Feed the Future Mozambique Improved Seeds for Better Agriculture (SEMEAR) Agreement No: AID-BFS-IO-17-00005

FY2019 4th Year of Project Implementation

Annual Report: October 2018 - September 2019

31 October 2019 Revised

Prepared By: International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) MOZAMBIQUE www.iita.org

This report is made possible by the support from the Feed the Future, the US Government Global Hunger and Food Security Initiative through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of IITA and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

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Annual Report for FY19: October 2018 – September 2019

i. Project Information

Project Duration: 5 years Starting Date: October 2015

Life of Project Funding: Total project budget: US$13M

Geographic Focus: Nampula Province (Angoche, Malema, Meconta, Mogovolas Monapo, Rapale, and Ribaué districts), Zambézia Province (Alto Molocué, Gurué, and Mocuba districts), Manica Province (Barué, Macate, Manica, and Sussundenga districts), and Tete Province (Angónia, Macanga, and Tsangano districts).

Project Objectives

1. Increase the production and supply of breeder, pre-basic, basic, and certified seeds of common bean, cowpea, groundnut, pigeon pea, sesame, and soybean in the major Feed the Future Zones of Influence (FtF ZOI) and strengthen the national seed systems.

2. Scale-up and enhance the adoption of improved varieties and best management practices in the FtF ZOI using participatory approaches.

3. Enhance national policy dialogue on seed and fertilizer supply.

1 ii. Contents i. Project Information ...... 1 ii. Contents ...... 2 iii. Acronyms and Abbreviations...... 3 iv. Contributors and Acknowledgements...... 0 V. Executive Summary ...... 1 1. Project Background ...... 3 2. Project Performance during the Fourth Quarter (July–September 2019) ...... 4 2.1.1 Progress on breeders/pre-basic and basic seed production ...... 4 2.1.2. Progress on certified seed production ...... 8 2.1.3. Seed Distribution and Sales ...... 11 2.1.4. Seed Enterprise Development ...... 13 2.2.1. On-farm demonstrations ...... 14 2.2.2. Training and scaling up adoption ...... 16 2.2.3. Field days, exchange visits, and meetings ...... 17 2.2.4. Gender issues in SEMEAR implementation ...... 19 2.2.5. Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (EMMP) compliance ...... 21 3. Communications and Farmers’ Outreach ...... 22 4. Project Performance Indicators ...... 24 5. Major Implementation Issues ...... 28 6. Collaboration with Other Donor Projects ...... 29 7. Key Activities Planned for FY 20 and Next Quarter ...... 30 8. Evaluation/Assessment Update ...... 31 9. Administrative Update ...... 31 10. Financial Information ...... 32 11. Success Story - Rescuing the confidence of the local farmers ...... 33

2 iii. Acronyms and Abbreviations

APROSE Associação pra a Promoção do Sector de Sementes (Associations for the Promotion of the Seed Sector) COPAZA Cooperativa de Produtores da Alta-Zambézia (Farmers Cooperative for High Zambézia) CIAT Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical (International Center for Tropical Agriculture) CBO Community based Organization DINAS Direcção Nacional de Agricultura e Siviculta (National Directorate for Agriculture and Forestry) DPASA Direcção Provincial de Agricultura e Segurança Alimentar (Provincial Diretorate for Agriculture and Food Security) DUAT Direito de Uso e Aproveitamento de Terras (Land Rights / Title) FAs Farmers’ Associations FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FNDS Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (National Fund for Sustainable Development) FtF ZOI Feed-the-Future Zone of Influence FtF -InovA Feed the Future Innovations for Agriculture Activity FtF STP Feed the Future Seed Trade project ICRISAT International Centre for Research in the Semi-Arid Tropics iDE International Development Interprises IIAM Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Moçambique (Mozambique Agriculture Research Institute) IITA International Institute of Tropical Agriculture MINAG Ministério da Agricultura e Segurança Alimentar (Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security) MITADER` Ministério da Terra e Desenvolvimento Rural (Land and Rural Development Ministry) PAN Posto Agronómico de Nampula (Nampula Agronomic Post) PERSUAP Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan QDS Quality Declared Seeds SBS Sociedade de Beneficiamento de Sementes (Seed Beneficiary Society) SDAE Serviço Distrital de Actividades Económicas (Districtal Economic Activities Service) SPEED + Supporting the Policy Environment for Economic Development Plus SUSTENTA Projecto de Gestão Integrada de Agricultura e Recursos Naturais (Project for Integrated Management of Agriculture and Natural Resources) USAID United States Agency for International Development USEBA Unidade de Semente Básica (Basic Seed Unit) USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency

3 iv. Contributors and Acknowledgements

Contributors

Malita CJ, Boahen SK, Wiredu AN, Savala CEN, Chibeba A, Embaló FM, Belarmino D, Gaudêncio S, Maereka E, and Madzonga O, on behalf of project implementing partners.

Acknowledgements

Despite various adversities, the project has significantly made changes in practices and knowledge, and has increased availability and access to good quality seeds and other improved technologies within the Feed the Future Zone of Influence in Mozambique. The commitment and dedication of the project team, the technicians who engage in day-to-day activities with partners and stakeholders are mentioned in this acknowledgement. The efforts of the project Activity Manager - Paula Pimentel, the SDAEs and other stakeholders continually support our teams in this journey is acknowledged.

Our commitment will remain, as we strongly believe that sustainably improving the functionalities of the national seed-subsector will increase productivity and production of the agriculture sector leading to economic growth.

Thank you very much!

Carlos Malita

Nampula, October 2019

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V. Executive Summary

SEMEAR continues to strengthen partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders in the seed-subsector to sustainably increase the impacts of the initiative on the agricultural sector and the Mozambican economy. After four years of implementation, the results of the project are visible and the changes in the seed-subsector are evidenced by the increased availability of and access to good quality seeds of common bean, cowpea, groundnut, pigeon pea, sesame, and soybean.

At the end of the FY19 season, SEMEAR produced 10.5 tons of breeder/pre-basic and 94.9 tons of basic seeds constituting 105.4 tons of early generation seeds which will be able to plant 2,843 ha for certified seeds in the upcoming 2019/2020 season. SEMEAR supported partners including seed companies, individual seed producers, farmers’ associations and NGOs to produce certified seeds through the supply of 30.85 tons of basic seeds, training on seed production, facilitation of seed field inspection and certification of 164 ha seed fields by the Seed Inspection Unit (SIU). From the 30.85 tons of basic seed supplied to partners, mostly seed companies, they produced 733.5 tons of certified seed based on the information collected from them and this quantity of seeds will cover 21,139 ha for grain production during the 2019/2020 cropping season. Other partners who also benefitted from SEMEAR capacity development services including training, demonstrations and other activities but did not purchase EGS directly from the project in the FY19 season, produced 1,343.8 tons of certified and Quality Declared Seeds (QDS) which can cover 81,100 ha for grain production in the next season. The sources of seeds for these partners include seeds purchased from seed companies, their own-saved seeds, from friends and relatives or seed distributed by other donor-funded projects. Thus, SEMEAR assisted partners to produce a total of 2,077.3 tons of certified or QDS in FY19 which can plant 102,239 ha for grain in FY20. The 2,077.3 tons of certified seeds produced by partners represent 77% of the FY19 certified seed targets. Certified seed production in FY19 was affected by bad weather caused by the two cyclones IDAI and Kenneth which made landfall in central and northern Mozambique in March and April 2019, respectively.

During the reporting period, 30.85 tons of EGS were sold to partners with an expected revenue of MZN 3,363,305 (US$ 56,055) to the proejct, however 52% of the amount [MZN 1,758,425 (US$ 29,307)] has not been paid yet. Basic seed sales over the four years of project implementation amonuts to MZN 11.3 million (US$185,574), but unfortunately, MZN 5.4 million (US$88,084) representing 48% of the total revenue has not been paid yet by proejct partners. At the time of reporting, the project bank account has MZN 5.9 million (US$97,4490) from sales of EGS. Default on payment for EGS seeds is a major problem since a project like SEMEAR would not be able to take legal action against seed companies or

1 individuals owing the project. The project has been compelled to put in place measures to avoid increased debt and non payments; for example 75% upfront payment and settlement of 75% of the debt are new conditions for a partner to be supplied with EGS by the project.

In terms of technology dissemination and capacity development activities, the project established 1,056 demo plots (48% led by female farmers) on 47.2 ha in collaboration with partners across the project locations and administered capacity development training sessions which reached 2,349 people (49% women) including farmers and extension agents. The number of women participating in training activities has increased over the years from 39% in FY16, 40% in FY17, 44% in FY18 reaching 49% in FY19. The project efforts in scheduling training sessions at times convenient for women, increasing the number of postharvest management and processing sessions are encouraging women participation. In FY19, the project hosted its Annual Stakeholders Planning meeting which shows the commitment and interest of SEMEAR in improving and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders (other donor-funded initiatives in the seed-subsector).

