Agroforestry project
Agroforestry at Fundação Nuarro
Restoring land, reviving livelihoods
At Fundação Nuarro, we recognise that the health of our land is directly tied to the wellbeing of our community. To address the severe soil degradation and long dry seasons that define our region, we have formally demarcated 4 hectares of land within the Nuarro Lodge property as a dedicated agroforestry demonstration site. This space serves as both a living classroom and a practical model for climate-resilient agriculture.
Why agroforestry matters in Nuarro
Northern Mozambique experiences up to eight months of drought each year, compounded by years of deforestation and the over-reliance on cassava as the primary staple crop. Agroforestry provides a tangible solution:
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It rebuilds soil fertility, improves water retention, and restores ecosystem balance.
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It increases food security by diversifying crops and reducing dependence on a single staple.
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It creates long-term resilience against climate variability and extreme weather patterns.
For our community, agroforestry is not only an agricultural approach; it is a pathway toward environmental restoration and sustainable livelihoods.
Training, influence, and community impact
A core goal of this project is to train and inspire local farmers. By showcasing practical, low-cost methods and demonstrating the visible transformation of degraded land, we aim to influence farmers to replicate these practices on their own fields. Empowering farmers with regenerative skills ensures that the benefits extend well beyond our 4-hectare plot.
Indigenous tree nursery and ecological restoration
We maintain a growing nursery where we collect seeds and propagate indigenous trees, which are essential for restoring biodiversity and strengthening the agroforestry system. These trees are planted across our demonstration site to rebuild canopy cover, protect soil, and reintroduce native species that have been lost due to years of unsustainable land use.
Building soil from within: compost, biochar, and natural inputs
All soil improvements within the agroforestry plots rely exclusively on natural, in-house inputs.
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We produce our own compost, bringing organic matter back into the soil and boosting microbial life.
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We generate biochar, which enhances soil structure, nutrient retention, and moisture-holding capacity—critical in a region where water is scarce.
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We apply thick layers of mulch to keep the soil cool, limit evaporation, and protect young plants.
No chemical fertilisers are used. The success of the system depends on regenerative soil-building practices, enabling the land to thrive despite limited rainfall.
Innovative partnerships for water access
To overcome the acute challenges of water scarcity, we are collaborating with Practica Foundation (Netherlands)—a highly innovative organisation specialising in low-cost rural water technologies. Together, we are exploring alternative and sustainable methods to supply water for agriculture, ensuring that agroforestry remains viable even in drought-prone conditions.
Follow our journey
Our agroforestry project is continually evolving, and every season brings new lessons, methods, and successes. We invite you to follow our progress on our social media platforms, where we share regular updates, field experiments, community training sessions, and the ongoing transformation of our land.
At Fundação Nuarro, restoring the land means restoring hope for our environment, our community, and the generations to come.
