Community-led Miombo enrichment and agroforestry in Sofala, Mozambique

The Miombo tropical woodland ecosystem is rich in biodiversity with 8500 floristic species, more than half of which are endemic. Miombo covers roughly 10% of the African continent and in central and northern Mozambique, this complex agro-ecosystem mosaic supports nearly two-thirds of rural livelihoods. Changing climate patterns, combined with growing economic stress for rural households, has increased pressure on Miombo woodland resources, tree cover, biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The Kukumuty project introduces climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in the Chibabava District of central Mozambique. It uses a landscape approach for enrichment of Miombo woodlands and creation of climate resilient agroecosystems and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

This ecosystem restoration intervention has five objectives:

(i) Build on the agroecosystem knowledge expertise of rural communities to establish resilient agroecosystem landscapes, which generates livelihood diversification opportunities for local communities.

(ii) Facilitate woodland enrichment in community-identified areas through a combined strategy of soil and fire management and planting of Miombo species sourced from local and project-established nurseries. Inside the Miombo enrichment areas, the project supports the sustainable collection of grasses, honey and Miombo fruits.

(iii) Establish agroforestry lots with irrigation and a combination of commercially viable fruit, nut, medicinal, and other useful native trees (e.g. Albizia, Papaya, Mango, Orange, Avocado, Moringa).

(iv) Increase floral diversity in the project areas, currently dominated by Combretum, by facilitating the establishment of more endemic Miombo species and significantly raising biodiversity over time.

(v) Boost carbon sequestration in the project areas for long-term socio-environmental benefits and reinvestments by the communities.