Seeds of Recovery Bring Hope to Thousands in Cyclone-Stricken Mozambique

By António Massipa, Regional Communications and Advocacy Coordinator

In northern Mozambique, humanitarian aid is sowing more than just seeds, it is restoring dignity, resilience, and hope for thousands of families devastated by three tropical cyclones. 1,440 families are receiving vegetable seeds as part of a food security and recovery initiative led by World Vision and funded by the Dutch Relief Alliance. The project, which also includes Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions implemented by national NGO Wiwanana, is set to benefit over 17,900 people.

For families like Fátima’s, the impact is immediate and deeply personal. “After it grows, I’ll be able to eat with my children,” she says. “It doesn’t solve everything, but it’s already a great relief.” Dionísio, another beneficiary, also says “When I harvest from the farm, part will be for consumption and the rest for sale. What I manage to sell will help rebuild my house.”

The need is urgent. According to reports by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Diário Económico, over 17,000 hectares of farmland were destroyed, worsening food insecurity for 4.9 million people. Only 19% of the affected population has received even minimal assistance. In Monapo District, in the northern province of Nampula, alone, more than 311,000 people were impacted.

Alberto, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability Officer with World Vision, is at the forefront of the response in Monapo. “My primary responsibility is to ensure that humanitarian assistance effectively reaches the 1,440 families we are currently supporting,” he explains. His work includes impact monitoring, rapid needs assessments, and direct visits to families. “I conduct impact monitoring, carry out rapid needs assessments, and visit families directly to ensure they are being supported with dignity, especially those most vulnerable, namely women, children, and individuals with disabilities.”

The distribution of seeds is more than a logistical task – it is a lifeline. “In this particular case, we are distributing seeds... These seeds help families recover their farms, which were lost during the cyclone,” Alberto says. The programme also includes food kits, which help improve child nutrition. “It is equally uplifting to see children improving their nutritional intake through food assistance.”

For Alberto, the work is as rewarding as it is essential. “I find it truly rewarding when the evaluations I conduct yield positive results. This reflects the impact that World Vision is having in the communities affected.” His reflections capture the spirit of the response: “As a humanitarian professional, I feel a deep sense of fulfilment witnessing the joy on families' faces when they receive assistance and begin to rebuild resilience.”

World Vision remains committed to standing alongside communities, not only to rebuild lives, but to restore hope. As the recovery continues, every seed planted is a step toward resilience. Every gesture counts.