Alberto Elias, 50, has spent his entire working life farming. A husband and father of eight, he lives with his family in rural Mozambique, where many households depend on agriculture and face increasing challenges due to unpredictable weather patterns.

For many years, Alberto followed common local practices such as building ridges and burning leftover crop material in his fields. He did not realize these methods were contributing to soil erosion and declining soil health. Despite putting in long hours, his harvests were not enough to meet his family’s basic needs, and he often relied on temporary labour in other people’s fields to make ends meet.

Learning New Ways to Farm

Through training offered by World Renew’s local partner, ESPANOR, Alberto was introduced to conservation agriculture. He learned how covering the soil with dry grass or compost could help retain moisture and protect against erosion. He also discovered the benefits of crop rotation and allowing crops to fully develop without disrupting the soil structure.

Alberto decided to try these methods on a small portion of his land. The results were immediate and encouraging—he harvested more from this smaller plot than he previously had from larger areas farmed using his old techniques.

Growing Hope and Inspiring Others

Today, Alberto approaches each day with renewed hope. His improved harvests are helping him better provide for his family, and he is committed to sharing what he has learned with others in his community.
“I have become a good example in the community,” he says.

Alberto now plans to support fellow farmers in adopting sustainable agriculture practices that can strengthen their resilience and improve their livelihoods. His journey is not only transforming his own farm but also helping to inspire lasting change in the communities around him.