he says. The seeds they used before "yielded almost nothing because they couldn’t withstand drought." His seeds, on the other hand, "are more resilient to climate change.

© FAO/Ricardo Franco

The nearest input store is 25 km from Namilepe, a journey of over 90 minutes by motorcycle or more than three hours by bicycle on rough dirt roads. Caixão’s work brings access to quality inputs directly to the community. Local farmers no longer need to travel long distances, pay for transport, or rely on grains instead of certified seeds. His seeds are also more affordable, costing less than half the price of those in town. The impact on the community is significant, he says with pride. "People come looking for seeds after they have run out," showing that even at a lower price, demand is high and everyone benefits. "Selling seeds here in the community is a victory for me."

"With this production, I can see I’m already moving forward."

Still, there are challenges. For the upcoming threshing, Caixão will need to hire labour. The motor on his thresher is broken, and hand-threshing 20 tonnes of maize could take months. "That’s my concern now — we’ll have to sell part of the maize to pay people to help."

Despite the setbacks, he remains optimistic. Seed multiplication has strengthened his income and his role in promoting self-reliance in the community. "Now I’m working toward buying a large motor pump," he explains, "so I can also produce fresh–season seeds because I see there’s a shortage." Production has improved significantly, he says. "Looking at what I’ve achieved and comparing it to how I used to work, I know I’m making real progress."

© FAO/Ricardo Franco

"The money I make with seed multiplication is not meant to stand still, I have to run and see if I can assure my children's future."