Vila Maninga is situated on a large 1,000 hectare farm. Originally an old Portugese tobacco farm, it lay derelict for years after the Portuguese left in the 1970s.

Today, the farm at Vila Maninga performs two main functions: its helps make the community self-sufficient and provides vital experience for those learning basic farming techniques.

Community inhabitants learn farming techniques as they work on Vila Maninga's large farm, helping to provide food for themselves and the staff of teachers, builders and other general workers.

Crops at Vila Maninga
The main crop on the farm is maize, which is harvested and ground down to fine flour. The flour is then mixed with water to make sadza - the staple diet in this part of southern Africa.

Sunflowers also form part of the crops from the farm. Seeds from the sunflowers are crushed to make sunflower oil. The farm also provides a vital supply of vegetables, beans, fruit and rice.

Climate of Mozambique
Mozambique has a hot and tropical climate, with rains which have become increasingly more unpredictable in recent years. The years seem to swing between drought and floods, as a result. The floods of 2000 were the worst seen for a long time, whilst the drought of 2002 affected not only Mozambique but most of Southern Africa too.

The effects of drought can be catastrophic. Most Mozambicans live in abject poverty. Growing crops simply to feed their families, is the only way to live.

Development at Vila Maninga
Through funding, Vila Maninga has purchased a tractor as well as new planter equipment to help make the farming process easier.

Vila Maninga seeks funding to develop irrigation channels for the large maize and sunflower crop.