Overall performance of the project was good as most of the targets of the performance indicators were achieved. The project made efforts to engage female farmers who constituted 32% of the farmers who applied technologies promoted by SEMEAR and are responsible for 40% of the land area allocated to the technologies. A total of 95,625 farmers applied improved technologies on 128,817 ha of land. The SEMEAR initiative is sustainable in the medium to long term since seeds that have entered the production system can be used for up to three years. Furthermore, exploratory data analysis shows that beneficiaries of the project have better access to food.

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1. Project Background

Limited access to quality seeds of legumes and other inputs coupled with poor crop management practices have major impact on the growth of the legume production sector in Mozambique and many other developing countries. The challenges facing the sector have been compounded by the effects of climate change that is causing changes in rainfall patterns leading to frequent droughts in some areas and intense floods in others. SEMEAR Project, an investment of USAID through the Feed the Future initiative, aims at addressing these broad agricultural sector development challenges by improving functionality of legume seed systems as well as providing the knowledge needed to unlock productivity at farm level. The goal of SEMEAR is to enhance adoption of improved technologies, income, and food security of smallholder farmers in the Feed the Future (FtF) Zone of Influence (ZOI) in the provinces of Manica, Nampula, Tete and Zambézia. The project is a suitable investment vehicle for addressing key challenges that prevent the legumes sub-sector from delivering livelihood opportunities for Mozambique’s farmers.

SEMEAR is being implemented by a consortium of four partners, namely: IITA, IIAM, CIAT and ICRISAT. The consortium handles six crops that underpin livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the USAID Mozambique’s FtF ZOI and constitute part of elected crops for food security and income generation in the country’s Agriculture Development Plans. The six crops are common bean, cowpea, groundnut, pigeon pea, sesame and soybean. In order to achieve its goal, SEMEAR capitalizes on partnerships that include private sector seed and agro-input companies, civil society (farmers’ associations, community-based organizations), and public agencies such IIAM and the Extension Service as well as other donor-funded projects to effectively reach more beneficiary households from a business perspective. The key role of the consortium partners is to produce and supply breeder, pre-basic and basic seeds for the production of certified and quality declared seeds (QDS) by seed companies, community- based seed producers, and other seed growers. The project encourages farmers to buy certified seeds and inputs through training and awareness creation, identifies and trains community seed producers to engage in profitable seed production enterprises, facilitates seed field inspection and certification, and links seed producers to seed buyers. SEMEAR has completed its fourth year of implementation, and this report highlights progress made during the fourth quarter, and the overall achievements of FY19 from October 2018 to September 2019.

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2. Project Performance during the Fourth Quarter (July–September 2019)

The major activities conducted during the Fourth Quarter of FY19 included completing harvesting of groundnuts and pigeon pea breeder and basic seed, threshing, cleaning, sorting and bagging seeds of all six crops, data collection from demonstration plots and consolidation of data gathered from partners. The project also engaged in exhibitions and field visits, conducted training on field crop management for farmers and integrated pest management (IPM) and proper pesticide application tailored to extension agents. The project organized a meeting in Gurué in July 2019 to review progress, challenges, and issues of importance to project implementation and achievements. The Annual Project Review and Planning Meetings were held in Tete from 16-20 September 2019 and important among the discussions were the activities to be included in the project’s exit strategy. The project planted 2 ha off-season cowpea and 0.5 soybean at Namarripe, Gurué under irrigation and expects to harvest at least 0.8 ton of cowpea and 0.5 ton of soybean pre-basic seed in November 2019. Details on progress and achievements made are presented by activity as highlighted below.

Objective 1: Increase the production and supply of breeder, pre-basic, basic, and certified seed in the major FtF ZOI and strengthen the national seed systems

2.1.1 Progress on breeders/pre-basic and basic seed production

All early generation seed (EGS) production began timely during the 2018/2019 cropping season with the planting of soybean and groundnut fields starting in the first week of December 2018. The other crops were planted in late December until the end of the second quarter except for some common bean fields which were planted in the third quarter. During the period, 17.6 and 163 ha of breeder/pre-basic and basic seed fields were planted, respectively. Thus, activities consisting of land preparation, planting, weeding, removal of off-type plants, manual weed control, spraying of fields to control diseases and pests, seed inspection, harvesting and post-harvest management were implemented during the seed production cycle.

Common bean Common bean EGS production was concentrated in Tete province where 25.5 ha were established for breeders’ and pre-basic seed. In the same province, 33.5 ha were established for basic seed production with a further 9 ha established in Manica. However, the fields were adversely affected by Cyclone IDAI which was associated with torrential rains during flowering time hampering pod development since most of the flowers dropped (Figure 1). As a result of the weather challenges, common bean EGS produced

4 represents only 24% and 6% of the pre-basic and basic seeds targets, respectively, for the year ((Table 1). CIAT worked with a private seed company, Nzara Yapera to establish a joint basic seed production of 0.75ha in Barué district. The varieties produced during the cropping season are A222, NUA 45, SUGAR 131 and CAL 143.

Fig 1: Common bean basic seed production at Ulongue after extensive flower drop due to excessively wet weather.

Table 1: Targets and quantity of early generation seeds produced in FY19 and the estimated area of coverage for certified seed production during the 2019/2020 cropping season. Crop Breeder/pre-basic (t) Basic (kg) Estimated Target Produced Target Produced Coverage Soybean 1.1 1.95 35.0 39.9 798 Common bean 16.2 3.9 85.0 5.1 72.9 Groundnut 4.1 3.9 37.0 35 437 Pigeon pea 0.05 0.1 4.3 4.4 440 Cowpea 0.25 0.6 8.0 8.2 328 Sesame 0.01 0.01 1.0 2.3 767 Total 21.71 10.46 170.3 94.9 2,843

Cowpea During the fourth quarter, EGS were cleaned, selected and treated to prevent insect damage, bagged and stored. Cowpea is prone to insect damage during storage; hence routine treatment procedure is maintained at least once every two months. Six hundred kilos pre-basic and 8.2 tons of basic seeds were bagged and stored (Table 1). The project lost 3 ha of cowpea because of cyclone IDAI in Manica province. The cyclone damped excess water on the cowpea fields due to elevated rainfall amounts that coincided with the flowering period of the crop causing flower abortion. Similar incidence occurred in Nampula in April when Cyclone Kenneth made landfall at a time when some of the fields were almost ready for harvest.

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The excess rainfall soaked the seeds in the pods and changed the seed color and affected seed quality making them unsuitable as EGS. Despite, the damage caused by the cyclone, the project achieved both pre-basic and basic seed targets. However, the project made contingency plan to establish 2 ha of off- season basic seed field in case the target was not met. We expect to harvest 0.8 ton of seed by the end of November for planting in January 2020. The pre-basic seeds produced would plant 24 ha, whereas the basic seeds can plant 328 ha for certified seeds in the next season.

Groundnut For breeder / pre-basic seed, 8.0 ha were planted between the first and second quarter. Harvesting started in April and went through June, including digging up groundnut plants (lifting) and drying the seeds in an A-frames ventilated stacking and windrows. Shelling commenced in the fourth quarter yielding 3.9 tons breeder/pre-basic seed. The 40.0 ha basic seed field generated 35.0 tons of basic seed (Table 1). The pre- basic seed produced is 75% of the target and can cover 48 ha, whereas the basic seed represents 95% of the target which can cover 437 ha in FY20. The varieties planted included Nametil, ICGV –SM 99568, JL 24, Mamane and CG7. The groundnut crop fields were also affected by waterlogging caused by excess rainfall from cyclone IDAI and Kenneth.

Pigeon pea For pigeon pea, 0.2 ha for breeder /pre-basic and 10.0 ha for basic seeds of the varieties ICEAP 00557 and ICEAP 00554 were planted in Ntengo Umodzi in Angónia district and Mutuali in Malema district, during the first and second quarters and reached maturity in fourth quarter. Pest management using biorational pesticides such as Cypermethrin and Imidacloprid was applied at peak pod formation and flowering periods. Both pesticides are approved chemicals for use in USAID investments according to the EMMP plan. Harvesting commenced in July and continued through to the end of August. In total, 0.1 ton of breeder seed which can cover 10 ha was harvested while the basic seed resulted in 4.4 tons (Table 1) which would be enough to plant 440 ha for certified in FY20. The breeder seeds produced is double the target, whereas the basic seed is on target.

