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Lychee Growers Gain Expertise
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Photo: USAID/John Keyser
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Lychee growers in Mozambique’s Manica Province learn new grafting techniques, such as air layering. This aerial stem was cut open and wrapped in a moisture-retaining material, enabling roots to grow. Once the roots are grown, the stem and roots are cut off and planted, becoming a new lychee seedling.
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Lychee growers in Mozambique’s subtropical Chimoio region were doing a fine job growing and harvesting this soft, subtle fruit that has become popular across the globe. But they suspected that, with a little help, they could do better.
They were right. When USAID brought in a lychee expert to help the farmers, they learned about a host of new ways to improve both the agricultural and business sides of their farms. They learned improved grafting techniques (including air layering, pictured here) and post-harvest handling. They also worked with a marketing firm to identify new sourcing arrangements so they could sell early season fruit to processors, exporters, and other buyers. With a little follow-up training and time to use the new skills learned, the farmers will be capable of propagating the types of seedlings needed to build their production base. This, in turn, will attract more buyers and commercial ventures to the area.
By helping small commercial farmers improve their techniques and build business savvy, USAID aims to boost both rural incomes and increase foreign trade links. Connecting these farmers with exporters and other businesses will help them find more consistent income streams and more profitable ways to sell high-value produce like the lychee fruit.
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