2011 AGRA Pigeonpea tete Value Chain Analysis and Baseline Study 2013 (3)

1
Project for the Improvement of Food Security and Income of Small
Farmers through the Intensification of market-oriented production of
Maize and Pigeon pea in the province of Tete, Mozambique
AGRA reference: 2011 SHP 020 SNV
Tete, August 2012
Edited: March 2013
Version: final draft (10/03/2013)
Value Chain Analysis
and
Baseline Study report

AGRA 2013 SHP SNV Value Chain Analysis & Baseline Study DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION ONLY 2
Contents
1 Introduction 6
1.1 Background and Project Description 6
1.2 Purpose of the VCA and Baseline Study 7
General objective of the study 7
Specific objectives of the Study 7
1.3 Methodology 9
Sampling of the baseline study 9
Data Collection tools and methods 10
Team Composition and realization of fieldwork10
1.4 Description of the Project Area 11
Temperature and rainfall 12
Altitude 12
Soils 12
Road infrastructure 12
2 Agriculture as the basis of family income and Livelihood 14
2.1 Preparation of fields 16
2.2 Major cash crops / processing 16
2.3 Major food crops 16
Cereals 16
Pulses 18
Oilseeds 19
2.4 Vegetables 19
2.5 Losses in food crops 20
Losses during production or in the field 20
Post-harvest losses 20
2.6 Agricultural Extension Services 21
2.7 Rural associativism 22
2.8 Access to Rural Micro-Financial Services 22
2.9 Agricultural marketing 23
2.10 Availability and access to food throughout the year 25
3 Description of Value Chains for Pigeon pea and Maize 27
3.1 Introduction to the VCA 27
3.2 Description of the subsector 28
Input supply 28
Production and productivity 32
Harvesting / Bulking 37
Trading 39
Transport 43
Processing 43
Sales to end users – export44
Support organisations & extension services 44
4 Project objectives (outcomes & impact) indicators and baseline 49
5 Conclusions and Recommendations 50
5.1 Conclusions 50
Demand Factors 50
Supply Factors 51
Support organisations & extension services 52
5.2 Recommendations53
6 Annexes 55
6.1 Annex: Questionnaire for farming households 55
6.2 Annex: Institutional Questionnaire 59
6.3 Annex: List of institutions and organisations interviewed. 61
6.4 Annex: References 62
6.5 Annex: Crop budget Pigeon pea (price calculations and budget) 63

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List of Tables
Table 1: distribution of respondents by districts and localities 10
Table 2: Basic data for the intervention area of Angonia, Tsangano and Moatize 11
Table 3: Roads, distances and state of passableness in Angonia District 13
Table 4: Roads, distances and state of passableness in Tsangano District 13
Table 5: Roads, distances and state of passableness in Moatize District 13
Table 6: Area under cultivation and production in the agricultural season 2010/11 14
Table 7: Area under cultivation and production in the agricultural season 2011/12 14
Table 8: productivity in the three districts 16
Table 9: Preference of producers in regard cultivation of cash crops 16
Table 10: Food preferences of informants in relation to grains 17
Table 11: Food preferences of the inhabitants of the three districts 17
Table 12 Farmers growing common beans in the three districts 18
Table 13: Farmers growing cow peas in the three districts 18
Table 14: Farmers growing Pigeon peas in the three districts 18
Table 15: percentage of production of common beans destined for own consumption 18
Table 16: Contribution of crops / varieties in family income in the three districts 19
Table 17: Frequency of production of vegetables by farmers in the three districts 19
Table 18: Frequency of production of vegetables per district 20
Table 19: Analysis of the causes of crop losses of maize and groundnuts in the field 20
Table 20: Effect of different causes of post-harvest losses in the cultivation of large groundnuts 21
Table 21: Access of farmers to agricultural extension messages 21
Table 22: Representation of formal Financial Institutions in the three districts 22
Table 23: Access to credit per gender in the households 23
Table 24: Sources of rural finance for rural households in the three districts 23
Table 25: Main market day in localities along the N7 highway 24
Table 26: Contribution of cash and subsistence food crops in income of smallholders by district 24
Table 27: Meal Frequency taken by households per day by district 25
Table 28: Small and medium holdings using agricultural inputs (%) 29
Table 29: Coverage and volume of trade of the main agro-dealers 30
Table 30: Top 20 Pigeon Pea producing countries (2011) 34
Table 31: Evolution of population and labour force composition 37
Table 32: Planned purchases and coverage of targeted products by companies / organisation 42
Table 33: Project objectives; outcomes & impact indicators table49
List of figures
Figure 1: production and area cultivated in 2010/11 15
Figure 2: production & area cultivated in 2011/12 15
Figure 3: productivity in the three districts 15
Figure 4: causes of post-harvest losses in large groundnuts 21
Figure 5: reading and writing skills of men (blue) and women (brown) in the three districts 22
Figure 6: Contribution of cash and subsistence food crops in income of smallholders by district 25
Figure 7: Maize yield in Mozambique and selected regions. 33
Figure 8: Top 10 pigeon pea producing countries (2011) 33
Figure 9: Producer Price of pigeon pea (USD/MT) in selected countries 40
Figure 10: actor mapping of pigeon pea and maize subsectors 45
Figure 11: Analysis of Stakeholders’ Support vs Influence 46

List of abbreviations
AGRA Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa
ACEAGRARIOS Association of Consultants and Agricultural Extension workers; local NGO in Tete
CLUSA Cooperative League of the United States of America
DPA Provincial Department of Agriculture (Direcção Provincial de Agricultura)
DUAT Right to Use and Exploit Land (Direito de Uso e Aproveitamento de Terra)
ETG Export Trading Group
FAO United Nations – Food and Agricultural Organisation
FoB Free on Board
FDD District Development Fund (Fundo distrital para o Desenvolvimento)
GAP Good Agricultural Practices
Ha hectare
ICM Grain Marketing Board of Mozambique (Instituto de Cereais de Moçambique)
ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics
IIAM Agricultural Research Institute of Mozambique (Instituto de Investigação Agronómica
de Moçambique)
IFAD United Nations – International Fund for Agricultural Development
IFDC United Nations – International Fertilizer Development Centre
IKURU Agricultural Marketing Company in Nampula
INAM National Meteorological institute (Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia)
INE National Bureau of Statistics (Instituto Nacional de Estatísticas)
ISFM Integrated Soil Fertility Management
LCB Local Capacity Builder
MFI Micro Finance Institution
MLT Mozambique Leaf Tobacco
MT Metric Ton
MZN Mozambican (new) Metical
NGO Non-Governmental Organisation
PO Producer Organisation
PA Administrative Post (Posto Administrativo)
PMA World Food Program (Programa Mundial de Alimentação)
PEDD District Strategic and Development Plan (Plano Estratégico de Desenvolvimento
Distrital)
PES Socio-Economic Plan (Plano Económico Social)
PP Pigeon pea
SAT Sustainable Agriculture Trust (Zimbabwe)
SDAE District Services for Economic Activities (Serviços Distritais das Actividades
Económicas)
SDPI District Services for Planning and Infrastructure (Serviços Distritais de Planeamento
e Infra-estruturas)
SIMA Market Information System (Sistema de Informação de Mercados Agrícolas)
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation
TIA Agricultural Census (Trabalho de Inquérito Agrícola)
USD United States Dollar
VCA Value Chain Analysis
DRAFT FOR DISCUSSION ONLY
This concerns a final draft of the report on the Value Chain Analysis and Baseline study which
is intended for discussion among the direct stakeholders involved in the project.
Any comments, contributions and suggestions are welcome via email: truijten@snvworld.org

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The study team
Responsible SNV Manager Rik Overmars
Project Manager Eduardo Machava
Lead Advisor Martinus Ruijten
Project Assistant Isabel Fernando
Design of questionnaires and carry out interviews
with key informants
Eduardo Machava, Martinus Ruijten, Manuel
Mutimucuio, Moses Raposo
Coordination of Data Collection AceAgrarios - Tete
SNV is a non-profit international development organisation with headquarters in the Netherlands and
staff in 35 countries. For over 40 years, we have worked with national, regional and local governments,
entrepreneurs and citizen associations to alleviate poverty. Our advisory services are funded by public
and private sources. With over 900 technical advisors and 100 local teams, we provide expertise in
agriculture, renewable energy, education, health, water and sanitation, forestry, tourism, governance
and private sector development.
http://www.snvworld.org/en/sectors/agriculture
Citation: Ruijten M, Machava E, Mutimucuio M and Raposo M. 2012. Analyses of the Pigeon pea and
Maize Value Chains in Tete province of Mozambique. Av. Julius Nyerere 1339, Maputo, Mozambique:
SNV Netherlands Development Organisation.
Corresponding author: Martinus Ruijten (truijten@snvworld.org)
Copyright © 2013 by SNV Netherlands Development Organisation.
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, this report may be reproduced, quoted or cited without
permission of the author(s) provided there is proper acknowledgement. The responsibility for the contents of
this report remains with the author(s). While our objective is to provide useful, general information, SNV makes
no representations or assurances as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information. The
information is provided without warranty of any kind, express or implied. This publication does not constitute
an offer, solicitation, or recommendation for the sale or purchase of any security, product, or service.
Information, opinions and views contained in this publication should not be treated as investment, tax or legal
advice.