Sesame During FY19, three varieties (Rama, Linde and Nicaragua) of sesame pre-basic (100 m2) and basic (7 ha) were planted in Nampula and Manica provinces by the end of the second quarter and harvested in May 2019. Sesame EGS yielded 10 kg pre-basic and 2.3 tons basic seeds and were cleaned, selected and bagged. The seeds produced can cover 3.3 ha and 767 ha, respectively (Table 1). The quantity of basic seeds produced is significantly higher than the target which will allow meeting any additional demand

6 from partners. IIAM and SEMEAR compiled information on sesame varieties Linde, Nicaragua and Ziada for release during the third quarter. The three varieties have been given provisional release status by the National Variety Release Committee. The sesame crop field in Manica was destroyed by cyclone IDAIs and sections of the field in Namialo in Nampula province was damaged by Cyclone Kenneth.

Soybean Soybean EGS was planted starting first week of December 2018 and ended mid-January 2019. Harvesting and threshing were completed in the third quarter (April-June 2019), besides pest and disease control, selection, bagging and storage was undertaken during the reporting period. In total 1.95 tons and 39.9 tons of pre-basic and basic seeds were produced against the targets of 1.1 and 35.0 tons, respectively (Table 1). The pre-basic seeds produced is 77% higher than the target to allow for additional basic seed area in the next season. Although the basic seed produced was 14% higher than the target, the effect of Cyclone IDAI reduced the expected yield. The cyclone damped excessive rainfall in Angónia, Tete province and the rains prolonged during the season at pod filling stage which led to excess vegetative production at the expense of seed filling leading to shriveled and broken seeds that were separated to be sold as grain. The pre-basic seed produced would cover 39 ha basic seed fields and the basic seeds will plant 780 ha of certified seed fields in FY20. Varieties produced included Sana, Wamini, Wima, Zamboane, TGx 1835- 10E and H7. In addition to the EGS produced, half a hectare of Zamboane was established at Namarripe in Gurué district under irrigation. The crop was at pod stage at reporting time, and we expect at least 0.5 ton of pre-basic to be harvested in November 2019. Monthly germination tests on all soybean seed classes in the seed store were conducted from July to September. The results indicated consistent germination rates of 96-99%. The germination test provides quality assurance to partners that seeds are of good quality at the time they were taken from the seed store.

In general, the 2018/2019 cropping season was a bad year for many producers because of weather challenges leading to severe damage or complete loss of crops in the field.

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Overall, our EGS seed production fields, especially in Manica and Tete provinces were affected by the two cyclones and common bean was the worst affected crop, leading to complete loss of crops in the field in some cases. As a result, only 24 and 6% of the common bean breeder/pre-basic and basic seed targets respectively were achieved. Although the five other crops generally achieved their EGS targets, the worst performance of common bean which has high targets led to poor overall seed production results. Across all six crops, 10.46 tons of breeder/pre-basic seed was produced which represent 48% of the target, whereas 94.9 tons basic seed was produced which is 56% of the target. The basic seeds produced would plant 2,843 ha of certified seed fields during the 2019/2020 season (Table 1). The basic seed produced in FY19 was 38% lower than the quantity produced in FY18 (Fig, 2). The basic seeds produced in the first three years of the project increased progressively: 62 tons in FY16, Figure 2 Basic seeds produced by SEMEAR in 111 tons in FY17, and 152 tons in FY18 but the last four years. declined to 94.9 tons in FY19 due to bad weather (Fig. 2).

2.1.2. Progress on certified seed production

Project partners completed planting of certified seed fields by the end of the second quarter. The support provided in the fourth quarter focused on harvesting, threshing, cleaning, inspection, and bagging of certified seeds. However, SEMEAR provided advisory services and training to partners throughout the cropping season in the form of monitoring visits for roguing, extension advice on disease and pest control, early disease detection, facilitation of seed field inspection, harvesting, post-harvest management and marketing of seed. SEMEAR supported more than 80 individual community-based seed growers, over 18 farmers’ associations and about 10 seed companies to establish certified seed and quality declared seed (QDS) fields. Besides selling basic seeds, SEMEAR arranged with the SIU to facilitate the inspection and certification of more than 164 ha seed multiplication fields belonging to individual seed producers and farmers’ associations across crops and project locations. For this facilitation role, SEMEAR compiled the areas and GPS locations of seed multiplication fields of partners and liaised with

8 staff of the SIU in the provinces to schedule dates for field inspection. The inspection is organized in a way that the inspector would be able to inspect fields of seed producers around a given location in a day. SEMEAR supports the payment of fuel and per diem (Government rate of about 1700 MZN ≈ $28) for the inspectors to travel to perform field inspections. The SIU issued certificates of inspection to the seed producers and the farmers’ organizations that would allow them to sell the certified seeds for a premium price. This role motivates the community based seed producers to continue the seed multiplication activities and also creates the necessary linkages and encourages the seed producers to arrange their own seed inspections in the future.

SEMEAR sold 30.85 tons of basic seed to partners for planting during the 2018/2019 season which resulted in 733.5 tons of certified seeds. The certified seeds produced by partners consist of 547.6 tons of soybean; 14.3 tons of cowpea, 123.6 tons of common bean, 3.5 tons of groundnuts; 30 tons of pigeon pea and 14.4 tons of sesame (Fig. 3). The quantities of certified seed would plant 10,959 ha of soybean; 570 ha of cowpea; 1,766 ha of common bean; 50 ha of groundnuts; 3,000 ha of pigeon pea; and 4,800 ha of sesame grain fields summing up to 21,139 ha Figure 3. Quantities (tons) of certified seeds during the 2019/2020 cropping season. Soybean produced by partners in FY19 from basic seed is by far the crop with the highest seed purchases purchased from SEMEAR followed by common bean but in terms of the area of coverage for the seeds purchased from SEMEAR, sesame comes next to soybean because of the lower seeding rate of 3 kg/ha.

In addition to the basic seed supplied to partners, the project, strengthened the capacities of certified seed producers on best crop production practices through demonstration plots established on their farms or in the communities, provided training sessions, field days, farmer exchanges programs, distributed fact sheets, aired radio programs and other activities. These activities also assisted partners who did not purchase seeds from the project to produce 1,343.8 tons which can coverage 81,100 ha for grain production next season. The sources of seeds for these farmers include seeds purchased from seed companies, their own-saved seeds, from friends and relatives or other donor-funded projects. In most cases the seeds planted may not be basic seeds; hence the seeds produced are classified as certified 2 (C2)

9 or QDS if the fields were not inspected and certified. Thus, the assistance provided by the project to partners contributed to the production of a total 2,077.3 tons of certified seed during the 2018/2019 season with the potential of planting 102,239 ha next season (Table 2). When segregated into category of partners who produced the certified seeds, seed companies alone produced 1,142 tons (55%), Farmers’ Associations and co-operatives produced 491 tons (24%) and individual community seed growers produced 444 tons (21%). This quantity of seed is 77% of the FY19 certified seed target of 2,691.1 tons. Again, the two cyclones destroyed crops of many producers leading to complete losses in the field or low yields. Only soybean met its target, exceeding by 14% because most of the soybean fields were far from the worst hit areas. However, the worst affected crop, common bean achieved only 39% of its target.

Table 2. Certified seeds produced by partners collaborating with SEMEAR within the FtF ZOI during the 2018/2019 growing season.

Estimated coverage Crop Target (t) Quantity Produced (t) (ha) for FY19 Soybean 870.0 995.4 19,908 Cowpea 409.6 231.0 9,240 Sesame 166.5 111.2 37,067 Common bean 500.0 192.7 2,753 Groundnut 333.0 250 3,571 Pigeon pea 412.0 297 29,700 Total 2,691.1 2,077.3 102,239

In terms of the quantity of certified seeds produced by partners, soybean accounted for 49%, common bean 9%, cowpea 11%, sesame 5%, groundnut 12% and pigeon pea 14% (Fig. 4). However, when considering the area, these Figure 4. The proportions of certified seeds for the six crops produced quantities of seeds would by SEMEAR partners in FY19 (left) and certified seeds produced by SEMEAR partners in the last four years (right). 10 cover, sesame has the largest share of 36% followed by pigeon pea (29%), soybean (20%), cowpea (9%) and both common bean and groundnut (3%). Though the quantity of seeds produced by partners over the four years of SEMEAR implementation did not meet the expected targets, they increased progressively from 479 tons in FY16 to 1,293 tons in FY17, 1,635 tons in FY18 and 2,077 tons in FY19 (Fig. 4). This shows a 170% increase for the second year over the first, 26% increase in the third year compared to the second year and 27% higher for the fourth year compared to the third year. Despite the progress, it is also evident that the certified seed targets were too high; hence there is a need to revise the final year targets to reflect on the realities on the ground.

