Quick answer: In Mozambique, the primary crop planting window is November to December to align with the main rainy season, while harvests typically occur from March to April. The specific timing varies by region and crop type, with additional dry season cultivation—particularly for vegetables—occurring from May to October in areas with irrigation. Proper timing can increase agricultural yields by 15-30%.
The Mozambique Crop Calendar serves as a vital guide for understanding when to plant and harvest, as timing these activities correctly can increase agricultural yields by 15-30%. By aligning planting with the onset of the main rainy season, farmers can ensure optimal germination and growth across diverse climate zones.
Mozambique's Two Growing Seasons
Season 1: Main Rainy Season (November - April)
- Rainfall: 80% of annual rainfall occurs in these months
- Primary planting: November-December
- Primary harvest: March-April
- Crops: Maize, rice, sorghum, beans, groundnuts, sesame, cotton, tobacco
Season 2: Dry Season (May - October)
- Rainfall: Minimal (except Zambézia coast)
- Requires irrigation for crop production
- Crops: Vegetables, wheat (Niassa), beans (with irrigation), rice (irrigated)
- Income: 3-5x rainy season prices (off-season premium)
Province-by-Province Crop Calendar
Northern Mozambique (Nampula, Cabo Delgado, Niassa)
| Crop | Plant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maize | Nov-Dec | Mar-Apr | Main staple |
| Cassava | Year-round | Year-round | Harvest as needed |
| Cashew | — | Oct-Feb | Tree crop |
| Beans | Nov-Dec & Mar | Feb-Mar & Jun-Jul | Two cycles |
| Groundnut | Dec-Jan | Apr-May | |
| Sesame | Jan-Feb | Apr-Jun | |
| Rice | Nov-Jan | Apr-Jun | Irrigated |
| Tobacco | Sep-Oct | Feb-Apr | Contract system |
| Cotton | Nov-Dec | Jun-Aug | Concession system |
Central Mozambique (Zambézia, Sofala, Manica, Tete)
| Crop | Plant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maize | Nov-Dec | Mar-Apr | |
| Rice | Nov-Dec | Apr-Jun | Zambézia main area |
| Cassava | Year-round | Year-round | |
| Beans | Nov & Mar | Feb & Jun | |
| Sesame | Dec-Jan | Apr-Jun | Tete main area |
| Tobacco | Sep-Oct | Feb-Apr | Tete main area |
| Cotton | Nov-Dec | Jun-Aug | Sofala/Manica |
| Vegetables (irrigated) | May-Sep | Jul-Nov | Dry season premium |
| Sorghum | Nov-Dec | Mar-Apr | Tete drought areas |
| Sweet potato | Oct-Nov & Mar | Feb-Mar & Jul | Two cycles |
Southern Mozambique (Gaza, Inhambane, Maputo)
| Crop | Plant | Harvest | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maize | Nov-Dec | Mar-Apr | Drought risk high |
| Cassava | Year-round | Year-round | Drought tolerant |
| Vegetables (irrigated) | May-Sep | Jul-Nov | Maputo supply |
| Groundnut | Dec-Jan | Apr-May | |
| Cashew | — | Oct-Feb | Inhambane |
| Coconut | — | Year-round | Tree crop |
| Rice (irrigated) | Sep-Oct & Feb-Mar | Jan-Feb & Jun-Jul | Chókwè 2 cycles |
The Nature of a Seed
A picture guide to choosing, testing, saving and planting seed in Mozambique, with lessons from Asia. Read the cloth test and the salt jar test free.
PDF ebook, instant download. $5 of every copy buys seed for a farmer.
How Timing Affects a Smallholder's Season
For a smallholder, the seasonal window determines the success of the entire year. Planting too early risks seed loss from false rains, while late planting shortens the growing period, directly leading to smaller harvests. Access to seeds and fertilizer exactly when the rains begin is therefore the single most significant factor in a family's food security and income potential.
Critical Timing Windows
Planting Window
- Optimal: First rains after November 15 (soil moist enough for germination).
- Too early: Seeds germinate then die if rains stop.
- Too late: Shorter growing season leads to lower yields.
Weeding Window
- First weeding: 2-3 weeks after emergence.
- Second weeding: 6-8 weeks after emergence.
- Impact: Uncontrolled weeds reduce yields 30-50%.
Harvest Window
- Maize: When husks dry and kernels are hard.
- Cassava: Harvest 8-18 months after planting.
- Beans: 2-3 pickings as pods mature.
- Groundnut: When leaves yellow.
Frequently asked questions
Why does planting time matter for yield? Planting timing aligns the crop's most sensitive growth stages with the peak availability of rainfall and soil moisture, typically resulting in a 15-30% yield increase.
What are the consequences of late weeding? Weeds compete with crops for critical water and soil nutrients; failing to weed within the first 8 weeks can slash total crop production by up to 50%.
Why is cassava unique in the calendar? Unlike seasonal staples like maize or beans, cassava is a perennial crop that can be harvested year-round, serving as a critical food security buffer during dry periods.
For more information on the agricultural landscape, meet the farmers or read about how Mozambique's soybean potential can diversify local production.
You can help a local farmer secure their harvest by providing support from $25 to cover their seed and fertilizer needs. Please note that sponsorships are gifts, not investments.