1 Introduction
1.1 Background and Project Description
The Mozambique government considers the Beira corridor as one of the potential development centres in
the region, as it ensures a strategic link with neighbouring countries but also by its potential of water
resources in favour of a sustainable agriculture practice.
The integration of the Beira corridor in regional and international markets as well as its recognized
potential for food production, income, livestock, forestry plantations, fishing are important arguments for
investment by government and private sector alike.
It is within this dynamic that SNV, in partnership with AGRA designed and agreed to implement a project
in the area of agriculture to balance the adversities of climate and soil in some areas of Tete Province,
with a focus on food security through the promotion of cultures of maize, the nutrition base in the region
and other alternative products to increase the income of rural households, as in this case Pigeon peas.
Donor AGRA - Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa - Soil Health Program
Project Improving Food Security and Incomes of Smallholder Farmers through
Intensification of Maize - Pigeon pea (‘Cajanus Cajan’) Production and
Marketing in Tete Province of Mozambique
Project Area Tete Province; (northern part of) Moatize, Tsangano and Angonia districts
Short description
of the project
The project will address common challenges faced by smallholders through a Value
Chain Development approach, which will include the following interventions:
 Analysis of the value chain and driving forces for improvement of bottlenecks:
identification of market based solutions;
 Linking farmers to output markets;
 Capacity building of farmers, farmer organizations and extension workers in ISFM,
GAP, marketing skills and better farmer organization;
 Linking farmers to inputs through an inclusive business approach
The production of Pigeon pea and maize will be promoted in the three high-potential
districts of Moatize, Tsangano and Angonia in Tete province, targeting 20,000
smallholder farmers - with 30% of them being women.
SNV will establish a system of good quality seed multiplication and distribution to
farmers. The project will also promote micro-dosing of Pigeon peas with Phosphorus
fertilizer which is necessary for the increased grain yield and nitrogen fixation by the
Pigeon pea. SNV will link the producers to formal buyers.
Anticipated
outcomes
The main outcomes of the project over 3 years will include (a) Improved household
food security and incomes due to increased productivity of farms with respect to Pigeon
peas and maize, (b) increased use of fertilizers and improved seeds of Pigeon peas and
maize, (c) stronger farmers organizations in the facilitation of farmers’ access to inputs
and (d) stronger links to output markets.
Contribution to
Impact
The project anticipates to have at least 50% of the farmers (10,000 farmers, of which
at least 30% women) producing maize and Pigeon pea on 1 ha each, leading to
estimated production of 20,000 MT of maize and 10,000 MT of Pigeon pea with an
estimated value of USD 3 m. and USD 4 m. providing food security and incomes.
Starting date April 2012
Duration 36 months
Grant amount USD 800,000 – AGRA budget
SNV contributes 100 days (international) advisor; Pigeon pea seeds and fertilizer for the first season.

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1.2 Purpose of the VCA and Baseline Study
One of the first activities in the start-up phase of the project was a study to analyse the value chains of
Pigeon pea and Maize. To enhance its understanding of the project area and the value chains involved in
the project, teams of SNV advisors carried out reconnaissance missions during which contacts were
made with different actors in the project area; also to identify opportunities for partnerships and / or
complementary interventions. In order to establish the current situation in regard the project’s key
impact and outcome objectives and to complement the information gathered during these missions, SNV
commissioned a baseline study in the project area.
General objective of the study
The purpose of the baseline study was to collect basic information related to the key areas of project
intervention, in a measurable way that can be used as a basis to compare the situation of target groups
during the project and after its implementation and measure the achievement of objectives set. The
baseline study took place from July to September 2012, and was designed to collect basic (quantitative
and qualitative) data related to the main areas of project’s interventions, undertake analysis and submit
a comprehensive report on the current status of levels of awareness, knowledge, attitude and practices
of the target population on selected project interventions, which can be used as a basis to compare the
situation of target groups during the project and after its implementation, and to measure the end-term
achievement of stated objectives.
The Value Chain Analysis had the following main elements:
 Value Chain Mapping and Relationships: identify the primary and supporting actors in the pigeon
pea and maize value chains, their roles, and interrelationships and map their interactions;
 Market Trends & Competitiveness: identify sales markets and trends, unmet demand, growth
perspectives and (international) competitors;
 Governance: identify how the value chain is organized, where decisions are made and what the
position of the poor is in the chain;
 Value Chain Constraints: identify the major constraints to value chain development and target
population participation in the value chains.
Main aim of the VCA is to identify key actors and driving forces in the sub-sectors of maize and pigeon
pea, and suggest market-based solutions to overcome some of the main bottlenecks in the various
stages of the supply chains.
Specific objectives of the Study
a) On the basis of interviews with key actors in the maize / pigeon-pea sub-sectors confirm and
complete the various preliminary information and knowledge about the project area and in particular
on the value chains of maize and Pigeon peas.
b) Make a description of the socio-economic characteristics of the population covered by the project,
related to the food and incomes security situation of households in the target districts, taking into
account aspects of agricultural production and marketing of Pigeon peas and maize.
Tete
Moatize - Moatize
Zobué - Tsangano
Ulongué - Angonia
Project target areaMALAWI

c) Assessing the role of the crops of pigeon pea and maize in improving family income and food
security at the household level;
d) The mapping of potential agro-ecological areas for the cultivation of pigeon pea;
e) Review and update the baseline indicators and targets set out in the project design matrix and
collect data to establish the current situation (baseline) for each of these indicators (impact,
outcome and key output indicators).
f) Identify and recommend areas for the early start of activities during the first season of the project
(2012/13). through preliminary analysis of the results (quantitative and qualitative)
g) Encourage the dissemination of the project in terms of target groups (insertion of the project).
h) Identify and recommend opportunities for synergies with relevant sector stakeholders for better
results and leverages

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1.3 Methodology
As mentioned before, this study consists of a combination of a Value Chain Analysis (VCA) and a
Baseline study.
The Value Chain Analysis approach aims to identify the opportunities and challenges that prevail at
different stages in the pigeon pea subsector in Mozambique, spanning a full range of economic activities
ranging from provision of inputs and services to production, value addition and product development,
marketing and consumption. This approach overcomes the limitations of traditional static subsector
analyses and focuses on economic inter-linkages and interdependencies that affect the systemic
competitiveness of the pigeon pea (and maize) sub sectors.
Some analysts also make useful distinctions between supply chains and value chains. Hence, a supply
chain is defined as a set of linkages between players where there are no binding market relationships
while the concept of a value chain refers to a particular type of supply chain where participants actively
seek to support each other to improve systemic efficiency and competitiveness.
However, we only use the less strict definition of the value chain concept as the level of cooperation
among players in the pigeon pea supply chain in Mozambique can be characterized as ‘embryonic’ only.
The study entailed a detailed review of literature together with collation and analysis of secondary data.
The secondary data comprised of aggregate data on national output, data on export volumes of Pigeon
pea obtained from various published documents and information from published sources on availability
and use of improved technologies.
Information from these secondary sources was augmented with the data from the baseline study, where
randomly sampled households from Moatize, Tsangano and Angonia districts were interviewed.
Sampling of the baseline study
To carry out this survey a sample was equivalent to a universe 388 informants in the three districts. The
distribution was based on the number of families in each district. A sample of the district was also
subject to the same criteria to determine the number of informants to be contacted at each location
visited. The table below shows the summary of the distribution of respondents by districts and localities.
District Locality families interviewed
Moatize
Zóbwe - Sede 22
Mussacama 19
N’kondezi 20
Kaphiridzanje 10
Samoa 16
Kambulatsitse-sede 11
Moatize-sede 8
Sub-Total 106
Angonia
Kalomwe 13
Chimwala 11
Dziwanga 11
Mangane 14
Mawonekera 18
Namingonha 16
Domué - Sede 14
Binga 15
Caphessa 15
Liranga 4
Ndaula 16
N'khame 6
Seze 25
Sub-Total 178
Tsangano Ntengo-Wambalane - Sede 5

Banga 4
Chinvano 24
Tsangano - Sede 5
Chiandame 46
Maconje 20
Sub-Total 103
General Total 388
Table 1: distribution of respondents by districts and localities
Data Collection tools and methods
Structured interviews were carried out with a range of stakeholders, such as Small Farmer Organisations,
Civil Society, Research and Training Institutes, Government at provincial and district level; Private Sector
– buyers / processors / input suppliers and the financial sector. (Annex 6.3 contains a list of all the
organisations and persons interviewed.)
Although much of the information in the chapter is based on verbal sources / opinions, the factual data
and figures have been cross-checked, where applicable with data obtained through the baseline study.
For the realization of this Baseline Study, use was made of questionnaires (see annex 6.1) for farm
household interviews and structured questions for interviews with informants (see annex 6.2). As the
questions were posed to the informants, the interviewees filled up the survey marking with “X” and tick
(√), measured the fields of XX % of the total surveyed and mapped out respondents' homes using GPS.
For data analysis IT packages were used called CSPro 4.1 (for input) and SPSS & STATA (for analysis).
Team Composition and realization of fieldwork
To perform the field work, SNV contracted the services of the Association of Consultants and Agricultural
Extension workers (AceAgrarios) which in turn carried out the following activities:
Composition of the survey team: The team was composed of 10 investigators and led by two supervisors
appointed by AceAgrarios and on the other hand, SNV made available for this work its project staff in
Tete, which provided logistical support and supervision.
After recruitment; team training was conducted on the completion of the survey, followed by a
simulation for testing the same survey in the neighbourhoods around the city of Tete.
Before the start of the actual field work in the villages, the team held meetings at the district towns
where they invited District Administrators, directors of SDAEs, heads of villages, heads of administrative
posts and representatives of producers selected to take part in these meetings. On the ground, in the
locality or village, administrative authorities were always contacted and traditional and local community
teams gave great support as guides while conducting the investigation in their respective communities.

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1.4 Description of the Project Area
Tete province is well known as the location of the colossal Cahora Bassa hydro-electric dam and is also
rich in minerals, such as coal, iron, fluorite and gold. The recent extractive industries boom in Tete presents
enormous potential for economic development and poverty reduction through direct employment effects
and opportunities for spill-over effects through backward and forward linkages in supply chains, as well
indirectly by tax revenue collection.
Investment opportunities in agricultural value chains in the Zambezi Valley have been identified. There
are good prospects for agribusiness development in value chains, such as horticulture, food crops, dairy,
poultry, livestock, forestry and fisheries. However, only a limited number of companies are currently
engaged in production. Large untapped land and water resources are available in the area, but
infrastructure is limited and qualified human resources are insufficient.
The total number of inhabitants living in the study area of Angonia, Tsangano and Moatize is estimated at
569.417 according to the Census of 2007, corresponding to 25% of the total population of Tete Province.
Moatize district is the hotspot for the extractive industries development, as the two major coal mining
companies have their operations there. The southern part of the district is semi-arid and not very
conducive to agriculture. In the northern part there is a lot of agricultural activity including major
production of pigeon pea.
Angonia is arguably the most organised production zone of Tete province and this is reflected in the
diversity and organization of its agriculture organisations. The population in the district is heavily
influenced by their neighbours in Malawi, in terms of production methodology and crops produced and it
benefits from subsidised fertilizer brought in from that country. The district produces a variety of food and
cash crops of which the Irish potato is well-known throughout the country. Because of the favourable
agro-climatical conditions, farmers in Angonia don’t have to revert to drought-resistant crops like pigeon
pea.
Tsangano district has similarly favourable conditions for agriculture but is a lot smaller and suffers from
difficult access by road.
Basic data for the intervention area Angonia Tsangano Moatize Total
Population total (census 2007) 298.815 169.392 215.092 683.299
Population – female 154.926 87.152 110.315 352.393
Population - % female 51.8% 51.5% 51.3% 51.6%
Population – male 143.889 82.240 104.777 330.906
Population – Rural total (census 2007)
No. of families
Hectares under cultivation (2011/12) 169.434 91.483 54.699 315.616
Use of certified Maize seed 39.6% 48.9% Xx% 40.6%
Fertilizer use 4.1%
farm gate price Pigeon pea 2011/12 (MZN high/low) 10 / 15
Export (FOB Beira) per ton – average 2011
Farm gate price of maize 2011/12 (MZN high/low) 7 / 5
Export (FOB Beira) per ton – average 2011
No. of associations
No. of extension workers 13 2 5 20
Ratio families per extension worker 5500 5900 9600 6600
Rainfall (mm low / high) 725-1149 max. 1500 av. 664
Table 2: Basic data for the intervention area of Angonia, Tsangano and Moatize