2.1.3. Seed Distribution and Sales SEMEAR basic seed distribution for the 2018/2019 cropping season started in October 2018 through January 2019. Basic seeds amounting to 30.85 tons were supplied to partners for certified seed production. Seed producers supplied with basic seed include Phoenix Seeds, Companhia do Zembe, Sementes Nzara Yapera, Oruwera Seed Lda, Matuel Comercial, SBS/COPAZA, Agri-Resources Solidaridad, Investrago, Klein Karoo, Companhia Zembe, Emília Comercial, IAV, JNB and iDe Moçambique. Soybean continues to have the highest basic seed demand among the crops being promoted and accounted for about 58% of the seeds supplied to partners. This is because soybean is a cash crop with relatively large farm size with an upward trend compared to the other crops so certified seed demand is increasing. The demand for soybean grain is high and is driven by the local poultry industry. Hence, there is ready market for grain producers and the farm gate price is also attractive and generally stable relative to the other crops. Thirty percent of the seed sold was common bean. The demand for common bean variety NUA45 increased during the current season since it is one of the preferred varieties for FAO food security tenders. It is bio-fortified with iron and zinc making it more attractive from nutrition standpoint. The project used some quantities of seeds to establish demonstration plots and other awareness creation activities. It contributed seeds to district and provincial government programs and to partnerships and collaborative activities. SEMEAR also donated 10.6 tons of seed (6.6 tons of cowpea and 4 tons of common beans) to the victims of cyclone IDAI for planting during the 2019/2020 season.

From the 30.85 tons of EGS that was distributed, the project received a total revenue of MZN 3,363,305 (US$ 56,055.08) but so far only MZN 1,604,880 (US$ 26,748) have been paid. Almost half (52%) of this amount MZN 1,758,425 (US$ 29,307) is not paid yet. The project has so far sold 11.3 million meticais (US$185,574) of bsic seed to partners. Unfortunately, 5.4 million meticais (US$88,084) representing 48% have not been paid yet; hence the project has 5.9 million meticais (US$97,4490) currently in its bank

11 accounts. Default on payment for EGS seeds is a major problem since a project like SEMEAR would not be able to take legal action against seed companies or individuals owing the project.

Major Challenges facing the EGS production 1. Failure of seed companies to pay for the seed purchased. The project assumed that subsidizing the price provided by USEBA will make it more attractive for private sector to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase and readily pay for the seeds, but it turned out that we were wrong. The debt situation prevents some partners from returning to the project with basic seed orders but others still order with promises of payment. Measures to collect payments: The project has decided that all partners 1) will not be supplied with basic seed in FY20 if they have not paid 75% of their debts; and b) At least 75% of the cost for all seed order must be paid upfront and accompanied by a formally signed promise note that payment or the remaining 25% will be made not later than 31 January 2020. 2. Legumes are open pollinated crops which can easily be recycled for more than one season with little loss of vigour if the crop is managed well; hence some seed producers don’t regularly invest in basic seed since the last season’s crop could be used to produce other seed categories such as C2 and C3. Thus, some of the basic seed produced by SEMEAR remain unsold. Measures to reduce recycling: Continuous education to improve understanding that refreshing seed stock is always better since that provides assurance of quality and that diseases, seed viability and yield depression can occur with higher probability when recycled seeds are used. 3. Difficult in estimating effective seed demand for EGS. Certified seed producers in most cases don’t send their EGS demand early enough for effective planning. They start asking for EGS when it is getting close to planting time before procuring seeds. This creates uncertain demand. Measures for receiving timely information: Approaching seed producers who depend on basic seeds on timely manner to get information on their possible basic seed orders in terms of crops, varieties and quantities. 4. Climate change resulting in changes in the weather pattern such as frequent drought spells which affect crop development and limit productivity of EGS since the crops are grown under rainfed conditions. In some years the rains occur during the period the crop is drying for harvesting or during harvesting. Under such circumstances, the seeds are discolored and cannot be sold as EGS and should be sold as grain. Possible counter Measures: Although some of these crops are drought tolerant, there is a limit to the extent the plant would tolerate drought in the face of climate change so supplementing rainfall with irrigation during drought spells would help. Conduct EGS production using irrigation facilities at

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selected IIAM stations for example at Ribaué or using portable water pump especially off-season to make up for loses during the main season.

Cost-benefit analysis for breeder/pre-basic and basic seed production Production of the various classes of seed required specific standards and care to ensure genetic purity of the seeds. Breeder seed is produced by a breeder through crosses of parental lines and should have genetic purity of 100%. Pre-basic seed is a step of seed production where breeder seed is used to multiply into enough quantities of seeds for basic seed production. The breeder is responsible for the production of pre- basic seed, and production should be under very high levels of genetic control as in breeder seed. Basic seeds are produced from breeder or pre-basic seed by Institutions, authorized individuals, seed producers under conditions that ensure maintenance of genetic purity and identity. The genetic purity is lower than that for breeder seed typically 96-99.5%. The physical purity of these categories of seed should be maintained at 96-98%. Production of EGS requires high investment in equipment (irrigation), input, personnel (breeders, technicians and seasonal workers), etc. The variable production costs for EGS for the project averaged US$ 934.24. The benefit-cost ratio averaged 1.76 meaning positive return on investment that paid for the production cost and provided a margin. Common bean is the crop with the highest return on investment (benefit-cost ratio of 2.44) and cowpea has the lowest benefit-cost ratio (1.04). In terms of production cost, pigeon pea and groundnuts have the highest production costs US$ 1,029.59/ha and US$ 1,007.49/ha respectively.

2.1.4. Seed Enterprise Development During FY19, SEMEAR implemented seed multiplication activities in the FtF ZOI, aimed at supporting small seed multiplication enterprises, using the following models: (i) direct engagement/partnership with community-based producers (associations and individual farmers) and private seed companies that receive basic seeds from SEMEEAR, and marketing them through a network of agro-dealers and retailers in the communities. The participation of community-based seed producers in certified seed multiplication is expected to open a new income opportunity which guarantees them premium prices and market access; (ii) capacity building and on-going extension support for seed producers to improve their technical, managerial and organizational competencies, in addition to the establishment of functional linkages with seed companies and other stakeholders willing to buy certified seeds from local producers.

The project works with SDAEs to identify, engage and develop local seed business initiatives leveraging on support from other projects operating in these districts. For example, 9 seed growers were engaged in line with this approach in Ribaué (3), Alto Molocué (4), Mocuba (2) to produce sesame, cowpea and

13 common beans. Besides capacity development to engaged producers, SEMEAR sold basic seeds at subsidized prices to seed producers to support certified seed production.

Apart from direct partnership with seed producers, the project also developed collaboration with SUSTENTA to leverage on the support by SUSTENTA to Emerging Commercial Farmers “PACE” (Produtor Agrícola Comercial Emergente). In this model of collaboration, SDAE’s role will be marketing the initiatives by promoting the seed multipliers in the districts. In FY20 the initiative will involve more than 8 farmers working on approximately 8 ha to multiply common bean, cowpea, pigeon pea and sesame. Farmers will be supplied with basic seeds and trained on seed multiplication and marketing, and inspection and certification services will also be facilitated. This new approach of partnership is expected to reach a total of 18 seed multipliers being one per district to be fully supported by SDAE after SEMEAR ends. However, there are already existing seed multipliers with capacity to multiply and market certified seeds in communities including, Patricio Clemente, Mariano Mariano, Américo Sisseque and Mussa Ali in Nampula, Emilia Savaio and Farnela in Chimoio, Agro Sikhadzakhoka, Palusso and Emilia in Tete; and many others who have been trained and supported since the start of the project.

2.2. Component 2: Promote and Scale-up the Adoption of Best Crop Management Practices in the FtF ZOI using Participatory Approaches 2.2.1. On-farm demonstrations Through partnerships and collaborations, the project established demonstrations during the first and second quarters of FY19 to create awareness and promote technologies through “learning by doing”. The technologies being promoted include improved varieties of all six crops and improved crop management practices in the context of the dominant cropping systems in the various locations. The technologies consist of better agronomy such as best planting time, row spacing, planting density, the use of inoculant and P fertilization, legume intercrop, weed control, and pest and disease control. Across crops and locations, 1,056 demo plots were established on 47.2 ha in collaboration with partners (Table 3). Overall, 48% of the plots were led by female farmers compared to 40% involvement last season due to improvements in women participation in groundnut and pigeon pea demos.

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Table 3 Demonstration plots established in the FtF ZOI during FY19 cropping season Crop* Male Demos Females Demos Total No. Total Area (ha)

Soybean 150 86 236 13.9

Common bean 61 63 124 4.96

Groundnut 80 120 200 1.87

Pigeon pea 50 80 150 1.48

Cowpea 113 72 185 20.7

Sesame 72 89 161 4.3

Total 526 510 1056 47.2

3000 Female Tete Gender Common bean Groundnut Pigeon pea Male Tete 2500 Female Zambezia Male Zambezia

Male 857.78 1015.0 984.7 )

-1 2000

Female 945.00 1125.8 959.4 1500

Yield (kg ha Yield 1000 Av 904.71 1098.1 966.6 500 Table 4 Common bean, groundnut yields and pigeon pea 0 (kg/ha) from demo plots hosted by women and men farmers Check Inoc TSP Inoc+TSP Input across SEMEAR project sites in 2018/201 cropping season Figure 5. Gender influence on soybean inputs application

Analysis of data from the demo plots show that apart from varieties, using inputs such phosphorous (P) and inoculants can double yields of soybean and cowpea. For example, on average cowpea yields increased from about 400 kg/ha to 1100 kg/ha when P and inoculant were applied together, whereas soybean yield in Angónia increased from 950 kg/ha to 2100 kg/ha and from 1500 kg/ha to 2300 kg/ha in Gurué. The data also suggested that there are no significant differences between yields from male and female managed demo plots for all the crops, although data from groundnuts and common bean show a slight advantage for females. (Figure 5 and Table 4).

