In the heart of Mozambique’s Chimanimani landscape, communities are facing increasing pressure from climate change, environmental degradation, and limited economic opportunities. With support from donors, the Micaia Foundation, and the Canadian Foodgrains Bank through the Nature+ project, families are gaining access to sustainable, climate-resilient livelihoods that protect the environment and build long-term resilience. 

Launched in late 2023, Nature+ is helping transform how rural communities engage with their natural resources. In four target communities, over 2,400 smallholder farmers are learning and adopting conservation agriculture practices—like crop rotation, minimal soil disturbance, and soil cover—through Farmer Field Schools. These practices are reducing soil erosion, improving yields, and equipping farmers to manage the growing risks of drought and crop failure. 

Beyond agriculture, Nature+ has introduced alternative livelihoods such as beekeeping and non-timber forest product (NTFP) collection, providing families with new income sources while protecting local biodiversity. Training sessions on modern hive construction and sustainable forest product harvesting have empowered over 500 participants—many of them women and youth—to turn traditional knowledge into marketable skills. Participants have learned to manage hives, identify high-value forest products like mushrooms and herbs, and process them for sale. 

One of the most powerful stories comes from Gredisse, a 52-year-old mother of six and a lead beekeeper in Rotanda. “Before the project, beekeeping was only for men,” she recalls. “You had to cut trees and climb to hang the hives—it was impossible for women.” But everything changed with the introduction of modern KTB and Langstroth hives. “Now, I can set up and manage my own hives. I train 15 other beekeepers in my community, and I’m proud to earn income while protecting our forests.” Gredisse’s journey reflects the heart of the project: empowerment, sustainability, and dignity. 

Thanks to donor’s support, Nature+ is not only helping families meet their basic needs today—it is laying the foundation for a greener, more resilient tomorrow. Together, we are building communities that can thrive in the face of climate change.