InovAgro’s voyage of learning and adaptation for Market Systems Development in northern Mozambique

A synthesis report capturing the journey of Mozambique’s first MSD programme and how, starting from very weak market systems, it supported systemic change in the agricultural input, output marketing and access to finance market systems. 

The report covers the three phases of the programme, the evolution of the major interventions and an assessment of the systemic change driven by InovAgro.

It concludes with insights into factors supporting successful MSD programming and some recommendations for donors funding MSD programmes.

Intervention description

InovAgro's interventions focused on engaging seed companies to establish a permanent presence in northern Mozambique and drive the sale of certified seeds to smallholder farmers. The project promoted demand creation activities such as demonstration plots and field days to build awareness among smallholder farmers about the benefits of purchasing inputs and to teach good agricultural practices.

Partners included 10 national and multinational seed companies targeting SHF. These companies adopted the promoted business models, leading to a significant increase in the commercial supply of seeds and extension services to smallholder farmers, from virtually no seed companies targeting them directly to a well-established presence in the region.

The project partners expressed strong interest in maintaining these models beyond project support, indicating a shift in behaviour and incentives towards a more market-oriented approach.