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2.2.2. Training and scaling up adoption The project conducted several training sessions for farmers, extension agent, technicians, seed companies, and other project partners throughout the year. Training in the fourth quarter focused on post-harvest handling and processing. A special training course was organized by SEMEAR in partnership with the Soybean Innovation Lab from University of Illinois in the USA, on integrated pest management (IPM) and proper application of pesticide in Nampula, Angónia and Gurué from 27 August to 12 September 2019. One hundred and one extension agents including 17 females from SDAEs and other projects or seed companies’ technicians were trained on IPM and pesticide use in this course. A follow up on this training is scheduled for December 2019 and will be expanded to include agricultural training institutes to incorporate aspect of the modules in their training curricula. In the fourth quarter, a total of 901 people (452 males; 449 females) were trained. Training sessions conducted across FY19 cropping season were mostly tailored to group-specific needs on subjects that include variety selection, setting up demo plots, agronomic practices in general and for seed production, calculation of seed production cost, good legume management practices, inoculant application, legume crop production systems, input use, seed field inspection, seed marketing, seed storage. Trainings were jointly conducted by SEMEAR teams and stakeholders such as SDAE, SBS/COPAZA, Agricon, SUSTENTA, CLUSA, Technoserve, Dreamers Group, and farmers’ associations. In total, 2,349 people including farmers and extension agents were trained in FY19; 49% of the trainees were women (Table 5). The number of women participating in training activities has increased over the years from 39% for FY16, 40% for FY17, 44% for FY18 reaching 49% in FY19 indicating that our efforts such as scheduling training sessions at time convenient for women and on postharvest management and processing are encouraging women participation. Student training: The 13 students (7 males; 6 females) from local Universities doing internship with the project completed their training at the end of July 2019. By this time, they would have complete dataset and had written major parts of their dissertations.

Table 5. Training sessions conducted across crops during FY19. Province Male Females Total No. Manica 96 134 230

Nampula 196 141 337

Tete 526 539 1,065

Zambezia 383 334 717

Total 1,201 1,148 2,349

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2.2.3. Field days, exchange visits, and meetings

SEMEAR organized more than 80 field days, exhibitions and field visits across project districts during FY19 in collaboration with partners to popularize and showcase the use of improved varieties and good management practices. Several organizations and individuals including farmers’ associations, SDAE, NGOs, seed companies, agro-dealers, district and provincial policymakers participated in the events. Important highlights are as follows:  USAID visit in early December 2018 for monitoring, learning and strengthen collaboration among USAID funded initiatives in Nampula and Zambézia provinces. The visit was jointly organized by SEMEAR, RAMA-NC and other stakeholders.  Visits by Governor of Nampula province during a field day organized in Murrupula and by the Provincial Director of Agriculture for Zambézia to SEMEAR fields at Namarripi and seed out- growers around the same location in Ewarelo, Magige and Namiepe. Both highlighted the need for various partners producing seed to ensure that the quality is good and easily availability in the market in order to engage, empower and encourage farmers to use improved seed that would increase yield and improve their livelihoods.  Field day organized at Sussundenga Research Station on 14 March, a day before the day cyclone IDAI made landfall which brought together SEMEAR partners to showcase pre-basic, basic and certified seed production and other soil fertility technologies. Some seed companies such as Companhia de Zembe, Pannar, Emília Comercial, farmers and students also attended the field day.  SEMEAR received a US congressional delegation for a visit on 29th May 2019. This was a learning tour organized by Care International. The delegation visited and interacted with SEMEAR partner ACAMIR, a farmers’ association in Meconta district involved in seed productions and hosting of demonstration plots.  The project organized USAID monitoring visit to Manica province to learn and assess the damage caused by cycle IDAI to fields and infrastructure of project partners from 10-12 April 2019. The visit provided an opportunity for interaction with stakeholders such as private seed companies, farmers’ groups, students and non-governmental organizations.  Other field day was conducted to discuss developments in the bean value chain, participants also ranked their preferred varieties based on several attributes including perceptions on taste, marketability, crop yield and general crop growth and development in the field. NUA45, a common bean variety has increasingly been the most preferred variety by woman. The main reason behind the rise in the popularity of NUA45 included: high yield for an early maturing variety, large grain size which attracts buyers’ attention in the market, early maturity makes it possible for two or three

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production cycles in a calendar year, and above all, nutritional education has made farmers aware of the nutritional benefits of the variety which has high contents of iron and zinc. Women tend to adopt crop varieties with nutritious value compared to men who prefer for example A222 which has a growing interest by traders given its commercial value.

During the year, 2096 individuals participated in field days of which 44% were women. Female participants accounted for 44% of the field days organized in FY19 compared with 42% for FY16, 41% for FY17 and 47% for FY18.

SEMEAR mid-term Adoption studies: Key findings from Adoption Study The project conducted mid-term adoption studies to assess the uptake of improved varieties, improved seeds, and other complementary technologies in the FtF ZOI across Nampula, Manica, Tete and Zambézia. The results showed an increase in the use of the improved varieties of the crops the project is promoting indicating that technology promotion activities by SEMEAR in the study area has enhanced access to more options for farmers. For instance, the number of sesame producers has increased from almost nil for the baseline to 5.5% with women accounting for 15% of all sesame plots. On average, 58% of the total sesame plots are under improved varieties. When disaggregated by gender, 63% of male producers planted improved varieties of sesame, whereas 29% of female producers used improved varieties. The study also found that 12% of households planted improved common bean varieties in 2016 when the project started, and this figure increased to 44% in 2018. When common bean producers are disaggregated by gender, only 11% of the females used improved varieties compared with 56% of male producers. Adoption of improved cowpea varieties increased from 29% at the baseline to 53%, and 58% of female cowpea producers used improved varieties which is similar to the 57% for male cowpea producers indicating the importance of the food security crop to women. For soybean which is mostly planted in Zambézia and Tete provinces, adoption of improved varieties doubled from 36% in 2016 to

71% in 2018. When disaggregated by gender 100% of female soybean producers used improved soybean varieties whereas 76% of male producers planted improve soybean varieties. The study also found that 12% of soybean fields are cultivated by women showing that women are less involved in the cultivation of cash crops unlike food crops such as cowpea. The study found that Groundnuts is the most widely cultivated legume and it comes only after maize in the four provinces. The adoption of improved groundnuts varieties increased from 27% in 2016 to 62% in 2018 and the adoption of improved varieties was similar for male (50%) and female (49%) producers. The adoption of improved pigeon pea varieties

18 increased from 8% to 19% among the households interviewed and more female (30%) than males (22%) used improved varieties.

The major constraints reported by respondents are pests and disease problems (43%); high input costs (39%) and lack of credit (37%). Declining soil fertility, inadequate access to land, labor, machinery (tractor for land preparation) and extension information, and high cost of seeds are other important constraints.

2.2.4. Gender issues in SEMEAR implementation

The project made concerted efforts to increase female participation in project activities by targeting women to host demo plots, for seed multiplication and for specific training sessions. During FY19, SEMEAR provided seeds and inputs to women farmers to encourage them to host demonstration plots. The project organized women targeted soybean training for Associação Mão Viva de Lissava in Mocuba (Fig 6) focusing on crop management, seed production cost and record keeping. The project provided them with 50 kg of basic seed for certified seed multiplication. SEMEAR also supported Fig 6. An IITA technician (Carlos Pedro) three other women associations, Associação de training members of Associsacao Mao Viva de Lissava in Mocuba on seed Mulheres de Namirequele and Associação de Mulheres production costs and record keeping de Namarripe in Murrimo, Gurué district; and Associação ACAMIR in Meconta district, Nampula province. The two associations produce soybean certified seeds with support from SEMEAR in the form of technical assistance on varieties, general agronomy, inoculant application procedures prior to planting and peat-based inoculants for their fields. During the first quarter, the project supported a women group called NOSARA based in Ruace who are well established in soybean production and processing. The group produces soybean and processes into different soy-based food products such as soybean flour, bread, cakes, biscuits, soymilk etc. that are sold locally and across the province especially during trade fairs. SEMEAR trained them on soybean production practices, cost of production, profit margin and how to maximize returns on their investment.