Temperature and rainfall
The study area has distinctly different agro climatic characteristics, where the northern part, which
includes the districts of Angonia, Tsangano and northern district of Moatize (Mussacama locality, and
Nkondezi Zobué) present a humid temperate climate strongly influenced by altitude.
Angonia district presents a wide variation of rainfall, which is between 725-1.149 mm, with 90% of rain
falling between late November and early April. In Tsangano district average temperatures vary between
20 º
to 30 º
C. The humidity is long, and is between the months of November to March, the rains fall with
great intensity where the maximum annual precipitation reaches 1.500 mm and a minimum annual
temperature is 2 º
C.
The district of Moatize has two types of climate, namely: “dry steppe” with dry winter in the Southern
District. "Rainy tropical savanna” in Northern District (Mussacama town and Nkondedzi - Zobwe). The
two types of weather observe two distinct seasons, the rainy season and dry season. The average
annual precipitation is about 664 mm, while the average annual potential evaporation is around 1.626
mm. The highest rainfall occurs mainly in the period between the months of December to February,
varying significantly in quantity and distribution, either during the year or from year to year, and the
average temperature is in the range of 26.5 º
C.
Altitude
The altitude in the study area is predominantly characterized by plateaus, mountains and plains from
Angonia district, where the highest point is Mount Dómuè with an altitude of 2.096 m, passing through
Tsangano whose altitude ranges between 800 to 1.500 m. In the south one observes significant
variations over the north with altitudes between 700 m at the block level of Mpulo and Moniquera and
1655 m in Chitambe block, all in the southern part of the district. Regarding the district of Moatize, its
altitude varies between 300 and 1.970 m from Moatize-Sede to Kaphiridzanje.
Soils
In the districts of Angonia, Tsangano as well as the Administrative Post of Zobué in Moatize district, soils
are predominate feralíticos, red to reddish brown, heavy textured and moderately well-drained, mild to
strongly leached, however, displaying good water holding capacity with the exception of the north-
eastern and southern parts of the district of Moatize, specifically in administrative posts of Kambulatsise
and Moatize-Sede, where soils are brown - grey, brown - reddish and shallow on top of rocks. Even
small patches of alluvial soil can be found, particularly on the terraces of the Zambezi and Révubuè
rivers.
Road infrastructure
The road system within the study area plays an important role in the process of movement of goods and
people; its rehabilitation, expansion and maintenance has a positive impact on the possibilities of
economic and social development. Despite positive government interventions in rehabilitation, expansion
and maintenance of roads of the main sections of the study area, including the sections of Moatize-
Ulongue and Mphulo - Tsangano Sede (which was in the process of applying tarmac during the time of
the study); the poor state and passableness of some secondary and feeder roads prevails, that should
ensure the transport of agricultural products to major markets in the study area.
Due to its importance in the development process of the study area, for the present analysis, we
highlight the following road sections by district, as shown in the table below on the roads, distance and
state of passableness.

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# Departure Locality Destination Locality Distance -km status
1 Ulongue Ulónguè Chia Khombe 30 passable
2 Matewere Ulónguè Lizulu Monequera 43 regular
3 Cruz. Domue Mangàni Khombe Khombe 20 Regular
4 Majawa Namingòna Namingona Namingòna 10 passable
5 Domue Calio Capiriuta Chifumbe 30 regular
6 Mont. Domué Calio Chambuni Calio 8 impassable
7 Chipindu Ndaula Capiriuta Chifumbe 20 regular
8 Ntengo-Umodzi Seze Seze Seze 8 regular
9 Flor.de Angonia Kamphessa Kamphessa Kamphessa 16 passable
10 Chipindu Ndaula Chia Khombe 28 passable
11 Cruzamento Chia Khombe Ncaliuafa Catondo 45 regular
12 Mbemba Mangàni Calomwe Calómuè 26 regular
13 Djangua Mangàni Landileni Mangàni 12 impassable
14 Ulongue Ulónguè Mulanguene Namingòna 25 passable
15 Mpandula Mpandula Mwelanjovu Chifumbe 15 regular
16 Chidakua Mpandula Chipembere Chifumbe 15 regular
17 Chimuala Chimuala Canadzi Chimuala 30 regular
18 Chabualo Calómuè Dombole Calómuè 18 impassable
19 Dombole Calómuè Lizulu Monequera 25 impassable
20 Domue Calio Jairosse Calio 15 passable
Table 3: Roads, distances and state of passableness in Angonia District
Source: DPOPH – Tete
In regard the district of Tsangano, the focus is on the sections mentioned below.
Source: DPOPH - Tete
Table 4: Roads, distances and state of passableness in Tsangano District
In respect of the district of Moatize, the following roads and sections are of vital importance.
Source: DPOPH - Tete
Table 5: Roads, distances and state of passableness in Moatize District

2 Agriculture as the basis of family income and Livelihood
In the study area, agriculture is the dominant activity and involves almost all households. It is estimated
that about 318,000 hectares of arable land is used by both the private and family sector. To confirm this
fact, 387 respondents who answered the survey of 388 households sampled, say they had farms and
94.9% practiced farming, being 59.4% as main activity and 35.5% as a secondary activity. Due to this
situation, the survey found some conflicts between villages about land tenure and pasture, with evidence
of intensification of conflicts with the appearance of some private farmers applying for land based on
legal criteria. For example, a citizen who does not have land in the districts of Angonia and Tsangano
and who intends to develop agriculture, has to pay rent of the land, which is payable in goods or money,
all at once for the entire season.
In general, agriculture is practiced manually in small family farms on small plots. The study showed that
the average area of production in the project area is 1.92 ha against an average area available per
household of 1.95 ha, which means a utilization rate of 98.46%. The type of farming practiced is slash-
and-burn, depending exclusively on rainfall and characterized by multi cropping of different crops based
on local varieties.
In terms of crops grown most prominently, include food crops like maize, beans, ground nuts, Irish
potatoes, finger millet, sugar cane, cowpea, sweet potato and cassava practiced during the first season,
while in the second season stand out various vegetables including: Irish potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes,
carrots, onion, garlic, and common beans. The tables below demonstrate the evolution of the
agricultural seasons of 2010/11 to 2011/12.
Crops
Agricultural season 2010/11
Angonia Tsangano Moatize
Area
(ha) Production (MT)
Area
(ha)
Production
(MT)
Area (ha) Production
(MT)
grains 85,650 171,580 48,368 80,505 25,008 20,399
legumes 53,560 38,185 21,017 18,223 8,534 2,832
Oilseeds 0.0 0.0 5 5 1,136 568
vegetables 745 8,770 1,225 13,391 863 4,344
Roots & tubers 3,568 40,222 6,414 102,344 1,908 11,627
Cash crops 17,076 15,368 3,096 2,451 2,259 1,140
Cucurbitaceous 1,987 22,873 908 11,011 350 1,244
Fruits 4,166 50,000 4,583 45,833 3,085 15,425
Total 166,753 347,000 85,618 273,766 43,143 57,579
Table 6: Area under cultivation and production in the agricultural season 2010/11
Source: DPA Tete
Crop
Agricultural season 2011/12
Area
(ha) Production (MT)
Area
(ha)
Production
(MT)
Area
(ha)
Production
(MT)
grains 88,664 186,738 53,070 91,494 29,871 25,294
legumes 51,626 44,439 22,099 19,461 9,268 4,341
Oilseeds 0.0 0.0 5.2 5.2 2,613 1,568
vegetables 1,254 12,843 932 11,965 2,126 12,159
Roots & tubers 4,051 57,852 6,770 106,268 4,017 23,976
Cash crops 17,594 15,835 3,128 2,815 2,514 1,005
Cucurbitaceous 2,047 30,598 886 11,777 490 2,204
Fruits 4,196 56,646 4,591 45,924 3,795 26,567
Total 169,434 404,953 91,483 289,712 54,699 97,118
Table 7: Area under cultivation and production in the agricultural season 2011/12

15
Figure 2: production & area cultivated in 2011/12
In both agricultural seasons described above, the district of Angonia comes first both in area of
production as well as in global production harvested, followed by Tsangano and finally the district of
Moatize. However, Tsangano district had the highest yield in all agricultural seasons under review
compared with other districts as shown in tables and graphs below. We assume that the relatively high
production of roots and tubers in that district has an influence on the average productivity in regard to
the other two districts.
0
100000
200000
300000
400000
500000
Angonia
Tsangano
Moatize
169434
91483
54699
404953
289712
97118
Area (ha) Production (Ton)
0
100.000
200.000
300.000
400.000
Angonia
Tsangano
Moatize
166.753
85.618
43.143
347.000
273.766
57.579
Area (ha) Production (Ton)
Figure 1: production and area cultivated in 2010/11
Figure 3: productivity in the three districts
0,00
1,00
2,00
3,00
4,00
Produtividade
2009/10
Produtividade
2010/11

