Mozambique
COUNTRY OVERVIEW
IITA began activities in Mozambique in the late 1980s when the East and Southern African Root Crops Research Network (ESARRNET) commenced activities on cassava and sweet potatoes research and development. The ESARRNET was coordinated from Malawi. In 1994, the Southern African Root and Tuber Network (SARRNET) replaced ESARRNET, paving the way for the first IITA scientist officially stationed in Maputo. In 1996, the IITA Biological Control Program initiated a biocontrol program for the cassava mealybug, deploying eight biocontrol agents in nine provinces of Mozambique.
Read more
Our activities cover crop improvement through breeding of resilient varieties, development of sustainable intensification systems with diversified crop combinations, integrated soil fertility management systems, mycotoxin (aflatoxin) mitigation, sustainable seed systems including production and dissemination of basic seed of legumes and cassava planting materials, post-harvest value-addition and capacity development.
Locations
Nampula
Nampula, Mozambique
Tel: (+258) 83 4922219
Email: iita-Mozambique@cgiar.org
Contacts
Steve Boahen
s.boahen@cgiar.org
Machel Sinita
s.michael@cgiar.org
FOCUS AREAS
Improved Crop Varieties
Introduction of high-yielding and disease-resistant cassava, maize, and legume varieties adapted to local conditions.
Seed Multiplication Systems
Strengthening seed production and delivery systems to improve access to quality planting materials.
Climate-Smart Technologies
Promotion of sustainable land management and climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Digital Advisory Solutions
Deployment of digital tools to enhance extension services and farmer decision-making.
Featured Projects
- Location: Mozambique
- Location: Mozambique, Tanzania
INNOVATION
Aflasafe
Developed two Aflasafe products using local non-toxigenic producing Aspergillus fluvus fungi, which have been registered and commercialized to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in groundnut and maize.
drought and disease tolerant Seeds
Production of high-yielding drought and disease tolerant seeds and improve its dissemination through the communities
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
IITA is delivering measurable impact in Mozambique through crop improvement, seed systems strengthening, and climate-smart agriculture. Working with national and regional partners, research outputs are translated into practical solutions that improve productivity, resilience, and livelihoods.The highlights below reflect key outcomes across priority programs and value chains.
300+
metric tons of basic seed supplied
Community-based seed systems for soybean and cowpea were strengthened, while private seed companies were supported to scale production and delivery of quality seed.
10,000+
metric tons of certified seed produced
Partners produced certified seeds of soybean, cowpea, sesame, common bean, groundnut, and pigeon pea, improving farmer access to high-quality planting materials.
25,000+
farmers trained in improved production practices
Farmers were trained in crop production, variety selection, and disease diagnosis, enhancing productivity and technology adoption.
20,000
women trained in nutrition and food processing
Women were equipped to improve household nutrition by fortifying diets with soybean- and cowpea-based foods, particularly for vulnerable groups.
150
hectares of disease-free cassava seed established
Clean planting materials were developed and distributed, benefiting over 10,000 smallholder farmers in disease-prone regions.
1.3M
households reached with planting materials
Cassava and sweet potato planting materials were distributed as part of drought and flood mitigation efforts, in partnership with over 120 organizations.
PARTNERS
IITA works in close collaboration with a diverse network of partners to deliver impact at scale. These include government institutions, national research organizations, universities, development agencies, and private sector actors. Through these partnerships, IITA co-develops and scales agricultural innovations, strengthens capacity, and ensures that research translates into practical solutions that improve productivity, resilience, and livelihoods.
- Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Moçambique (IIAM)
- Universidade Rovuma
- Ministério da Agricultura
- World Vision
- CARE
- Save the Children
- Africare
- Total Land Care
- Pheonix Seed Ltd
- Oruwera Seed Lda
- Sementes Nzara Yapera
- Campania Zembe
• JNB Enpreendimentes
• Empresa Comercial dos Produtores Associados – IKURU
• Nossara
• Winnua
• NANA
Publications
A method for generating virus-free cassava plants to combat viral disease epidemics in Africa
Here, we report a method to clean cassava plants…
sub-Saharan Africa
Aflatoxins, produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, are a major health concern
Assessing the impacts of cassava technology on poverty reduction in Africa
In Africa, there have been successes in cassava research…
Related News
See all news

Why Climate Finance Must Tackle Food Loss and Waste
Every harvest season in Africa, food is lost or wasted at staggering levels. Nigeria loses 45% of its 3.9 million tons of tomato harvest each year to postharvest losses and supply chain inefficiencies.

IITA joins partners at nutrition and agribusiness conference in Mozambique
This week, IITA–CGIAR participated in the second edition of the International Conference on Nutrition and Agribusiness (CINA)

IITA releases five new soybean varieties in Mozambique
In a major development following years of research efforts and collaborating with national systems and
See all news
MEDIA/RESOURCES
Events
Explore key events and
engagements
Photos
Highlights from field activities and impact
Videos
Watch stories of innovation and transformation