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In Angónia, SEMEAR is supporting a group of women to collectively procure inputs. A group of 10 women from Angónia district collectively acquired 10 kg of cowpea variety IT 1263 from SEMEAR and distributed among themselves to produce the cowpea variety on their fields on trial basis since the crop is not commonly grown in Angónia. The women selected the variety from demonstration plots last season because it is a dual-purpose cowpea variety that can be consumed as a leafy vegetable and/or grain. Another group of 25 females from Kaudza Tsangano came together under the guidance of SEMEAR to discuss purchasing fertilizer in bulk and later repackaging into 10 or 25 kg to facilitate affordability among women farmers. Several women targeted activities were also organized around common demo plots and nutrition purposes in Angónia, Alto Molocué and other districts.

The female targeted activities contributed to increased female participation in project activities compared with the same period last year. Female participation in hosting demo plots has improved from an average of about 35% in FY16 to about 38% in FY17, 40% in FY18 and 48% in FY19. When disaggregated by crop, female participation in soybean demos was the lowest (37%) compared to cowpea (39%), common bean (51%) pigeon pea (53), sesame (55%) and groundnut (60%). There was marked improvement in the participation of women in pigeon pea and groundnut activities in FY19 because of the efforts made this year. The number of women participating in training activities also continued to increase over the years from 39% for FY16, 40% for FY17, 44% for FY18 reaching 49% in FY19.

Gender Analysis in the FtF ZOI Gender is an important component of SEMEAR implementation; the project completed a gender-based survey during the first quarter for gender analysis. The objective of the study was to identify, understand and explain the gaps between male and female beneficiaries in the households and within project communities. It examined the differences between male and female using the framework recommended by the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI). The study focused on legal rights and status, access to and control of resources, and decision making and power. The study found that the proportion of female-headed households ranged from 3.8% in Nampula province to 16.7 % in Manica province, and on average 5.2% of the households were female headed. Irrespective of the similarities between female and male in age and education more males (83%) in the households have access to an average of 2.39 ha of arable land, while less than 30% of females have access to an average of 1.29 ha of land. Thus, female farmers have access to 46% less lands compared to their male counterparts. The user rights land tenure arrangement which is the second most popular arrangement in the FtF ZOI is relatively common among female farmers because they are allocated as a result of marriage. These women have

20 only user rights to lands they acquire from community chefs or family heads, and the right can be lost in the events of relocation, divorce or death of a spouse. Because males have access to larger land area, they are able to allocate relatively larger portions of their land resources to the SEMEAR crops. However, some women allocate similar area as men to cowpea and soybean, perhaps cowpea is a major food security crop and soybean is a cash crop which requires relatively lower investment making it easier for women to cultivate. Apart from land resource constraints, female farmers lack productive resources, including time, farming inputs and credit to invest adequately on lands allocated to them. The study found that both females and males farmers explore similar sources for extension information on agricultural production and there are no differences in access between female and male farmers.

The Gender study showed that females are mostly caretakers of crop fields but less than 30% of those who manage fields have the power to make production and marketing decisions. Instead, these decisions are taken up by the household heads who are mostly males. On the other hand, most male plot managers enjoy decision-making autonomy on field operations. Customary norms are important in the decision- making processes among the households as it dominates the reasons assigned to the choice of decision makers. In the FtF ZOI, 57% of the households indicated that customs play a major role in who makes decisions surrounding livelihood and this overwhelmingly favors males. It is also important to mention that in some households (21%) men and women jointly agree on household decisions including the choice of crops to grow and marketing. It was interesting to note that the power to make decisions in the households was less tied to asset ownership or the one who has more resources suggesting that these in a way boost women empowerment. There is evidence that the decision-making powers of females increased when higher proportions of males are engaged in off-farm activities. In Manica 46% of females make household decision which correlates with the higher proportion (22%) of males engaged in off-farm wage earnings.

2.2.5. Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (EMMP) compliance

The project conducted all FY19 field activities in accordance with the environmental monitoring and mitigation plan to avoid pollution, wastage and harm to staff, partners and other living organisms. Land preparation and planting were done along the contour to control erosion; hence minimize sediment movement downhill to water bodies. Where necessary, ridges were constructed to reduce the speed of surface water movement and to ensure enhanced infiltration. Staff and partners were trained on chemical identification and proper application procedures that prevent contamination of the environment or poisoning of humans and animals. When using any chemical, protective gear such as gumboots, overalls,

21 masks, gloves and helmets were mandatory and using the right concentration and limited frequency of pesticide use. Only staff and farmers trained in safe use and handling of pesticides were recommended to conduct spraying activities. The project emphasized IPM including the use of rotation and intercropping systems to reduce weeds and pest infestations. All pesticide products procured are registered and approved by USEPA as indicated in the 2017 USAID Mozambique PERSUAP. The pesticides procured for use are also approved by the Mozambican authorities. The insecticides used include Cypermethrin and Imidacloprid to control aphids, thrips, pod borers, army worms, and other field insects. The project used Primophos-methyl for seed treatment in storage to prevent weevil attack especially in cowpea. For fungicides, the chemicals used are Triazoles, Strobilurin and Difenoconazole to control fungi and bacterial diseases. Empty pesticide containers are rinsed several times with water and the water added to the spraying tank to complete the spraying activity. The washed containers are then kept in a specially prepared wooden box and locked for later delivery to a licensed disposal contractor.

3. Communications and Farmers’ Outreach

The project had a hard time finding a candidate to replace the SEMEAR communication officer who left for career development; hence the position was vacant for 10 months. The position was filled in September 2019. However, the project continued with the implementation of communication activities aimed mostly at creating awareness about improved technologies among farmers to enable them to take correct decisions for increased productivity and production. During the period under review, the project engaged in several outreach activities including the following:

 The project held its Annual Review and Planning Meetings in Tete during the week of 16-20 September 2019. The first three days involved only SEMEAR Consortium partner staff and were devoted to a review of the project performance in the past year focusing on what went well, what didn’t go so well, the challenges faced and what need to be done as we move to the last phase of the SEMEAR to implement our exit strategy. The fourth day focused on seed production and inspection; hence seed companies, individual seed growers, staff from IIAM management, the National Seed Inspection Unit as well as other projects that work on seeds were invited. The main purpose of the meeting was to have discussions on seed production, inspection and certification, challenges and constraints limiting the process, lessons learned and the role SEMEAR can play in sustaining the seed system.  Two news paper stories were published in “Jornal de Noticias” and “Jornal Domingo” about the activities and achievements of SEMEAR in September as part of the SEMEAR Annual Meeting coverage

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 A Radio program was also broadcasted nationally on Radio Mozambique on SEMEAR activities and achievements in September  120 fact sheets were distributed in Gurué and another 50 were distributed during the CARE Washington Learning visit in Nampula. The factsheets contain updated SEMEAR information on objectives, performance and targets  2 Radio programs were aired in Angónia to show-case varieties and related best agronomic practices in common bean seed multiplication and grain production and a similar radio program was developed and aired in Manica  Seed and agricultural input fair organized by SUSTENTA held at IIAM, Nampula. The exhibition was attended by 100 people including farmers from various districts of Zambézia and Nampula provinces as well as seed and input companies. Mussa Ali, one of the farmers assisted by the SEMEAR had the opportunity to share his success in seed production with participants.  SEMEAR participated in an Agricultural fair in Gurué where 350 people including farmers, researchers, technicians, seed companied representatives, input dealers, and government officials attended. SEMEAR displayed posters and Rollups, and exhibited improved seeds  SEMEAR experiences were presented at Soya Value Chain discussion organized by Technoserve on whether the small commercial farmer model has succeeded in spurring rural development for small scale farmers.  SEMEAR attended two exhibitions in Domué, Angónia district and Maconje, Tsangano district organized to create awareness about improved varieties for the 2018/19 growing season and to link farmers to the local seed and input supply networks.  During the first quarter of FY19, SEMEAR finalized promotional videos in both English and Portuguese. The videos have been uploaded on the project website. The project developed two technical manuals - one for seed production and another for pigeon pea production directed to extension agents.  SEMEAR made a presentation during the IITA Partnership for Development (P4D) Science week at IITA Headquarters, Ibadan, Nigeria on 25th November 2018. The presentation was made by SEMEAR Project Manager, Carlos Malita and the title was “Building life impacts through partnerships”. SEMEAR was awarded the first place in a poster presentation contest under P4D. This is a remarkable achievement that shows the impacts the project is making through partnership with stakeholders (seed multipliers – private companies, farmers associations and individual farmers).

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4. Project Performance Indicators

The 2018/2019 season started on a very good note, and by the third quarter targets on area under technologies and number of farmers who applied improved technologies have been achieved. The potential gains from the momentum however, did not happen due to the impacts of the two devastating cyclones (IDAI and Kenneth) that hit Mozambique in March and April. Nevertheless, the M&E results show impressive performance of SEMEAR across most of the indicators.

