ICRISAT, FAO expand farmer-led pigeonpea seed businesses in Mozambique

MOZAMBIQUE – International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is expanding farmer-led pigeonpea seed enterprises across Mozambique.

This move is set to create new income opportunities for smallholder farmers and strengthening the country’s access to regional and global pulse markets.

Agriculture remains central to Mozambique’s economy and supports more than 70 percent of the population. Farmers cultivate only about 10 percent of the country’s 36 million hectares of arable land.

Rising demand for pulses continues to create strong market prospects, encouraging investment in seed systems that place farmers at the center of production and distribution.

The project builds seed systems that place farmers at the center of production and distribution. FAO funds the program through the Benefit Sharing Fund of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, while ICRISAT leads field implementation. The system connects local seed producers directly with domestic and export buyers.

Mozambique has already secured its place as a key pigeonpea exporter, with shipments exceeding 170,000 tons during peak years. Production remained steady in 2025 despite erratic rainfall and weather stress linked to El Niño. Districts such as Cuamba in Niassa Province contributed more than 10,000 tons.

Research hubs drive local capacity

ICRISAT operates research hubs in Mutwari and Angonia that produce early generation seed of improved pigeonpea and groundnut varieties. Farmer cooperatives and local seed enterprises multiply and distribute these seeds within rural communities.

Dr. James Mwololo, a legume breeder at ICRISAT, said the sites help farmers build long-term skills and market strength. “We are building local capacity so seed supply systems endure beyond project cycles. Farmers are becoming seed entrepreneurs and reliable suppliers within their own communities, supported by community seed banks, revolving seed funds, and participatory varietal selection that give them access to improved, locally adapted varieties,” he said.

Pigeonpea also improves soil health through nitrogen fixation, supports crop diversity, and strengthens household nutrition.

Income gains and wider market outlook

Farmers in Malema District have reported strong results. The Wimanana Farmers Group has increased both productivity and earnings after gaining access to improved seed and training. Group chairperson Mr. Brito Vatonko said the changes have reshaped farming outcomes.

“Before, we planted recycled seed with low yields. Now, with improved seed and training, our harvest has doubled. Some of us are selling seed and pigeonpea to buyers in India,” he said.

The program also trains women and young people in soil fertility management, erosion control, intercropping, and post-harvest handling. These efforts support land restoration and stable yields.

ICRISAT Director General Dr. Himanshu Pathak praised the partnership’s results. “By investing in farmer-led seed systems and strengthening the participation of women and young people across the value chain, Mozambique is demonstrating how inclusive, locally driven approaches help farmers grow more, earn more, and build stronger livelihoods over time,” he said.

The initiative started with a few farmer groups in Niassa and Nampula but now operates as a growing national network. Market data shows the global pigeonpea sector reached about US$6.4 billion in 2025 and may reach US$8.1 billion by 2030.

Long-term estimates suggest the sector could grow to US$27.1 billion by 2035 as demand rises across Africa and Asia Pacific.

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