District
Productivity (MT / ha)
2009/10 2010/11
Angonia 2.08 2.39
Tsangano 3.20 3.17
Moatize 1.33 1.78
Table 8: productivity in the three districts
2.1 Preparation of fields
The results of the study showed that only 22.5% of respondents have draft animals, of which 22% have
cattle and only 0.5% donkeys. However, only 14% of owners of draft power cattle use them for work
(farming and transportation).
Most notably 77.5% of farmers depend on family labour and other means of employment. Only 16.7% of
respondents answered that they made use of seasonal workers to carry out various farming activities,
which means that the remaining 60.8% use family labour only.
The option for labour-intensive manual land preparation instead of animal traction may be associated
with the type of crop practices used for the preparation of the fields, that oftentimes involves the
building of ridges, which probably would not be possible with animal traction. Even farmers, who use
animal traction for ploughing, have to manually re-build ridges mainly in the districts of Angonia and
Tsangano.
2.2 Major cash crops / processing
Based on the list of crops surveyed the biggest highlight was the culture of Soya, followed by tobacco
although the latter has the Mozambique Leaf Tobacco (MLT) as promoter, that ensures the availability of
all inputs for its production as well as buying the totality of all production. The soybean crop is new but
soon occupied space to the point of stifling the culture of tobacco. This might be caused by the relative
easiness of soybean cultivation compared to tobacco and greater market demand. Lastly appear crops
like sesame and sunflower respectively. The table below shows the positioning of these crops by the
preference of its cultivation by farmers in the three districts.
Crop Preference of cultivation by farmers (%) Order
Tabaco 17,0 % 2°
Sunflower 0,3 % 4°
Sesame 0,5 % 3°
Soya 18,0 % 1°
Table 9: Preference of producers in regard cultivation of cash crops
2.3 Major food crops
Food crops play an important role in the lives of the families of the three districts. This being subsistence
farming, one realizes easily that the main object of the producers is to ensure household food security
and in the second place to meet other needs such as education for their children, health, clothing and
more. To facilitate the analysis of the role of food crops in the lives of people, we will present the
discussion by groups of particular crops: cereals, legumes and vegetables.
Cereals
Due to their role played in the eating tradition of the three districts, two types of cereals were chosen for
the study and analysis: maize and sorghum. But the results were surprising, because even though DPA
Tete in the campaign 2011/12 had run a program of promoting the cultivation of short-cycle sorghum

17
and had distributed seed to promote this crop, none of the producers reported actually growing it.
However, maize was produced by all our informants in the first season and only 9% of respondents also
seeded in the second period, making it clear that this culture is of greater importance in the first season.
However, only 40.6% of respondents used certified seed with 39% obtained through purchase while the
remaining 1.6% through other, unspecified forms of acquisition.
The producers of the districts of Angonia and Tsangano are the ones that most often opted for certified
seed at a rate of 39.6 and 48.9% respectively. This may explain why the district of Tsangano has
presented the greater productivity in comparison to the other two districts under review. From this result
it can be noticed clearly that the producers still opt for the local varieties i.e. usage of grain selected by
them as seed, which explains the weak further crop yields observed in the project area. The average
yields of the three districts are shown in the table 8.
Although maize is produced by all producers, only 5.4% of our informants responded that they sold
maize Therefore it is clear that maize is not used for sale but for subsistence food instead, and their sale
is based on surplus production. In response to questions about the main traditional food dish, in regard
to the cereals surveyed, maize was clearly dominant amongst other cereals, as shown in the table
below.
Crop Most important food for families (%)
Maize 98.7
Rice 1.0
Sorghum 0.0
Millet 0.3
Table 10: Food preferences of informants in relation to grains
Of the 98.7% of respondents who indicated that their basic diet consisted of maize, 94.6% had
confirmed reserves from their farms from the previous season. This underscores the choice for maize to
feed the population of the study area. Even in seasons with poor harvests, people always look at maize
to feed them. To support this information, 96.6% of respondents, confirmed that even in the lean period
they consumed more maize than other crops grown in the area, as shown in the table below, making
clear the dependence of the inhabitants of the study area in relation to maize in their diet.
crops Freq.
(%)
Maize 96.4%
Rice 0.8%
Sorghum 0.8%
Millet 0.0%
Cassava 0.3%
Sweet Potato orange-fleshed 0.8%
Sweet Potato 0.0%
Other tubers 1.0%
wild fruit 0.0%
Total 100.0%
Table 11: Food preferences of the inhabitants of the three districts
Although the districts of Angonia and Tsangano are recognized as being the largest producers of Irish
potato in Tete province, its consumption is included under other tubers, which is around 1.0% of the
option. Which means that this massive production is intended for sale as a source of income? During the
study it was noted that men and women coming from other parts of the country were on the scene to
buy potatoes and other vegetables.

Pulses
For the analysis a slightly longer list was considered than that of cereals and legumes to highlight the
following: Common bean, cowpeas and pigeon peas. These crops such as cereals have been identified as
contributing to the household food security and income generation, through their marketing.
The cultivation of the common bean is more significant in the districts of Angonia and Tsangano where
most people grow crops such as shown in the table below.
District No. of respondents Frequency of common bean production (%)
Angonia 162 91.0 %
Tsangano 78 75.7 %
Moatize 30 28.3 %
total 270 69.6 %
Table 12 Farmers growing common beans in the three districts
However, in regard to cowpea, the survey results did not show major differences in terms of choices of
producers in all the three districts. The table below shows that this crop is above 50% of the choice of
producers in their production systems, being a strategic crop for household food security.
District No. of respondents Frequency of cow pea production (%)
Angonia 99 55.6 %
Tsangano 70 68.0 %
Moatize 61 57.6 %
total 230 59.3 %
Table 13: Farmers growing cow peas in the three districts
As for pigeon pea which is the focus of the project. The results of the study demonstrate that the district
of Angonia has no tradition of growing of this legume. As was referenced above, farmers in Angonia and
Tsangano districts, because of their agro-ecological potential, are cultivating various types of vegetables.
However it is worth noting that this crop is already known throughout the project area with greater
emphasis on the districts of Moatize and Tsangano, as shown in the table below.
District No. of respondents Frequency of Pigeon pea production (%)
Angonia 8 4.5 %
Tsangano 67 65.1 %
Moatize 83 78.3 %
total 158 40.7 %
Table 14: Farmers growing Pigeon peas in the three districts
Based on field observations, supplemented by respondents, growing pigeon peas is more significant and
is part of the production systems of the families in the districts of Moatize (northern part) and Tsangano
(southern part). In the district of Angonia, this is not traditional crop and all activities to be carried out
will initially have to focus on promotion of the crop.
Growing common bean, in addition to being a source of income, plays an important role in the diet of
the population of the three districts. Between 58 to 92% of the product produced in the previous season
was for consumption as shown in the comparative table between the districts below:
District Common beans destined for own consumption (%)
Angonia 58.4 %
Tsangano 71.8 %
Moatize 92.5 %
Table 15: percentage of production of common beans destined for own consumption

19
Oilseeds
Only the groundnut was considered for study under the subchapter of food crops. Distinction was made
between the big and the small groundnut, because of the comparative advantages that each variety
presents in relation to the other. In terms of the choice of cultivation, the informants showed no
significant difference since the small peanut was grown by 15.5% against 16.5% for the large, a
percentage difference of 1% in terms of the choice of cultivation. In terms of improved seed, only 23.4
% of respondents opted for certified seed of which 20.3 % bought this same seed and the rest
purchased from other ways not investigated in this study.
In terms of its distribution among districts, the large groundnut is grown more in Moatize (28.9%),
followed by Angonia with 13.3%, while the district Tsangano only scores 7.9% as opposed to small
groundnuts in the two districts are positioned in second place with a slight difference of 0.3% in favour
of the district Tsangano. Of all three districts, the groundnut is more cultivated in the district of Moatize.
As we saw in the characterization of soils, the soils of the districts of Angonia and Tsangano are heavier
than the district of Moatize which favours this situation.
As in the cultivation of cereals, use of certified seed by the producers of the family sector is still
relatively low and almost the entire crop is planted in the first period of the season.
Unlike cereals, groundnut cultivation plays an important role in family income. The table below shows
the contribution of this crop compared to cereals in household income.
Crop / variety Percentage sold (%)
Groundnut - big 23.4
Groundnut – small 25.8
Maize 5.4
Sorghum 0.0
Table 16: Contribution of crops / varieties in family income in the three districts
2.4 Vegetables
Horticulture occupies a prominent position in the sources of income available to producers. The districts
of Angonia and Tsangano are major suppliers of various vegetables to the city of Tete and the town of
Moatize in addition to the buyers coming from other provinces. Its major production is apparent in the
dry and cool season (second agricultural season) compared to the hot and rainy season (first season).
The table below shows the frequency of production of vegetables by farmers in the three districts.
crop Nr of informants
producing vegetables
% in relation to the
sample
pumpkin 154 17.3%
Irish potatoes 139 15.6%
okra 137 15.4%
tomato 133 14.9%
cabbage (‘couve’) 115 12.9%
cucumber 99 11.1%
onion 76 8.5%
watermelon 30 3.4%
garlic 5 0.6%
cabbage (‘repolho’) 2 0.2%
other 1 0.1%
total 891 100.0%
Table 17: Frequency of production of vegetables by farmers in the three districts
In general, the table clearly demonstrates the importance of Irish potato, okra, tomato, and cabbage
compared with other vegetables. Although the cultivation of pumpkin is more important in relation to the

remaining vegetables, as this is more suited for family consumption with the accompanying "Nshima"
food, based on maize. In relation to the cultivation of vegetables per district once more the districts of
Angonia and Tsangano showed their high potential as illustrated in the table below.
crop Angonia Tsangano Moatize
pumpkin 22.3% 14.8% 16.1%
garlic 1.6% 0.3% 0.0%
Irish potatoes 2.4% 24.3% 15.8%
onion 9.3% 8.6% 7.7%
cabbage (‘couve’) 8.9% 15.4% 13.2%
watermelon 8.5% 1.1% 1.8%
cucumber 18.2% 6.5% 11.0%
okra 18.6% 12.9% 15.8%
tomato 10.1% 16.2% 17.6%
cabbage (‘repolho’) 0.0% 0.0% 0.7%
other species 0.0% 0.0% 0.4%
Table 18: Frequency of production of vegetables per district
In a comparative horizontal reading of the distribution of crops per district, it is noted that in the
2011/12 season a program for promoting horticultural has taken place in the district of Moatize by the
Salesian Society; reason why the levels of production of these crops are relevant, although in very
different quality of vegetables from Angonia and Tsangano.
2.5 Losses in food crops
Losses during production or in the field
Unlike large groundnut and maize, no loss was reported for small groundnuts although these varieties
have been grown in the same season. Further study and investigation into this situation may be
recommended since this study was not exhaustive to clarify this phenomenon. According to our
informants, maize suffered more from excess rain than big groundnuts as the table and the comparison
chart below show.
Causes of losses Frequency in field losses
large groundnuts (%)
Frequency in field
losses Maize (%)
Floods/excessive rains 2.2 98.3
Pests 53.4 1.7
wildlife 2.6 0
domestic animals 1.5 0
fires 1.1 0
decay 14.2 0
other causes 9 0
Table 19: Analysis of the causes of crop losses of maize and groundnuts in the field
In these three districts practically excessive rain is crucial to maize yield. Aware of this situation of
farmers use the practice to build ridges for planting maize as a way to alleviate this problem becomes
relevant because the producers do not use fertilizer for the correction of fertility and leaching the soil
suffers from floods and erosion. However, for the cultivation of groundnuts is important that producers
are prepared to deal with the pest control in the field.
Post-harvest losses

