RESET Impact Report (2020–2024)

RESET is proud to present its first Impact & Learning Report (2020–2024)—a milestone publication that captures the first comprehensive measurement of the initiative’s transformative contribution to rural development, sustainability, and inclusive growth in Mozambique.

We have remained steadfast in our purpose for 127 years, and our confidence in the future of our business has never been stronger. RESET represents a transformative approach in our journey toward sustainable development and the amplification of social impact.

This initiative reflects our renewed commitment to our core values, mission, and vision, adapted to the evolving social needs and challenges in Mozambique today. It stands as a testament to our determination not only to adapt, but to lead in an ever-changing global landscape. At the heart of this transformation is our team, whose diverse expertise and forward-looking vision are essential in guiding our strategic direction. Their role is critical in ensuring that our operations not only align with, but also set new standards in sustainable development.

Key Challenges

The RESET Impact Report highlights the organization’s legacy, mission, and values, showcasing its comprehensive efforts to address Mozambique’s economic, social, and environmental challenges. Grounded in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) impact targets, RESET emphasizes its institutional framework, operational reach, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

The report also explores RESET’s certifications, shared value partnerships, and the broader ecosystem that enables its mission to transform rural livelihoods. The main sections illustrate the organization’s response to critical ESG and SDG challenges, its operational reach, and its collaborative efforts with stakeholders.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of RESET’s measurable impacts across environmental, social, and governance dimensions. Environmental achievements include land restoration, increased biodiversity, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.

Social impact initiatives focus on improving livelihoods, reducing poverty, and promoting education and gender equality. RESET’s governance approach highlights its commitment to sustainability through a dedicated team, robust agro-industrial infrastructure, and the integration of scientific research to drive innovation. By empowering rural communities with entrepreneurial skills and access to decent work opportunities, RESET fosters inclusive growth and long-term sustainability.

Furthermore, its strong focus on stakeholder accountability, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and a firm commitment to mitigating violence and promoting transparency reinforce RESET’s position as a transformative leader in sustainable development.

Institutional Framework

The term “RESET” is used metaphorically to represent the need for a fundamental shift in how we live and work in harmony with the planet. RESET’s institutional framework reflects a global challenge that requires innovative shared-value solutions to address critical environmental and social issues in Mozambique.

Although JFS-RESET and the RESET Foundation operate independently, they share a strong collaborative synergy, driven by individuals committed to common goals. This partnership exemplifies transparency, with no conflicts of interest, ensuring that the RESET ecosystem remains open to all stakeholders and delivers benefits that extend beyond itself. More than an extension of RESET’s efforts, this initiative stands as an autonomous force for progress, committed to driving systemic change, supporting smallholder farmers, and setting a new standard for sustainable development in Mozambique and beyond.

It represents a living ecosystem of institutions, people, values, and solutions operating at the intersection of agro-industrial transformation, rural livelihoods, environmental regeneration, and ethical governance. Its operational reach spans nine provinces in Mozambique, impacting more than 200,000 individuals—primarily smallholder farmers and rural families—through long-term partnerships rather than one-off interventions.

Operations and Geographic Scope

RESET’s geographic scope reflects a strategic commitment to rooted, inclusive, and regenerative development across Mozambique. Operating in nine provinces—covering the northern, central, and southern regions of the country—RESET focuses on building resilient rural ecosystems in territories historically underserved in terms of infrastructure, investment, and public services.

Its presence is particularly strong in regions characterized by high levels of multidimensional poverty, climate vulnerability, and post-conflict fragility. The northern provinces of Nampula, Niassa, Zambézia, and Cabo Delgado form the historical and operational core of RESET’s work. These regions host key cotton and oilseed production systems, agroforestry projects, and rural retail networks, often implemented in partnership with smallholder farmers. They also include some of the areas most affected by deforestation, soil degradation, and recent armed conflict—making them critical for interventions that combine environmental regeneration with economic empowerment.

RESET is also expanding its reach into the central and southern provinces, including Manica, Sofala, Tete, Gaza, and Inhambane. In these regions, the focus includes commercial agriculture (such as sisal, macadamia, and lychee), integrated value chains, and solar-powered livelihood projects. Operations in Chimoio (Manica) and Cuamba (Niassa) serve as key agro-industrial hubs, while Nacala and Nampula are strategic for logistics, storage, and export.

RESET’s territorial model is multi-layered. At the local level, it partners with more than 40,000 smallholder farming families, providing seeds, training, certification, market access, and social services.