Strategic partnerships with development organizations, private sector actors and other project provided the means for capacity building, production and delivery of good quality seeds and creating demand for seeds produced. At the end of the fourth quarter, 26 partnerships had been formed bringing to a total of 87 partnerships over the four years of implementation (Table 6). Through these partnerships, capacities of 98 organizations (private and public) have been built to contribute meaningfully to the development of the legume seed sector of Mozambique.

Table 6: Capacity development by the Fourth Quarter of FY 2019 Cumulative FY19 (FY16-FY19) Target Indicator Disaggregation (FY20) Target Results Target Results

Partnerships Agric. production 25 26 75 87 25 (N) For-profit 17 18 59 59 19 Beneficiary organizations Producer 80 80 268 312 88 (N) Total 97 98 327 371 107 Farmers 3,395 3,629 12,790 14,042 3,492 Individuals Govt. workers 105 43 410 662 108 trained (N) Total 3,500 3,672 13,200 14,704 3,600 Farmers 72,750 95,052 218,250 274,276 72,750 Individual beneficiaries Govt. workers 2,250 661 6,750 6,204 2,250 (N) Total 75,000 95,713 225,000 280,480 75,000

During the fourth quarter 1,231 farmers received various forms of capacity building through trainings, field demonstrations and field days bringing to a total of 95,713 individual beneficiaries for the season

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(Table 6). SEMEAR’s strategy of gender inclusion has consistently ensured that at least 30% of the project beneficiaries are female farmers. In addition, the project acknowledges the role of the youths in agriculture and has deliberately targeted this section of the production system (Figure 7).

Figure 7: Gender disaggregation of selected indicators (Left); Age disaggregation of selected indicators (Right)

The analyses revealed that female farmers constituted 32% of the farmers who applied technologies promoted by SEMEAR and are responsible for 40% of the land area allocated to the technologies (Figure 7). This finding has been consistent for the past two seasons implying that women with access to improved technologies are able to increase their production area. This has significant impact on female empowerment when they are also allowed to make decisions on sales and use of proceeds from farm. Overall, a total of 95,625 farmers applied improved technologies on 128,817 ha of land (Table 7).

Table 7: Technology application by the Fourth Quarter of FY 2019 Cumulative FY19 (FY16-FY19) Target Indicator Disaggregation (FY20) Target Results Target Results

Crop genetics 22,500 43,865 64,500 87,446 25,500 Number of Cultural practices 52,250 51,787 150,500 145,385 59,500 farmers (N) Total 75,000 95,652 215,000 232,830 85,000 Crop genetics 50,000 59,370.4 135,000 133,813 50,000

Area (ha Cultural practices 55,000 69,445.3 155,000 188,591 60,000 Total 105,000 128,816.7 290,000 322,404 110,000

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Although the results on area under improved technologies and the number of farmers who apply improved technologies did not change, damage assessment revealed very significant losses to crop fields. These losses are reflected in the low yields on farmers’ fields (Table 8). In fact, all the crops except groundnut had yields below the target. The general decline in yield and loss of fields caused significant levels of food shortages. The shortages, however, worked to the advantage of farmers who reported lesser losses. For FY2019, soybean had the highest gross margin ($714/ha), whereas cowpea had the lowest margin of $123/ha (Table 8). This implies that on average, the farmers obtained $714 and $123 for every hectare of soybean and cowpea, respectively, they cultivated after all operating costs have been deducted from the total value of the harvested produce. Soybean margin was the highest because the relative effects of the cyclones on yields were lower than that for the other crops especially common bean and cowpea.

Table 8: Farm-level performance by the Fourth Quarter of FY 2019 FY19 Target Indicator Disaggregation Target Results (FY20) Common bean 1,200 904.71 1,300

Cowpea 950 397.50 1,000

Yield per ha from farmers’ fields Groundnut 1,000 1,096.66 1,200 (kg/ha) Pigeon pea 1,200 972.05 1,200 Sesame 700 397.00 800 Soybean 1,800 1,582.20 1,800 Common bean 235 274 255

Cowpea 108 123 114

Gross margin per ha from farmers’ Groundnut 252 312 302 fields (USD/ha) Pigeon pea 154 167 154 Sesame 193 172 221 Soybean 310 714 310

Despite the challenges with the weather the project was able to meet 54% of early generation seed target. The total of 105.36 ton produced is projected to cover over 2,843 ha of land in FY2020 (Table 1), and make available around 37,000 ton of certified seeds for FY2021.

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In addition to early generation seeds, the project partnered with private seed companies, producer groups and individual seed producers to produce certified seeds for FY2020. Previous experience showed that existing seed producers did not have the capacity to produce and effectively deliver or market the targeted seed volumes. To address this constraint the project team supported more community based seed producers to ensure that the certified seed targets are achieved. This strategy has yielded good results, and despite the challenges with the climate the project was able to facilitate the production of 2,077 ton of certified seeds, which is 77% of the seed targets and similar to the achievements of the first three years where normal weather conditions prevailed. The seeds produced are expected to cover 102,239 ha of land belonging to 437,935 individual farmers in FY2020.

Table 9: Early generation seed production (ton) in FY 2019 and projections for FY 2020 FY19 (MT) Projected Crop Production for Target (FY20) Target Results 2020 Common bean 101.20 9.00 167.14 135.50 Cowpea 8.25 8.80 352.16 8.25 Groundnut 41.10 38.90 583.50 41.1

Pigeon pea 4.35 4.50 540.00 4.35 Sesame 1.01 2.31 616.00 1.01 Soybean 36.10 41.85 15,006.60 31.10

Total 192.01 105.36 3,765.40 221.31

Table 10: Certified seed production (ton) in FY 2019 and projections for FY 2020 FY19 Crop Projected Target (FY20) Target Results Beneficiaries (N) Common 500.00 193 39,327 700.00 bean Cowpea 409.60 231 92,400 256.00 Groundnut 333.00 250 2,604 333.00

Pigeon pea 412.00 297 27,500 412.00 Sesame 166.50 111 27,255 166.50 Soybean 870.00 995 248,849 870.00

Total 2,691.10 2,077.30 437,935 2,737.5

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Suffice to say that SEMEAR initiative is inherently sustainable in the medium to long term since certified seeds that have entered the production system can be used for up to three years beyond the project life. Exploratory research, as part of preparations for the end-line impact assessment of SEMEAR, shows that beneficiaries of the project have better access to food (Figure 8). This is an indication that the project’s goal is within reach.

Figure 8: Incidence of food insecurity among project and non-project beneficiaries

5. Major Implementation Issues

 Cyclone IDAI which affected central Mozambique in March 2019 and cyclone Kenneth which affected northern Mozambique in April 2019 caused damage or completely destroyed fields. Cyclone Kenneth occurred when the crops were almost ready to be harvested and caused damage to fields in Nampula province due to excessive rainfall. This decreased the quality of seeds and resulted in low yields.  Non-payment for basic seeds purchased by partners mostly seed companies and the difficulty in debt collection.

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6. Collaboration with Other Donor Projects

SEMEAR deals in collaboration and will continue to strengthen the collaboration with USAID and other donor-funded projects as a mechanism to improve the delivery of results and sustainably increase the impacts of the interventions. In Nampula for example, the project is actively participating in the USAID’s Implementing Partners Platform for Coordination. The hosting of the SEMEAR Stakeholders Annual meeting every year is a commitment and testimony of this interest. The SEMEAR Annual Stakeholders meeting in September 2019 was attended by representatives of the Government at National and Provincial levels, Provincial Directors of Agriculture (Manica and Tete), SDAEs from all project districts, representatives of IIAM, donor-funded projects, seeds companies, farmers and the media. During the annual meeting, stakeholders and partners came together, shared their activities and strengthened collaboration. During the SEMEAR annual meeting in Tete, Mariano Mariano – seed producer from Alto Molocué sealed a business deal to supply Klein Karoo with sesame certified seeds and iDe Mozambique with soybean certified seeds. New collaborations that have been established in the reporting period include: 1. Soybean Innovation Lab (SIL), the University of Illinois and Syngenta Foundation on Pan African Soybean Variety Trials - testing the adaptability of various soybean varieties (including those from Mozambique). This will assist SEMEAR to compare local varieties with other available varieties on the continent to identify high yielding varieties that could be registered and released in Mozambique. Phoenix Seeds, a partner of SEMEAR was invited to participate in the testing to identify varieties which can potentially be released and commercialized by Phoenix Seed; 2. University of Illinois – development and implementation of an extension service capacity development program focusing on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. This training program focused on the development of the capacities of national Extension Agents and is led by a PhD student. The first working visit was held in November 2018 and the training was held from 27 August to 12 September 2019 in Nampula, Gurué and Angónia; 101 extension agents (17 women) from SDAEs and other project or seed companies’ technicians were trained; 3. SUSTENTA – Sustainable Development Project, World Bank funded (2018 – 2028) and implemented by the Ministry of Land, Environment and Rural Development. SUSTETA aims at promoting integrated rural development for improved livelihoods of rural households in Nampula and Zambézia provinces. In this collaboration, SEMEAR supplied basic seeds of common bean, sesame and soybean to identified seed producers in Alto Molocué, Gurué, Mocuba, Ile and Gile districts of Zambézia, administered seed production training, supported inspection and certification of their seed fields. SUSTENTA in turn will link them to Emerging Commercial Farmers (PACE – Pequeno

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Agricultor Comercial Emergente). A “PACE” is “hub farmer” who has 200 other farmers to assist with inputs and extension advice; 4. With GrainPro Inc – for the development and implementation of post-harvest or post-production capacity development (training) program. This joint activity will facilitate the establishment of functional linkages between farmers and AgriFocus who will distribute the GrainPro patented ultra- hermetic Super Grain Bags (SGB) as an alternative to fumigants and grain protectants. A joint training program has been developed and will be administered in FY20.

