Agroecology for Land Restoration and Climate Resilience: Evaluating Farmer-Led Soil Conservation Practices in Post-Cyclone Mecufi District, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique

Abstract

This study examines agroecology for land restoration and climate resilience by evaluating farmer-led soil conservation practices in post-cyclone Mecufi District, Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique. The district faces interacting pressures from tropical cyclones, armed conflict, displacement, and soil degradation, which have undermined smallholder agricultural livelihoods and ecosystem resilience. Following Cyclone Kenneth, approximately 87% of cultivated land experienced some degree of cyclone-related soil damage, underscoring the need for locally appropriate restoration strategies. The study employed a documentary review of 74 sources, including peer-reviewed literature, government assessments, NGO evaluations, agricultural extension reports, and community case studies, complemented by primary field observations from 32 farming households. It evaluated the adoption, perceived effectiveness, and enabling conditions of five practices: intercropping and crop diversification, cover cropping, agroforestry integration, contour bunding and soil-water conservation structures, and Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration. Findings indicate that integrated agroecological practices improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, enhance moisture retention, diversify production, and strengthen household food security. However, adoption remains constrained by inadequate extension services, insecure land tenure, limited access to inputs and finance, and conflict-related displacement. The study recommends integrating farmer-led agroecology into district and national land restoration, disaster recovery, and climate adaptation programmes; strengthening farmer-to-farmer extension and community-based institutions; improving secure land tenure and access to restoration inputs and finance; and prioritising integrated, locally adapted soil and water conservation measures. It concludes that scaling agroecology through an Integrated Agroecological Resilience Framework can simultaneously restore degraded land, strengthen climate resilience, and support sustainable agricultural recovery in cyclone-affected communities of Cabo Delgado province.

Keywords