In parallel, RESET develops agro-industrial infrastructure—including warehouses, edible oil factories, and carbon measurement units—creating the physical backbone for circular and inclusive rural economies. Through its network of “João Agricultor” rural stores, RESET facilitates access to inputs, credit, and fair markets for thousands of remote farmers, promoting entrepreneurship and dignified livelihoods.

This place-based strategy enables RESET to implement highly contextualized yet scalable solutions. Whether in post-conflict areas such as Mocímboa da Praia, biodiversity corridors like Niassa and Zambézia, or commercial farming zones such as Manica, RESET’s model adapts to local ecological and social dynamics. At the same time, it connects all territories under a coherent national vision—one that positions rural Mozambique not as a place of poverty, but as a laboratory for regenerative development at scale.

Key Challenges, Systemic Solutions, and Documented Impacts

Mozambique faces overlapping environmental, social, and governance challenges that hinder sustainable development—particularly in rural areas where more than 70% of the population lives. Widespread soil degradation, accelerated deforestation, and climate shocks such as cyclones have undermined food systems and ecological resilience.

At the same time, over 62% of the population lives below the poverty line, with youth unemployment, gender inequality, and limited access to essential services creating deep social vulnerability. Weak infrastructure, low public investment in research, and limited institutional capacity further constrain rural transformation, exposing smallholder farmers to market volatility and production risks.

RESET responds to these challenges through a systemic and regenerative development model. Environmentally, it restores degraded land through agroforestry and chemical-free agriculture, achieving net negative carbon emissions in cotton production. Socially, it strengthens livelihoods through access to inputs, training, solar energy, and inclusive markets—empowering more than 40,000 farmers, with women at the center of community leadership. Governance efforts include the development of agro-industrial infrastructure, ensuring traceability, and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships to support transparent, certified, and data-driven value chains.

Impact Stories

Rural farmers in Ruti face significant challenges that affect their livelihoods and quality of life. Like many others, Rasul has had to cope with water scarcity, requiring his family to travel long distances to collect water, impacting both productivity and daily hygiene. The lack of electricity in rural areas, including Rasul’s farm, limits access to essential energy for both agriculture and everyday life, making solar panels a critical—though still costly—solution.

Rasul’s journey also highlights the vulnerability of farmers to climate conditions, as unpredictable rainfall directly affects crop yields and financial stability. Born in 1974, Rasul Lurião began his agricultural journey at a young age, helping his parents in the fields. At the age of 20, he established his first farm and gradually expanded it to more than 35 hectares, including cotton, maize, and soybean fields. Rasul has become a role model in his community; his determination to improve his family’s livelihoods while creating opportunities for his children reflects his unwavering commitment to resilience and growth. He also employs seasonal workers, ensuring their well-being through fair contracts and support.

“I have children who are studying. Therefore, they need support, such as school materials, uniforms, notebooks, books, and even recreational activities. I use the income I earn from my work to help support my children.”

JFS-RESET provided resources and tools that transformed Rasul’s agricultural practices. One of the most impactful contributions was the provision of a tractor, which significantly increased efficiency in land preparation. This support enabled Rasul to expand his farm to 35 hectares, with cotton as the main crop alongside maize and soybeans. In addition, JFS-RESET facilitated access to solar panels, addressing energy limitations in his rural area. Although not provided free of charge, these panels supply basic lighting and energy use, improving both living conditions and productivity. Through consistent market access, JFS-RESET purchases Rasul’s cotton directly from his farm, ensuring a reliable source of income. This support has enabled Rasul to invest in infrastructure, such as crop storage facilities and housing, while maintaining food security for his family and workers.

Key Positive Impacts on Rasul’s Family and Community

• Increased Agricultural Productivity: Access to a tractor improved efficiency in land preparation and planting, enabling cultivation of larger areas.

• Support for Education: Agricultural income supports children’s education, covering school fees, uniforms, and learning materials.

• Community Leadership: Rasul employs and supports local workers, fostering economic stability and collaboration within the community.

• Access to Solar Energy: Solar panels facilitated by JFS-RESET provide lighting and basic energy needs, improving daily life on the farm.

• Food Security and Infrastructure: Rasul has invested in crop storage infrastructure and ensures consistent food supply for his family and workers.

We invite you to explore the report—not only to see the numbers, but to meet the people behind the progress. You will discover powerful impact stories, cutting-edge data, and a replicable model of regenerative development in fragile contexts. Whether you are a policymaker, investor, researcher, or a citizen committed to sustainability, you will find insights, inspiration, and evidence-based, real-world solutions within.

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RESET is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study is aligned with several SDGs. The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.