7. Key Activities Planned for FY 20 and Next Quarter

Key activities for FY20: SEMEAR will focus activities on its exit strategy during FY20 for sustainability of the project results. The activities will place emphasis on Market System Development involving private sector engagement. These include:

 Identify private seed companies that are interested in basic seed production to be intensively trained in EGS seed production and provide linkages with IIAM breeders for continuous supply of breeder or pre-basic seed  Build capacities of existing local seed producers to understand market preferences of various crops, varietal traits and adaptation to stresses, best management practices, business plans, marketing and joining out grower schemes of Seed Companies to sell their seed;  Focus on supporting market-oriented demo plots for seed producers to popularize the varieties they grow in the communities to increase sales within the communities and attract relatively bigger Seed Companies and Input dealers to source seeds;  Link seed producers to use INOVA’s market system development scheme to facilitate the sale of their seeds and to access inputs;  Strengthen and promote independent inspection and certification services in collaboration with STP and DINAS through supporting the training and accreditation of independent seed inspectors;  To improve EGS production by IIAM during off-season and under drought conditions, SEMEAR and IIAM will assess IIAM irrigation facilities and identify those which could be rehabilitated;  SEMEAR will place more emphasis on providing technical training to IIAM colleagues for appropriate planning on EGS production as well as coordination with seed companies on their EGS requirements

Main Activities for Next Quarter  Identify areas for seed multiplication

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 Land preparation for seed multiplication  Print seed production manual  Harvest off-season cowpea and soybean pre-basic seed fields  Engage, identify and train seed companies interested in producing basic seeds  Train seed producers on seed production and strategies for sustainable community seed schemes  Identify seed companies and community seed producers to establish joint demo plots  Conduct trainings for Lead Farmers and extension agents to host demos  Broadcast radio programs to disseminate to seed companies and farmers the availability of early generation and certified seeds  Identify IIAM irrigation facilities that could be rehabilitated and hire contractor to perform the rehabilitation

8. Evaluation/Assessment Update

Evaluations, Assessments, Studies, and Audits Include any and all types of evaluations, financial or programmatic, internal or external. Completed: List evaluations, assessments, studies and/or audits held Major Findings/Recommendations last year All studies are ongoing Planned: List evaluations, assessments, studies, and/or audits planned for next two quarters. 1. The SEMEAR mid-term adoption report has been revised and submitted during the fourth quarter of FY19 2. Revising the report on gender analysis as part of the monitoring, evaluation, and learning process for resubmission to USAID. The revised gender report has been sent to a Gender Specialist who has just joined IITA-Tanzania to improve on the report. It was planned to be submitted with the FY19 Annual Report but there have been some delays. It will be submitted by the end of November 2019.

9. Administrative Update

There are no administrative updates or major procurement issues at the moment that need the attention of the COR/AOR.

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10. Financial Information

During the Fourth Quarter of FY2019, SEMEAR expenditure reached an estimated US$1,183,252.17 on cost items indicated in Table 11. The official financial report will be submitted by IITA Headquarters. Cost share contribution is not applicable to SEMEAR.

Table 11. Estimated SEMEAR expenditures from 1 July 2019 to 30 September 2019 Order Cost Item Description US$ 1 Office cost, supplies Include: security, rent, suppliers (electricity, 43,563 water), stationery, among others 2 Field activities and Include: land preparation, chemicals, materials, 27,467 suppliers field day supplies) 3 Travels Include: allowances (per diem and 44,687 accommodation) and tickets 4 Training and Include: farmer training, field days, project 87,420 workshops planning and review meetings, etc. 5 Personnel Staff salaries, casual staff wages, taxes, and 276,495 allowances 6 Consultancy Include: hiring of enumerators and other short- 278,122 services term technical consultants 7 Other direct costs Including communications and minor purchases 229,845

Subtotal 997,599 Overhead (18.61%) 185,653.17 Grand Total 1,183,252.17

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11. Success Story - Rescuing the confidence of the local farmers

Patrício Clemente, a young entrepreneur – a role model for many others…

Patricio Clemente is a young agronomist who finished bachelor’s degree (BSc) agriculture in 2015 at Universidade Zambeze, Faculty of Agriculture in Angónia district of Tete province. After graduation, he decided to go back to Malema and take lead on a 250ha family farm established in 1980 by his father Sr Clemente Penteque. When Patrício arrived in Malema, he set very ambitious objectives for himself, increase farm operations and productivity and register “Olima Farms Lda” and set the business to grow and become local and regional supplier of quality seeds, grain crops and vegetables. Olima Farma Lda, registration process started in 2016 and was completed in 2017.

Youth people can lead enterprises to success and growth

Patrício Clemente’s vision for the company is that it becomes one of the best and vibrant producer and distributors of quality seeds locally and regionally that is linked to its mission to be a reliable source of quality and excellent seeds that farmers can rely on for increased productivity. He is a non-stoppable business manager who is always looking for alternatives and opportunities for growth. In 2019, he managed to have the store in Malema rehabilitated, painted and refurbished with new products such as: rain gauges, increased stocks for vegetable seed by signing an agent contract with Klein Karoo, he sought finance with SUSTENTA for a 5-ton truck and a tractor with all the necessary implements.

Story of Olima Farma, Lda in Malema district of Nampula province Malema is a district in the North of Nampula towards Cuamba and Gurué districts of Niassa and Zambézia provinces. Malema is nicknamed the “bread basket of Nampula” given its favourable agriculture conditions, suitability for all types of vegetables and pioneer in the production of seed onion amongst others. Malema is also suitable for common beans production – a farmer can produce and harvest common bean three times a year in Malema given the availability of water throughout the year. Olima Farma Lda, a young company in agribusiness, established in 2017, is dedicated to the production of various annual grain pulse crops, rearing cattle and vegetable production. Olima Farma Lda is a company specialized in seed multiplication and distribution, and grain and vegetable production.

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Diversification as a strategy for business growth and profitability

Patricio noticed that farmers in the neighbouring of their farm continue to use recycled seeds resulting in poor yields and low productivity. He saw this as an opportunity for his business and took the decision to diversify production objectives of the company to include the seed multiplication focusing on seed onion and certified seeds of soybean, cowpea and sesame. The results of the two consecutive seasons showed a significant growth that allowed the enterprise to capitalize on the good cash-flow to make first instalment payment on the credit obtained from SUSTENTA’s credit scheme for the equipment and the 5-ton truck that is used to transport goods and products from the farm to the market. This Picture 1: Seed Inspector, Patrício enabled him to access preferential market in Nacala where he Clemente and his father at a sesame transported and sold his sesame crop with relatively very good prices seed field being inspected at Olima Farma compared to the prices paid at farm gate. Another important aspect of Patricio’s work on the farm is to improve productivity and quality. For example, in the two seasons, yields of sesame and soybean improved significantly. Sesame yield increased from 1.13 ton/ha in 2017/18 to 1.2 ton/ha in the 2018/19, while soybean increased from 1.5 tons/ha in 2017/18 to 2.6 tons/ha in the 2018/19 season.

Challenges

 Difficulty managing soil fertility;  Lack of Irrigation system (for water storage and continuous use of land throughout the year);  Absence of production contracts to guarantee market;  Unpredictable market access resulting in delays in marketing all seeds  Lack of market information;  Lack of Finance for capital investment and improvement of farming operations

Opportunities

 Support from existing projects like SEMEAR and Inovagro – when leveraged will enable business growth;  Capitalization for financing operations;  Presence of neighbouring farmers for timely sale of inputs to them;

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Figure 2: Patricio Clemente making a presentation of his business during the SEMEAR Annual Stakeholders meeting in Tete, September 2019

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