Jun 12, 2025
Travelling to a country in a state of emergency
Over the past few months, the situation in Mozambique has been marked by events that are hardly predictable and even more difficult to control. Cyclones Filipo and Chido in March and December 2024, respectively, caused huge destruction and led to significant crop failures. In addition, allegations of fraud in the presidential elections in October led to severe political unrest, which claimed numerous lives and paralysed the country. Borders and ports were closed, roads were blocked, while business and trade practically came to a standstill. “Maintaining a functioning supply chain under these conditions is a mammoth task,” says Andreas. “Only now is the situation slowly returning to normal.”
The differences within the country are striking. While the southern region around the capital city Maputo is better developed thanks to its proximity to South Africa, there is extreme poverty further inland. “In the district of Chemba, where EcoFarm is located, you see barely any smartphones, and there are only a few cars. People do everything on foot, and most of the smallholder families are self-sufficient.” In this economically underdeveloped region, EcoFarm is an important employer with huge social and ecological significance.
Elephants with a sweet tooth
The forecasts for the sugar cane harvest for the period of June to December 2025 are rather conservative, as EcoFarm expects to harvest only about a third of the volume that is actually possible. In addition to the impact of the last cyclone, the main reason for these low expectations is an animal issue, as a growing number of elephants has been snacking on the EcoFarm sugar cane fields. “It started with a single bull. We have now counted over 50 animals in some cases, who destroy the plants during their visit,” reports Andreas. The very hungry, gluttonous pachyderms tear out the sugar cane with its root, but only eat the sweetest part and leave the rest. The plants therefore cannot regrow.
The beehives installed in 2024 as a natural deterrent are no match for the elephant invasion, and so EcoFarm is now pursuing another animal-friendly solution. The plan is to erect a protective wall around the cultivable land. The excavated trenches and raised earth walls have been designed in such a way that the animals cannot get over them. Construction is to start as soon as possible, in order to ensure effective protection is in place in time for the beginning of the new season.
Long-term commitment and prospects
Despite the recent setbacks, one thing remains clear for PRONATEC: EcoFarm is and will continue to be an incredibly worthwhile project with a future. Mozambique is one of the world’s poorest countries, where everything is lacking: infrastructure, prospects, jobs. This is precisely where EcoFarm comes in. “As a key employer in the region, EcoFarm is significantly improving the living conditions of its employees and the affiliated smallholders,” says Andreas. Projects which promote ecological farming under fair conditions have always been marked by particular challenges and uncertainty in countries like Mozambique. There is no guarantee of success. “But this is exactly why they need a reliable partner.”
Even though it is still unclear how large the next harvest will be, PRONATEC is sticking to its existing purchase commitment and wants to continue supporting the project. The aim is to use creative solutions to stabilise the exported volumes in the medium term and strengthen EcoFarm in the long term.
Projects in countries of origin: Between risks and recourse
Extreme weather, political instability and unprecedented local events – with almost 50 years’ experience in countries of origin, PRONATEC knows that setbacks and constant adjustments to new realities are all part and parcel of these challenging projects. This is why we are committed to working with multiple countries of origin wherever possible in order to make up for any temporary supply shortfalls. Fortunately, we can also count on the flexibility and trust of our customers. We would like to express our special thanks to them.
“For many people in the region, EcoFarm is more than just an employer – the project stands for fair working conditions in an economically underdeveloped environment. Especially in times like these, it is important to keep going and take responsibility. We would also like to thank our customers for their trust and flexibility, which allow us to continue supporting this project.”
Andreas Schmidiger, Head of Sugar at PRONATEC
Organic raw sugar cane from Mozambique
PRONATEC has been EcoFarm’s main partner since 2020 and has quickly opened up the European market for organic cane sugar from Mozambique. We contribute our expertise profitably and on an equal footing through long-term trade agreements and support with the certification process. PRONATEC currently offers EcoFarm’s SYRAMENA® Special Light organic cane sugar.
You can find more information about EcoFarm in our latest partner profile.