21
Contrary to what has been found in other studies, there were no post-harvest losses in maize and small
peanuts. However, there are losses in the order of 14.2% in large groundnuts. The table below shows
the main causes of postharvest losses the crop and its peanut great frequency.
Causes of post-harvest
losses
Freq.
(%)
Pests 41.8
Decaying 25.5
Domestic Animals 10.9
Others 7.3
Floods 5.5
Wild Animals 3.6
Wild Fires 3.6
Table 20: Effect of different causes of post-harvest losses in the cultivation of large groundnuts
As the table and graph illustrate, pests are a major problem in storage. It is also worth noting that the
greatest losses were observed in the districts of Angonia and Tsangano, areas with lots of rainfall
occurrence, which may have contributed to the high losses by decaying, as the crops are harvested with
high moisture content. The wild and domestic animals reinforce the set of pests; because after harvest
producers have the habit of letting it dry in the field or in the open air in their backyard, exposing this
way produce to attacks from wild and domestic animals. The floods mentioned by our informants, can
easily be confused with the heavy rainfall that occurs in these districts and consequently increases the
moisture that causes decaying in the barn or in storage.
2.6 Agricultural Extension Services
In addition to the extension workers of private companies, who focus on the promotion of certain crops
such as tobacco, soybeans, cotton, among others, the three districts targeted by the project are covered
by a network of public extension, although with rather low numbers of extension workers. For example,
in Moatize district, the administrative post of Zobué, which is an area with a lot of potential, is assisted
by one extension worker only, based at the headquarters of the administrative post; which makes his
extension intervention less tangible. Consequently, in the three districts only 30.5% of our respondents
confirmed having received information or advice from an extension worker. Tsangano is relatively better
off in terms of performance of its district extension in comparison to other districts, as shown in the
table below, on the frequency of positive responses regarding the receipt of a message by producers
through extension on the agricultural production process.
District Access to agricultural extension messages
Angonia 24.6%
Tsangano 53.4%
Moatize 22.0%
Table 21: Access of farmers to agricultural extension messages
In general, there is still a large deficit of technical assistance to producers, if we take into account that
quite some of these are extension workers from a private network; who only promote the crop that is of
commercial interest to them, rather than also promoting subsistence crops.
This situation becomes critical because of the very low degree of literacy of the members of the
households, which makes that their technical decisions are oftentimes based on local traditions and
Figure 4: causes of post-harvest losses in large groundnuts
0
10
20
30
40
50
Causes of post harvest losses in large groundnuts
Frequency (%)

customs. The graph below is a comparison of reading and writing skills between men and women.
However, in both instances, the writing and reading skills were below 50% of the sample which means a
majority of people in the three districts is illiterate.
Figure 5: reading and writing skills of men (blue) and women (brown) in the three districts
Only in the district of Moatize women are more enabled to write and read than men, but this ability was
below 35% of the sample, which means that overall there are more women who cannot read and write.
This illiteracy affects to a great extend the process of adoption of technologies transmitted by the
extension workers and thus constitutes the main reason for the weak agricultural yields despite the
presence of the extension network.
2.7 Rural associativism
Associativism is a form of organization that producers adopt especially in recent years as a way to be
able to face jointly the difficulties of production and marketing. Due to the limitation of the number of
extension workers to assist producers, increased in recent years the methodology of grouping producers
to better assist them and moreover, the government has been promoting associations as a way to better
assist farmers with District Development Funds.
Despite all this movement and hard work in order to organise the producers, in practice there remains a
great reluctance by producers to join this particular movement. During the survey it was found that only
11.4% of households in the sample belong to an association.
Although the new law on associativism in the sector allows associations to be legalized down to the level
of Administrative Posts, people remain largely uninterested. Off the record, they claim mismanagement
of assets or property of the association by its leaders, (reaching even the level of leaders confounding
the association with its own private property), as demotivating factor, which puts down all the good
intentions around the associative movement.
2.8 Access to Rural Micro-Financial Services
In all three districts major commercial banks are represented. The table below shows the representation
of commercial banks by district.
District Represented Banks
Angonia Banco Comercial de Investimento (BCI), Millennium BIM, Banco Terra and Banco
Oportunidade (BOM)
Tsangano No bank is resident, but every week there is a mobile banking service in district provided
by BOM
Moatize Banco Comercial de Investimento (BCI), Millennium BIM and Barclays Bank
Table 22: Representation of formal Financial Institutions in the three districts
A branch of Millennium BIM in Angonia headquarters is located in the administrative post of Domué and
Banco Oportunidade’s mobile service also covers the administrative posts and some localities.
0,0%
5,0%
10,0%
15,0%
20,0%
25,0%
30,0%
35,0%
40,0%
45,0%
50,0%
Habilidades de escrita e
leitura Homens
habilidades de leitura e
escrita Mulheres

23
However, this movement is not reflected in the access to bank finance for agricultural activities, but
rather only the collection of savings. As a result of this, only 16.3% of our respondents confirmed having
received credit in the previous campaign. Of this universe, more men than women have received credit
as the table below shows that stratifies access to credit by gender in the households.
Gender Access to credit in households (%)
Men 85.7%
Women 12.7%
Both 1.6%
Table 23: Access to credit per gender in the households
Therefore, despite the presence of commercial banks and MFIs in the production areas, banks are still
not inclined to finance production, fearing the high risks associated with agricultural; with Banco BOM
being a positive exception. Which is why small holder producers continue to face difficulties in accessing
inputs of production (good quality, certified seed and agro-chemicals), perpetuating the subsistence
character of family farming, even though these farmers are operating in areas of high agricultural
potential. The table below clearly shows this cautious trend of banks that only contribute 9.5% in the
sources of financing of producers, leaving this role largely to government and NGOs, who jointly provide
79.4% of rural funding sources.
Source of finance Frequency of access (%)
NGOs 54.0%
government 25.4%
Commercial banks 9.5%
family 6.3%
companies 3.2%
associations 1.6%
traders 0.0%
stores 0.0%
Others 0.0%
friends 0.0%
total 100.0%
Table 24: Sources of rural finance for rural households in the three districts
Companies promoting certain crops like tobacco participate with 3.2% in the availability of credit in the
inputs of production and at the time of sale they deduct the repayment of these debts. However, as
noted in previous chapters, the poor education level of many producers makes this relationship with
trading companies very strained; because oftentimes, it is a deal made by an illiterate who is unable to
calculate production costs and a smart entrepreneur who wants to maximize its profits. It is the buyer
that does all the calculations and fixes the costs of the package provided to producers as well as the
purchase price of production, hence the need for a third party mediation to serve as a counter balance
and the ensure a win-win situation.
In this survey, the emphasis is on the role of families as a source of rural finance. It is customary in
African households that relatives or children, who live outside their home areas, channel to their families
in the areas of provenance some monetary help, which in this case is used to finance agricultural
production.
2.9 Agricultural marketing
Agricultural Marketing plays an important role in the lives of the communities of the three districts in
general and farmers in particular. Even though there are still problems in terms of road infrastructure,
especially those roads that connect the villages with each other, the capitals of the administrative posts
with localities, and even more those between localities and the villages where production occurs. During
the survey, we witnessed large tonnage trucks that go up to the administrative posts, thus forcing
buyers to look for other ways to have access to villages, both to buy as well as to transport to the

centres of the administrative posts, where commodities are then accumulated to be evacuated to the
districts capitals or to other destinations.
Note that although many difficulties with movement on these roads persist, men and women from the
cities of Tete, Moatize village among others, go down to the three districts daily and especially on days
previously agreed in places as market days. The table below shows the main market days in three
districts along the N7 road, with a detour past the Domué Administrative Post.
Districts Name of locality Market day(s)
Angonia Domue Fridays
Ulongue Saturdays
Tsangano Chivano Thursdays
Chiandame Wednesdays
Maconje Fridays
Moatize Kambulatsitse Fridays
Nkondedze Mondays and Tuesdays
Table 25: Main market day in localities along the N7 highway
To materialize this trade, producers coming from the points farthest away, arrive on the day before with
their produce on stacked on various marketing carts. Also some of the local producers do the same. In
the vicinity of these buying and selling centres, some have built shacks that are leased out for rates that
range from 50 to 100 MZN / night. On market day a range of services are provided, that allows visitors
to be there throughout the day, including the provision of food, music, transport, among others.
These market days are well known to buyers who visit the place especially for the purchase of various
agricultural products, as farmers take advantage to buy goods and agricultural inputs for subsequent
campaigns.
As was referenced in previous chapters, apart from tobacco, most crops grown by our respondents
beyond subsistence farming, are partially intended for sale. The table below shows the contribution of
cash crops and subsistence food crops in household income of smallholders by district.
Crop Frequency of contribution to
house hold income by district
Maize 1.1% 3.9% 14.2%
sorghum 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
Groundnut - large 7.1% 33.3% 23.1%
Groundnut - small 13.2% 30.3% 31.1%
common bean 41.6 % 28.2 % 7.6 %
cowpeas 12.9 % 13.6 % 9.4 %
pea pigeon 2.8 % 10.7 % 27.4 %
Table 26: Contribution of cash and subsistence food crops in income of smallholders by district

25
As we can see, oilseeds and pulses are the crops that contribute with a higher family income of
producers in the three districts. However, as noted in previous chapters, these crops are contributing to
food security in about 50% of harvested production. Different from cereals, where more than 70% of the
output is for family consumption.
2.10 Availability and access to food throughout the year
The issue of food security constitutes the subject of major attention during the survey and was evaluated
on the basis of availability and access to food, measured by the number of meals that households take
per day. In the periods considered as food scarce, most respondents (83.17%) assured us that they took
between two and three meals on average, of which 45.74% with two meals and 37.43% with 3 meals /
day, which implies that in periods of abundance they enjoy the habitual three square meals per day. The
table below shows the rate of access to food in terms of number of meals per day in households by district.
Nr. of meals / day Moatize Angonia Tsangano
1 24.53% 13.48% 17.48%
2 41.51% 45.51% 50.49%
3 33.96% 40.45% 32.04%
4 0.00% 0.56% 0.00%
Total (%) 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Table 27: Meal Frequency taken by households per day by district
Overall the frequency of meals by district in the periods considered to be food scarce is to a large extent
satisfactory, giving the impression that there are no serious problems of food insecurity. In Moatize and
Tsangano districts there were no situations in which households go a whole day without taking a meal,
but curiously the district of Angonia, where most households enjoy between two and three meals per
day during these periods, situations were also recorded in which households went hungry even to the
point of spending a day without eating, although at a very low rate of occurrence.
If the periods considered food scarce 75.47 to 85.96% of the households interviewed had between two
and three meals per day. We believe that in these districts there are no serious issues of availability and
access to food throughout the year or in other words, they enjoy food security at a reasonable level.
Maize being the most important product for their own consumption is sourced from their own fields of
0,00
10,00
20,00
30,00
40,00
50,00
Frequency of contribution to
Angonia
Tsangano
Moatize
Figure 6: Contribution of cash and subsistence food crops in income of smallholders by district

production. The survey results show that 94.57% of households in the last 12 months had food reserves
of maize.
This is confirmed by the socioeconomic conditions in which 60.21% of respondents said that economic
conditions are better now than three years ago. While 24.55% of responders reported that the situation
was the same and only 15.25% of respondents felt that the situation has deteriorated.

