Saõ Francisco Farm, Mozambique

To realize the widespread poverty in Mozambique, one need only consider that more than half of the children are malnourished and most of the population lives off a subsistence economy. Paradoxically, as is often the case in Africa, the country is rich in resources and fertile land, land that, however, requires techniques, tools and means for it to produce a real livelihood for families.

The presence of the friars, between the Word of God and agriculture

Under the leadership of Friar Jorge Bender, the Friars Minor assist 74 villages spread over a vast area of more than 120 square kilometers in the Jécua area on the country’s western border.

In Jécua, the friars strive to contribute to the human and spiritual progress of the local population: the proclamation of the Gospel is accompanied by the teaching of innovative agricultural techniques, consistent with the exhortations Pope Francis has encapsulated in his encyclical Laudato Si’, aimed at promoting an integral development of the person while respecting Creation.

La São Francisco Farm was created by the Friars Minor to provide land, techniques and agricultural tools tovillagers around Jécua, promoting their ability to support themselves independently. Thanks to its donors, the Foundation supports requests for support that enable the Farm to function more and more effectively.