Mozambique community reaps benefits of cattle project

New methods of farming are enriching the lives of many families in Sussundenga, Mozambique, both financially and spiritually

A community in Mozambique’s western Manica province is in a season of thanksgiving thanks to one man’s decision to bring conservation farming to his community.

BMS World Mission worker, Fiona Welsh, has seen first-hand the fruits of Inacio’s labour and the incredible impact that it has made on many lives. 

Food and inspiration abound in a small community of 115 people in Mozambique. Church leader Inacio was able to more than double the yield from his crops this year, thanks to help from BMS. And that increased yield hasn’t just benefited him.

“It’s so encouraging to people in the church and community to see him doing so well,” says Fiona, “and it’s made a difference for everyone.”

Helping his neighbours thrive was exactly what Inacio had in mind when the Manica Cattle Project came to life in January 2014. The project began with hopes of training people to use more efficient agricultural practices and generate more income for families. Inacio had hope it would also grant him more time to share Jesus with others.



With the help of project management training led by BMS mission workers Fiona Welsh and Carlos Tique, Inacio set up a small rental business to begin conservation farming. Inacio purchased two cows, trained the cows to pull the plough and was able to rent them out to other farmers for a small fee. Inacio invited people to the fields to show them how to use the animals and plough to make the most of their land.

Fiona makes visits to see Inacio and the community to provide guidance in management and development for the cattle project. She was amazed at how well the project is going and can see how it is enhancing the livelihoods of all involved.

The 13 families participating in the project have increased their food production. This has led to food security for families and the ability to earn additional income by selling some of their extra food. “When they sold the produce it meant they could buy things they don’t usually buy like salt, sugar and soap.” says Fiona. “It may seem simple, but to these families it means a great deal.”

It has had a positive impact on Inacio’s ministry. Inacio has used the project as an opportunity to share God with people in the farming community. He’s also been able to spend more time in direct ministry as he can farm at a faster rate than before. “It’s helping the outreach of the church because it takes far less time to actually prepare the land,” says Fiona.

Do you feel inspired by the cattle project? You can support BMS projects like this during your holiday season by giving to our 2015 Christmas Appeal. This year your gift goes to the BMS Loans for Life microfinance project being run in Mozambique. The project provides a loan to help a woman or man start a small business. They use it, along with their God-given gifts, to pull their family out of poverty.

This article first appeared on the website of BMS World Mission and is used with permission.