In Mozambique, AFAP’s work includes supporting Hub Agro-dealers to grow their businesses thereby affecting greater impact in farming communities that constitutes approximately 1.5 million farmers.

Augusto Nhama, a 40-year-old entrepreneur and owner of Mbeu Yacanaka, in the central province of Sofala has benefited from such support. Five years ago, Augusto operated a modest store crafted from zinc sheets, serving around 1000 small-scale farmers by selling seeds and chemical products.

With AFAP’s guidance and support, he introduced fertilizers into his store and underwent training in essential areas, including Management of Input Businesses, Product Knowledge, Safe Use and Handling Skills, and Output Marketing – particularly in grain bulking and aggregation.

This resulted in Mbeu Yacanaka’s  annual revenue growing from 2560,000.00 Meticais to 14,000,000.00 Meticais, making him a reliable Hub Agro-dealer in the district. This growth has led to the business’ participation in more demanding programs such as the FAO e-voucher, and he envisions constructing a warehouse to purchase products directly from producers in the future.

In 2019 when Tropical Cyclone Idai wreaked havoc in the region, causing massive losses including the destruction of the Mbeu Yacanaka store, AFAP played a critical role in reintroducing demand creation activities such as the establishment of demonstration fields and holding field days.

“After Cyclone Idai hit the Buzi district, I lost everything, including the store, and in 2019 AFAP supported me with a store and a warehouse where I continue my business today. My customer base has expanded to around 7000 producers,” Augusto explains.

Mr. Nhama’s story is just one of many that AFAP is fostering in central Mozambique. Hub Agro-dealers like him serve as the backbone of support for small-scale farmers across the country, embodying the spirit of resilience and growth that AFAP’s Sustain Africa program seeks to cultivate.