27
3 Description of Value Chains for Pigeon pea and Maize
This chapter aims to summarise the main elements of the Pigeon pea and maize value chains in the
context of the AGRA project. The main thrust of the project is to increase overall household productivity
and financial security through improved yields of maize and Pigeon pea, as a result of Integrated Soil
Fertility Management (ISFM) and the efficiency of land use. Nevertheless, SNV feels strongly that such
improved agriculture practices would only find a ready uptake by farmers if yield increases are
significant and if there is a ready market to absorb the increased volumes produced. Hence the
importance of considering the entire Value Chain of Pigeon pea (and Maize) when trying to address
issues of production, productivity and income of small holder farmers.
This study uses a Value Chain Analysis (VCA) approach to identify the opportunities and challenges that
prevail at different stages in the Pigeon pea (and maize) subsector in Mozambique, spanning a full range
of economic activities; from provision of inputs and services to production, harvesting, value addition,
transport, processing, marketing and consumption. It is important to make the distinction between
supply chains and value chains. A supply chain is defined as a set of linkages between players where
there are no binding market relationships; while the concept of a value chain refers to a particular type
of supply chain where participants actively seek to support each other to improve systemic efficiency
and competitiveness in order to create value. However, we only use the less strict definition of the value
chain concept as the cooperation among different players in the Pigeon pea supply chain in Mozambique
is not well developed.
The Pigeon pea Value Chain, and to a large extend also the maize VC, are highly underdeveloped and
therefore inefficient and inequitable. Transaction costs are incurred at each node for cleaning,
packaging, transport, and other marketing functions required in buying and selling the product. This
tends to increase the marketing costs and lower the share of the consumer price received by the
smallholder farmers, especially when the value chain is overextended, involving a large number of nodes
and players.
In this study, we adopt the broader concept of a value chain to assess the constraints and opportunities
that underpin the Pigeon pea and maize subsectors in Mozambique. The main emphasis is on the pigeon
pea value chain, where the project aims to have an impact by supplying improved, high-yielding seeds
of the right variety and introduction of correct crop management practices. Where relevant to explain
the overall workings of the two chains, the maize supply chain is also investigated.
3.1 Introduction to the VCA
Pigeon pea is an important legume for smallholder farmers in Tete Province, especially in Moatize and
Tsangano districts. There it is typically inter-cropped (and sometimes rotation cropped) with maize, the
staple food crop of Mozambique. This is not only a good practice in terms of soil fertility management,
but also enhances food security through the production of both Pigeon peas and cereals.
Pigeon pea provides multiple benefits to the rural poor. First, its protein-rich edible peas can be
consumed both fresh and dry and provide a cheap source of protein for the poor farmers in the dry-
lands. We don’t have data on local consumption of pigeon pea in Tete province, but extrapolating from
the local consumption of common beans (which is between 58 and 92 % - see table 15), we can assume
that local consumption of pigeon pea is around 50%, which would comparable to neighbouring countries
like Malawi (65%) and Tanzania (35%).
Secondly, its leaves and hulls are used as livestock feeds and the stems as fuel wood. In the third place,
it has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen (and make iron-bound phosphorus soluble) into available
forms for the current crop and subsequent ones. This is significant because most soils in semi-arid
regions are deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus.
For the producer, the advantage of intercropping PP with maize would be that the only extra work
required is the sowing and harvesting because the weeding is done while weeding the maize. No extra
fertiliser and no artificial irrigation are needed. The secret of a good yield is in proper plant density and
timing of planting. The crop is also resistant to most diseases and pest control is relatively easy.

In recent years, Pigeon pea has almost turned into a cash crop, due to the high market demand
internationally; particularly the Asian markets (India). Export traders in Mozambique buy significant
volumes of Pigeon peas in the Beira corridor and Zambezia. However, most of the produce in the project
districts of Moatize and Tsangano is currently sold into the neighbouring country of Malawi, where a
large part of the crop (> 80%) is processed into split peas - commonly known as dhal - for export to
Asian markets.
Both maize and Pigeon peas face major challenges. Productivity is very low at around 0.35 and 1.0
MT/ha respectively, while yields could potentially be twice or trice that, for various reasons including:
 Low soil fertility due to excessive nutrient mining coupled with low use of fertilizers;
 Poor access to and low use of improved seeds;
 Near absence of Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) practices and Good Agricultural
Practices (GAP), and
 Low returns due to market imperfections. High transaction costs and problems of information
asymmetry continue to constrain smallholder farmers’ access to markets for products, inputs,
and services.
These constraints are exacerbated by poor infrastructure (e.g., roads, communication systems,
electricity, etc.) in rural areas and geographical dispersion of farmers and farms.
Description of the subsector
The following paragraphs contain a summary of the main issues / constraining factors both at producer
level and at Value Chain level for each stage of the chain:
This chapter also maps the main primary actors in each stage of the VC and suggests proposed solutions
/ actions to address some of the main issues identified, in as far as these fit within the limited scope and
timeframe of the project and are directly related to the achievement of the project outcomes.
Lastly the support organisations and extension services that are available in the project area are identified.
Input supply
In general, the use of improved seed and fertilizer are the two key determining factors of a good
harvest; besides good agricultural practices (and the weather, of course). However there are a number
of issues / challenges at the level of the individual farmer and at Value Chain level that need to be
addressed in order to improve productivity and quality of produce.
Pigeon pea varieties
Pigeon pea can be classified into three major types depending on the length of time taken to reach
maturity and its growth characteristics: (1) the short-duration type that takes 100-120 days to mature;
(2) the medium-duration group taking 150–200 days to mature, and (3) the long-duration group that
takes more than 220 days to mature.
On-going breeding programs aim at identifying medium and long-duration varieties with resistance to
Fusarium wilt. The two traits (resistance to Fusarium wilt and early maturity) have successfully been
incorporated into the short-duration types.
Issues at farmer level
 Data from 2007 (TIA) indicate that only 10 % of farmers used improved seeds for maize and much
lower for other crops, for some as low as 3% . Interestingly, the baseline study found much higher
levels of improved maize seed use, up to as high as 48.9% in Tsangano. The reason behind this
input supply Production
Harvesting
/ Bulking
Marketing Transport Processing Sale / Export
Support organisations and extension services

29
rather high discrepancy is not known, but might point to a certain bias of the interviewees to
provide “correct” answers.
Item 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007
Chemical fertilizers 3.8 2.6 3.9 4.7 4.1
Pesticides 6.8 5.3 5.6 5.5 4.2
Animal traction 11.4 11.3 9.5 12.8 12.0
Irrigation 10.9 6.1 6.0 8.4 13.2
Use of improved seed
Maize 5.6 9.3 10.0
Rice 3.3 4.0 2.9
Groundnut 2.0 4.2 6.4
Table 28: Small and medium holdings using agricultural inputs (%)
Source: TIA 2002 to 2007.
 Maize seed is widely available in agro-shops and markets in rural towns and villages, but the quality
(germination rate) is sometimes doubtful.
 There is no Pigeon pea seed (improved or regular) available, sufficiently near to farmers to use.
Almost all seed is selected grain from the previous season, and at times swapped with neighbours.
 This low use is mainly due to the high price of the seeds, farmers being unaware of the potential
benefits and oftentimes the lack of credit for farmers to purchase the more expensive improved
seeds.
 Local Finance Institutes (banks like BCI, BIM, Standard Bank - AGRA Credit Guarantee Facility) do
not offer affordable products (high interest rates of up to 25 % and collateral requirements) and
others like Banco Terra have altogether shied away from lending to smallholders. Most important
under the MFIs operating in the area is Banco Oportunidade (BOM).
 Lack of knowledge about (new) market opportunities and the benefits of using improved seeds hold
back the propagation of Pigeon pea as a cash crop.
 Fertilizer use is very low in Mozambique in general, while Tete province scores relatively good
compared to other production areas. However, mainly all fertilizer used is for cash crops like
tobacco.
Issues at VC level
 Oftentimes, the quality of the maize seed for sale is dubious. At times, it concerns grain that has
been selected (and painted) as seed. There is no uniformly enforced system of certification of seed.
 During the interviews held, input supply companies mentioned that they have a market but, in many
instances they have to compete with provincial departments of agriculture and NGOs, which distribute
seeds in the field at heavily subsidised prices; often as little as 50% of the market price, as is usually
the case with government distribution. However, or perhaps thanks to this, government and NGOs
are the major buyers of seed in the province.
 It should be noted that all these agro-dealers have a rather limited distribution network. Almost all
have stores in province capitals and operate in 2 to 5 district capitals of the Province. The long distance
to the end-user remains a major challenge to deliver the inputs where they are needed.
 Another constraint mentioned by agro-dealers relates to the high interest rate on bank loans; (25 to
29% per annum - 2012) which limits the expansion of their businesses.
 It is difficult to find improved grain legume seeds being sold by seed stockists. A major contributing
factor is the fact that pigeon pea is a self-pollinated crop. Consequently, farmers can maintain the
productivity of new varieties for 3-5 years while using saved seed. However, seed quality
(germination rates and resistance to diseases) usually deteriorates quickly over the years.
 The use of saved seed makes production of improved pigeon pea seeds uneconomical, thus
undermining the incentive for private sector investment in commercial production and marketing of
such seeds. Additionally, local markets for improved seed tend to be thin, limiting the ability of
commercial seed companies to exploit economies of scale. As such there is not yet a commercial
value / business case for agro-dealers / ambulant sellers to stock Pigeon pea seed.

