In Macossa, the Green Point has come back to life. Members of the Association express satisfaction and praise the progress made towards the district’s economic development, through the DELPAZ programme, in partnership with the local government and the Chimoio Agricultural Institute (IAC). 
Recently, thanks to the partnership between the DELPAZ Programme and the IAC, the Macossa Green Point, which has shown consistent commitment to boosting productive activity in the district, has received a tractor equipped with a plough, harrow, seed drill, ridger, scarifier, among other agricultural implements. The initiative has accelerated field work: tasks that once took weeks using hand hoes can now be completed in just a few hours. “DELPAZ has not only given us a machine, it has given us more time to produce and to dream bigger,” the farmers say.
The association’s chairperson, Quentino Suíte Tomo, explained that before DELPAZ support they faced difficult conditions due to a lack of resources and machinery. With the means now available, including the tractor, they plan to prepare and expand the cultivated area from five hectares to more than 30 hectares, intended for the production of various crops. 
The handover was attended by the DELPAZ focal point, Ergínio Alberto Romão, technicians from the District Service for Economic Activities (SDAE), and other representatives of the local government. The equipment is already fully operational and benefits more than 30 members of the association, most of whom are women and young farmers.
More land, less effort
Before mechanisation, each household cultivated an average of half a hectare per farming season. With the tractor, this area is expected to triple. The time required for land preparation could be reduced from around 15 days to less than two days. This will allow better use of the rainy season and reduce losses. Even during periods of low rainfall, the Green Point has a solar-powered irrigation system, which pumps water from low-lying areas to irrigate crops.
“We used to work from sunrise to sunset and the soil remained hard. Now the tractor will make work easier and we can focus on planting and harvesting,” said Quentino Suíte Tomo. For him, the equipment represents less physical effort and higher productivity.
A partnership delivering results
This step forms part of the development agenda of Macossa District, which recognises agricultural mechanisation in support of small-scale producers as an important contribution to the rural economy and food security.
In addition to providing equipment, the DELPAZ programme also promotes preventive maintenance of machinery, ensuring proper management and longer durability.
The district administrator, Albano Daniel Muiambo, highlighted the importance of cooperation for development and peace: “When the private sector and government work together, the impact is felt directly in the fields. This tractor shows that investing in agriculture means investing in the future of the district.”
For his part, the DELPAZ focal point emphasised that the goal goes beyond mechanisation: the aim is to increase production, generate surpluses, and improve marketing. The district already has infrastructure such as warehouses and a market to support this growth, thanks to DELPAZ. The next step will be to strengthen sales organisation and establish fair pricing for local products.
Community impact 
With more land prepared, the association expects to increase production by around 80% of crops such as maize, sorghum, onions, okra, cabbage, lettuce, peppers, chilli, cucumber, carrots, and beans. The surplus will be sold locally, contributing to household incomes and food security in the region.
Despite the progress, recent months have seen ongoing challenges, such as fuel shortages that have also affected Mozambique. To overcome this difficulty, members have agreed to create a community fund dedicated to maintaining and fuelling the tractor, ensuring continuity of activities after the initial DELPAZ support period.