Trainers – IMAMA
ESMABAMA has launched the innovative economic empowerment project targeting young people in the Machanga district in partnership with the Machanga Agricultural Technical Institute (IMAMA) and funded by Missio. This initiative is the first to be implemented in Machanga district and it aims to transform the local economy and empower youth through sustainable chicken production. 28 chicken production kits have already been delivered to students that completed the first course. Currently, an additional 35 students are undergoing training and will receive their starter kits upon completion, enabling them to launch their own small businesses. These young people come from the communities of Mavinga, Chigogore, Zivava, Mupine, and Gonjone. The programme provides practical skills and promotes employment opportunities in a region traditionally reliant on agriculture and fishing. Moreover, chicken is highly valued in Mozambique, especially for festive occasions and celebrations. At present, it is very difficult to purchase chickens in the Machanga district, relying on the southern neighboring district of Mambone, which is part of Inhambane province, increasing external dependency. This initiative aims to reduce that dependency and foster self-sustainability in Machanga.
As part of the training, students also learn how to produce chicken feed using local and 100% organic ingredients completely free of chemical additives.
Chicks for students
The kits include 100 chicks for every 10 students, with each student receiving 10 chicks. They also come with feeders and drinkers suitable for various growth stages, as well as vaccines, vitamins, and feed. Trainer Vinte Tome Vinte emphasises: “We aim to strengthen IMAMA’s capacity in poultry production. Our goal is to become major producers, increasing our income and improving the students’ diets. And Empowering young people in the community to become poultry farmers will also boost Machanga’s potential”.
Reducing external dependence and market expansion
Chicken for sale
Currently, Machanga village sources chickens from Mambone, in Inhambane Province, with some vendors relying on the neighbouring town across Save river. To eliminate this dependency, the objective is to produce chicken locally, meeting the needs of local consumers. The Institute, with ESMABAMA’s support, plans to expand sales not only in Machanga but also in strategic areas such as the Muxungue corridor (Chibabava district).
Community integration and overcoming challenges
Poultry house
This initiative not only empowers local youths but also enriches the Institute’s curriculum by integrating practical poultry farming lessons, leading to the construction of a poultry house on the school grounds. The project initially faced challenges, particularly due to a general lack of hope among the population and the tendency to prioritize agriculture and fishing during periods of food scarcity. However, the long-term benefits, such as skill development and the potential to launch individual businesses, are now becoming increasingly recognized. As a result, both the beneficiaries and the Institute are emerging as key players in poultry production in the region.
Beneficiaries perspective: Opening doors to a better future
Jorge Jeque – Beneficiary
Jorge Jeque, 26, from Gonjone, expressed his gratitude for the support and knowledge gained: “I learned to balance theory and practice in chicken farming. I didn’t know how to raise chickens. In the practical class, I followed from the initial stages to adulthood. What motivates me most is that, with poultry houses now being built in the communities, I can be an example to others and show the benefits of this knowledge. I hope other young people are inspired by me and also become chicken producers.”
Jorge completed the 12th grade in 2019 and made 2 unsuccessful attempts to enter university. Most of the time, he stayed at home, unemployed and without opportunities for extra work that could generate income to support his family, due to the high unemployment rate affecting not only rural communities but also urban areas. Whenever a job opportunity arrives, it involves heavy physical labor with little financial return. However, with the knowledge gained and the kit provided by the Missio and ESMABAMA Project, he now envisions a different and more promising reality than the one he knew before. His dream is to see the chicken farming business thrive and, through its profits, pursue higher education studies.
Leopordina Lúcio – Beneficiary
Leopordina Lúcio, 20, from the Mapumire community, highlighted: “I learned to raise chickens and really enjoyed learning how to develop a business plan. The first chickens we received were raised and together with the Institute, we organised their sale. I plan to adapt and apply the business plan to other types of businesses I pursue. With the initial chicken production kits, I will work with my group, stay committed, and generate income.”
Leopordina finished the 12th grade in 2023 and applied for a technical course to become a teacher but was not admitted. She dreams of returning to school and hopes to one day finance a degree in Portuguese teaching with the profits from her chicken business. Currently, she helps with household chores and looks after her younger sister.
Luísa Fernando Muchanga,- Beneficiary
Luísa Fernando Muchanga, 28, from Gonjone, shared: “I learned how to handle equipment for raising chickens, how to organise the equipment, and the attention needed in farming to avoid significant losses. When I enrolled in the course, my goal was to learn about chicken farming, and today I consider myself capable of producing on my own.”
Luísa dreams of expanding the business to other communities and becoming an entrepreneur. She adds, “with the profit from sales, I dream of returning to academic training and becoming a teacher.” After completing the 12th grade, she enrolled at the Institute, and was in her second year when she had to interrupt her studies due to financial difficulties. She sees chicken farming as a stepping stone toward a better future. Currently, she engages in agriculture on her mother’s land.
All students hope to continue raising and selling chickens and shared their gratitude to Missio for supporting the youth of Machanga. In many local communities, young people complete the 12th grade but are forced to abandon their dreams due to financial constraints. The reality in Machanga is that, when higher education is no longer an option, many youth turn to fishing, agriculture, migration to South Africa, or even arranged or early marriages as alternatives.