 Farmers in large parts of the target districts benefit from subsidies in Malawi, which resulted in
fertiliser prices that during the previous season were 30 to 50% cheaper than in Mozambique.
 According to information from the provincial agricultural department (DPA – Tete), farmers are free
to import up to 10 bags each for their own use, without import formalities or duties.
 It is not clear how long this subsidy system can be maintained, given the current economic crisis in
Malawi. However, donor interest in that country has re-emerged since the change of President and
incumbent President Joyce Banda has assured that “Government will implement the FISP for the
eighth time at the same cost of MWK 500 per bag of fertilizer and provide improved maize and
legume seed. The number of beneficiaries will increase from 1.4 to 1.5 million”.
 The nearest fertilizer factory in Gondola District, is not able to meet demand, produces poor quality
fertilizer and involves high transport cost (1,500 km round trip).
 Recently established fertilizer blending plants, like the ones from ETG and from Green Belt
Fertilizers, appear to be more oriented to servicing the hinterland of Zambia and Malawi, then the
local market in Mozambique, reflecting the current low demand for fertilizer.
 The nearest laboratory facility for testing soils is in Zimbabwe, but labs are being built in Manica
(and Nampula).
Primary actors in input supply
Pigeon pea
 ICRISAT has been working on improving Pigeon pea varieties for over a decade. They have been
operating in Tete for over 5 years and have been providing basic seed for Pigeon peas for the past 2
years in Angonia. They have a few farmers multiplying the seeds and also a number of demo plots.
ICRISAT has provided 5 tons of seed for the 2012/13 season, but at the same time indicated the
need for the project to start looking for other sources of seed.
 Seed companies like Phoenix Seed and MozSeeds, in partnership with ICRISAT are initiating a
program of multiplication of pigeon pea seed. Three varieties of pigeon peas; two short cycle (ICEAP
0055 and 0056) and a medium / long cycle (ICEAP 0040) were supplied for multiplication.
 IIAM in Manica is also involved in the production program with pigeon peas seed varieties released
by ICRISAT, including tests with micro-dosing of P-fertilizer.
 Both MozSeeds as well as Phoenix Seeds can ensure supply of pigeon pea seed in larger quantities
only from the 2013/14 campaign.
Maize and other seeds; fertilizer
 Two input supply companies (agro-dealers), at medium scale operate in Tete; IAP and Bonimar and
others such as Phoenix Seeds, MozSeeds, Semoc and Pannar are based in Manica, but have
activities in other provinces as well.
 Almost all of the companies interviewed in this study market, in addition to fertilizers and other
agro-chemicals, hybrid maize seed varieties (e.g. PAN67) and open pollinated OPVs (e.g. Matuba).
 They also trade various seeds including soybean, sesame and vegetables (tomatoes, onions,
peppers and the like).
 These are seeds of its own production, but agro-dealers also operate as resellers of products
supplied by other seed companies.
 The agro-dealers interviewed, annually sell over 500 tons on average of diverse seeds.
company coverage type of seed volume
MT/year
Bonimar Tete maize, sugar beans, cowpeas and vegetables 500
IAP Tete, Niassa maize, sugar beans, cowpeas, soy, sesame and
vegetables
800
Phoenix
Seeds
Manica maize, sugar beans, cowpeas, soy, ground nut, sesame
and pigeon peas
200
MozSeeds Gaza, Manica maize, soybeans, rice, sesame, pigeon peas 700
Table 29: Coverage and volume of trade of the main agro-dealers

31
 None of the companies visited had available seed of pigeon peas, because according to them the
producers currently rely on their own production.
 Most companies interviewed have direct seed production and subcontracted. In subcontracted
production companies offer technical assistance, inputs and in some cases mechanisation. Angonia
was mentioned as the district where most seed is produced in Tete Province. In Manica province the
seed production fields are located mostly in Sussundenga.
 In Angonia a seed processing facility is being established with capacity to process 5 tons / hour. This
infrastructure was funded by FAO and is owned by the Association of Seed Processors of Angonia,
which is currently chaired by the director of the company IAP.
 Mozambique Leaf Tobacco (MLT) only supplies fertilizer for its contracted crop, but is aware of the
practice that farmers divert some of the fertilizer (supplied on credit) to other crops.
 In each of the three districts in the project area an Association of Agro-dealers was created with the
help of IFDC.
Proposed solutions / actions
Pigeon pea
Strategically, the project should encourage the cultivation of varieties of pigeon peas that have cream-
coloured peas, which usually fetch a higher price; in order to facilitate acceptance in the market and
improve sales returns for the farmers. These can be both short duration (ICEAP 0055, 0056) to make
use of early-season premium prices in India and medium / long duration (ICEAP 0040, 0557) that are
better suited to the current growing habits of farmers and the prevailing agro-climatic conditions.
In order to kick start the production of pigeon peas that respond to the market requirements of seed
size and colour (creamed), the project distributed 7,5 tons of improved seeds to 3,000 farmers in the
first year.
 Each farmer received 2,5 kgs of seeds for planting at a 0.25 ha field each.
 For intercropping one needs about 3 - 4 kg seeds per ha, and 7 – 8 kg for mono-cropping. To be
on the safe side, the project worked with 10kg / ha, corresponding to 2,5 kg per 0,25 ha.
The Moatize Agro-dealers Association is an association consisting of 12 individual agro-dealers covering the
whole district of Moatize - Kambulatsitsi (Kambulatsistsi-sede, Madamba) and Zobue (Zobue-sede,
Mussacama, Caprizange, Samoa, Nkondedze-sede, Fututo). It is worth mentioning that its president
(Angelo Fungulane) is a very influential person. He is a successful business man, having interests amongst
other domains in agriculture as an agro-dealer and a farmer.
This association operates in one of the hotspots of Pigeon pea production in Tete Province.
At the beginning of this year, they received an unspecified quantity of Pigeon pea short cycle seeds that
they distributed amongst producers of Zóbué.
Angonia Agro-dealers Association: Angonia is arguably the most organised production zone of Tete and
this is reflected in the diversity and organization of its agriculture organisations. The agro-dealers
association has members with shops in Ulongué, Mulanguene-Nhamunhona, Domué, Chipindo and has the
capacity to run mobile outlets in the peak season (planting season).
The president of the association is Emilio Bernardo Magacula, but the most influential individual is Onésimo
Jacob, the biggest agro-dealer in the area and a 40 ha producer who is often asked to grow grains for
seeds by various institutions, including IIAM.
They reported to have distributed 5 tonnes of Pigeon pea short cycle seeds from Malawi.
Tsangano Agro-dealers Association: Tsangano is a very remote area with difficult access. Due to this fact
the association covers mainly only the district “capital” – Tsangano-Sede. They also said to be covering
Ntengo-Wa-Mbalame, but apparently this area is also served by the Angonia Agro-dealers Association.
We understood from SDAE that in this district the “Chefes de Postos” are key figures in inputs distribution.
Honório Plácido, president of the association is a very influential figure in Tsangano-Sede as his input
distribution outlet is also the main shop for other general products.
They reported to have distributed 2.000 kgs of Pigeon pea seeds from SDAE.

 This concerned white colour, high-yielding medium / long maturation varieties ICEAP 0040 and
0557, obtained from ICRISAT and IKURU respectively.
 Ideally seeds need to be repacked in plastic bags of 2,5 to 5kgs for easy distribution via LCBs.
 Each farmer also received 10 kg of NPK fertilizer for spot application on PP.
 Application of peer pressure mechanisms like joint sowing and fertilizing to make sure that input
are applied as intended.
 At harvest time, farmers are to reimburse double the quantity in grain of the seeds received, for
redistribution to 3.000 more farmers in year 2, etc.
Nevertheless, it is unreasonable to expect a commercial seed sector to emerge in areas where
the grain market itself is poorly developed. In the short to medium term the challenge is to design
and implement a sustainable system of redistribution of seeds. Swapping seed at farmer field days is
clearly not enough. Some measures that will increase the chances of success of any such system
include:
 Selection criteria of participating farmers to be developed and strict selection carried out by the
LCBs together with the proposed buyer, where feasible.
 The District Associations of Agro-dealers should be involved in the design (and implementation)
of the seed distribution system.
 Pilot marketing of small seed packs in the eastern and southern African regions has borne
positive results, encouraging farmers to purchase small quantities of seed at prices higher than
grain price.
While most legumes require inoculation to optimise their N-fixing ability, pigeon pea rarely needs
inoculation because it can nodulate on Rhizobium that is naturally present in most soils. Therefore,
inoculant application is not expected to have a major effect on pigeon pea.
Dressing of pigeon pea seed with imidacloprid before planting ensures fungal disease control; e.g. of
Fusarium wilt and is encouraged by the project.
Fertilizer and agro-chemicals
Earlier research in India, Malawi and Tanzania have indicated that Pigeon pea fixes substantial amounts
of nitrogen (N) and makes available fixed phosphorus (P)1
. The project will do practical applications in
the demonstration centres and at farmers’ fields to illustrate the economic viability of micro-dosing with
P fertilizer. Furthermore, in the first project year, 3,000 farmers each were provided with 10 kg of
compound fertilizer to showcase the effects of fertilizer use on farm-level fields.
Further scientific trials by research institutions will have to come up with specific fertilizer
recommendations for the type of soils and rain fall in the project area.
The use of organic fertilizer is being promoted as part of the standard farmer training package.
Production and productivity
Currently, the level of agricultural productivity is low compared to that in other developing countries,
including SADC countries. This low level of crop productivity is not surprising given the dependency on
rain-fed agriculture and the limited use of fertilizers and improved seeds. Results of the National
Agricultural Survey (TIA 2007) indicate that only about 4% of smallholder farmers used fertilizers, 10%
used improved maize seeds and 4% used pesticides. (See table 26.)
1
Reports indicate that N fixed by pigeon pea is between 150 and 200 kg/ha especially when low-dosed with P-based fertilizers (ICRISAT, 2003).
ICRISAT has worked with partners on development and use of fertilizer micro-dosing in Zimbabwe and this was validated in Kenya (10 to 17 kg N
and 10-20 kg P ha-1).

33
Source: FAOSTAT 2009
Figure 7: Maize yield in Mozambique and selected regions.
Pigeon pea
In 2011 India had an annual average of about 3.4 million ha under pigeon pea cultivation. The other
major growers of pigeon pea are Myanmar, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, Dominican Republic, Nepal, and
Congo DRC. India is both the leading producer and consumer of pigeon pea. However, the crop is also
widely grown in eastern and southern Africa.
As can be concluded from the table below, Mozambique’s production and trade of pigeon pea is not
significant enough to make it appear in the FAO production and trade statistics for 2011. The country
doesn’t appear in the top 20 of pigeon pea producing countries in the world. However, internal statistics
indicate a rising trend in both production and export of the crop.
Figure 8: Top 10 pigeon pea producing countries (2011)

Rank Area Production
(Int $1000)
Flag Production
(MT)
Flag
1 India 1410260 * 2860000
2 Myanmar 437208 * 837385
3 Tanzania 142556 * 272608
4 Malawi 91088 * 195516
5 Uganda 48699 * 94861 Im
6 Kenya 43560 * 84313
7 Dominican Republic 12762 * 24818
8 Nepal 6895 * 14107
9 Congo (DRC) 3609 * 7161 Im
10 Haiti 1673 * 3274 Im
11 Burundi 1637 * 3186 Im
12 Panama 935 * 1831 Im
13 Venezuela 709 * 1398 Im
14 Trinidad and Tobago 664 * 1282 Im
15 Philippines 495 * 927
16 Jamaica 488 * 965
17 Bangladesh 349 * 676
18 Grenada 343 * 804 Im
19 Comoros 213 * 400 Im
20 Puerto Rico 158 * 297 Im
* Unofficial figure
[ ] Official data
Im FAO data based on imputation methodology
Table 30: Top 20 Pigeon Pea producing countries (2011)
Mozambique’s pigeon pea productivity remains low largely due to the continued use of low yielding and
disease susceptible traditional varieties by smallholder producers. The low productivity is a major
constraint to the expansion of the pigeon pea trade, leading to high average costs of production and to a
loss of economies of scale. Low yields and poor productivity of available varieties translate into
inadequate production and unreliable supply which undermines commercialization and competitiveness.
Main Issues at farmer level
 Low soil fertility because of poor soil fertility management, exacerbated by (incorrect) use of
inorganic fertilizers and by non-application of Conservation Agriculture practices.
 Low productivity as a result of poor agricultural practices including, but not limited to:
o Too early or too late planting, because of a lack of information about the increasingly irregular
patterns of rainfall. However, the effect of late planting is significant as “every day of late
planting results in 2 to 3% production loss.” (SAT, 2012)
o Improper plant spacing, as farmers prefer not to plough and use one distance (compass) for all
the different crops.
o Incorrect application of counter ridges, leading to either too fast run-off of water or water
logging.
o In-row intercropping of grains and legumes (maize, sorghum, beans, etc.), making pest control
cumbersome and leading to overall low yields.
o Planting too many seeds in one whole (one seed for every member of the extended family:
mother, father, etc.) and consequently not thinning out of excess plants.
o Low or no use of fertilizer and no application of lime.
o Insufficient weed control.
o Low or no use of herbicides, insecticides or fungicides

35
Pest and disease management (IPDM)
Several pests and diseases affect pigeon pea production in Mozambique. Among the common diseases is
Fusarium wilt2
, a fungal disease caused by Fusarium udum, is the most significant in terms of economic
importance. Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne pathogen, which can live in the soil for long periods of time, so
rotational cropping is not a useful control method. Possible control methods include improving soil
conditions, removing infected plant tissue to prevent overwintering of the disease, using soil and
systemic fungicides to eradicate the disease from the soil, and using clean seeds each year. The best
control method found is planting resistant varieties. The fungus Trichoderma viride is a proven bio-
control agent to control this disease in an environment friendly way (Wikipedia, 2013)
Obs.: Variety ICEAP 00040, which was distributed by the project, is resistant to Fusarium wilt.
Important field insect pests include the pod boring lepidoptera, pod sucking bugs and pod flies; which
cause economic losses by lowering yield and reducing grain quality.
In future, commercializing pigeon pea production will require greater use of pesticides due to the build-
up pests and diseases. This will in turn call for farmer training on pesticide safe use and removal of input
marketing constraints.
Crop budgets
Pigeon pea competes for inputs (especially land and labour) in the producing areas with maize, sorghum
and cowpea, among other crops. Farmers will engage in pigeon pea production only if it remains
relatively competitive. The competitiveness of pigeon pea arises from its biological features and
adaptation to the marginal conditions under which it is grown. Pigeon pea performs very well in hot and
dry environments. Its drought tolerance and ability to make use of residual moisture during the dry
season enables it to withstand drought-related shocks and generally do well even with limited rain.
Crop budgets are difficult to calculate as maize is usually intercropped with Pigeon pea, cowpeas, etc.
Prices of crops including Pigeon pea fluctuate quite a lot (prices in the 2010 season ranged from MZN 10
to 14 ; last 2012 season from MZN 8 to 10 ) and the revaluation of the Metical exerts a downward
pressure on farm-gate prices. The crop competes with other more profitable crops, like soya and
sesame. As a result, farmers lack objective information on potential cost / benefits of the different crops
and find it difficult to do farm planning. See example crop budget for Pigeon pea included in annex 6.5.
Maize
The average farm sizes range from 2 ha (in the south of the project area) to up to 30 ha (mainly in
Angonia). NB: The lower range is still twice the national average size small holding of 1 ha (TIA 2007).
The average yield of maize is 2 MT / ha in Angonia, compared to an average 1 MT in the rest of the
country.
In the recent past, the timing of planting is influenced by increased irregularity of rainfall patterns.
Farmers, even if they have cattle, make a relatively low use of animal traction for ploughing. This is
exacerbated by the lack of tractor hiring services in the neighbourhood and at affordable rates.
Excessive application of maize seeds (“one seed for every member of the extended family”) in each
planting hole, is leading to higher than necessary seed use and to the need for thinning of excess plants,
which, if actually carried out is another claim on scarce labour.
2
The fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum affects a wide variety of hosts of any age. Tomato, tobacco, legumes, cucurbits,
sweet potatoes and banana are a few of the most susceptible plants, but it will also infect other herbaceous plants. Fusarium
oxysporum generally produces symptoms such as wilting, chlorosis, necrosis, premature leaf drop, browning of the vascular
system, stunting, and damping-off. The most important of these is vascular wilt. Fusarium wilt starts out looking like vein
clearing on the younger leaves and drooping of the older lower leaves, followed by stunting of the plant, yellowing of the lower
leaves, defoliation, marginal necrosis and death of the plant. Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusarium_wilt

Pigeon pea
Main production areas are the northern part of Moatize and some parts of Tsangano. There is hardly any
production in Angonia, because of relatively better agro-climatical conditions in that district, but also
because of a lack of buyers as a result to distance to the main market (Malawi).
NB: This calls for a diversified implementation strategy to approach the three production areas.
Rotation farming and intercropping are common practices by small-scale farmers in Africa and pigeon
pea has been reported to be suitable for both. Pigeon pea can be incorporated with crops such as maize,
sorghum or groundnuts without significantly reducing the yield of the main crop. However, sole cropping
of maize and pigeon pea usually gives significantly higher grain yields over intercropping systems.
o Intercropping is not widely practiced outside Moatize district and parts of Tsangano.
o Sugar beans (‘Feijão Manteiga’) and cow peas (‘Feijão Nhemba’) are common. Lentil pea
(‘Feijão Holoco’) is not traditionally grown in this area.
o Rotation cropping is needed / advisable with cash crops like tobacco and cotton.
Although pigeon pea breeding has been carried out in Eastern and Southern Africa for over two decades,
its production has remained static over the same period. A major producing country, such as Malawi,
only manages an average yield of 450 Kg/ha, which is less than 25% of the potential yield. Long
duration variety ICEAP 00040 (as distributed by the project in the 2012/13 season) has a yield potential
of 1.9 MT/ha. In Malawi, ICRISAT has developed and distributed for multiplication improved, high-
yielding varieties. However, farmers continue to grow traditional landraces due to ineffective seed
distribution channels.
In Mozambique improved varieties have only occasionally been distributed by NGOs. Therefore mainly
retained seed from the previous harvest of traditional varieties is being used. As a result, average yields
per ha of pigeon pea in the project area vary from 0.15 to 0.35 MT/ha.
Primary actors in production
The primary actors in the production stage are the small holder farmers themselves and the Producer
Groups / Associations of farmers.
Other than transferring fixed N to the inter-planted crop, pigeon pea has the ability to bring minerals from
deeper soil horizons to the surface also improving soil air circulation to the benefit of the accompanying
crop. Pigeon pea’s initial slow growth reduces competition for light, water and soil nutrients when
intercropped thereby minimizing any negative impact on the main crop. Under rotation farming, the
residual effect of N fixed by pigeon pea on a following cereal crop can be as much as 40Kg N/ha.
Angonia Producers’ Association (Associação de Agro-Pecuária de Tilimbique). This is not Angonia’s
Association as such, because they only cover one half of the district (Ulongué). The other half (Domué) is
covered by another association. Both associations were set up with assistance from CLUSA and they
continue to enjoy substantial support from CLUSA as they are working together in their Soya project,
including three more associations in Macanga and Tsangano districts.
Tilimbique hosts some of the most successful and influential producers in Angonia, including the likes of
Mr Onésimo Jacob (refer to the description above on Angonia Agro-dealers Association). Their
organisation structure is impressive and they reported to consist of 53 smaller associations (clubs) and a
total of 1.595 members, of whom 657 women (41%).
They, together with another CLUSA association are the main suppliers to WFP with a supply contract
about 700 MT of maize per year. They mentioned that WFP would be willing to buy Pigeon pea as well.
Tsangano Producers’ Association (Associação Rosita) Rosita is a relatively small association based in
Tsangano-Sede. In their own words they are by far not representative of the producers in Tsangano (not
even in Tsangano-Sede) as there are other (and bigger) associations around.
They only have 22 members of whom 9 women (41%) and have activities in the Vanane, Mtula villages in
Tsangano-Sede.
Moatize Producers’ Association

2011 AGRA Pigeonpea tete Value Chain Analysis and Baseline Study 2013 (3)

2011 AGRA Pigeonpea tete Value Chain Analysis and Baseline Study 2013 (3)

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