Strengthening Partnerships Through Facilitating Peer Learning in Mozambique

USAID/Mozambique’s flagship Feed the Future Activities, Feed the Future Mozambique Resiliência Integrada na Nutrição e Agricultura (FTF RESINA) Activity and Premier-Oholo (PRO), were designed to collectively strengthen the market and food system in Northern Mozambique. Because both Activities work at different parts of the system and are in similar stages of implementation, the teams expressed a desire to get together to identify and untangle similar challenges, create innovative opportunities for collaboration, and inspire collective action. 

In August 2024, USAID Mozambique’s Resilient and Economic Growth (REGO) office held a Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) workshop in Nampula, Mozambique. In place of of a traditional mid-term evaluation, the workshop focused on fostering dialogue between FTF RESINA and PRO. One of the most significant outcomes of this innovative workshop was the generation of practical, actionable steps to enhance collaboration across various levels—between project teams, with USAID, and with local and national government partners. 

By creating an open environment for discussion, the CLA workshop was instrumental in creating a foundation for strengthening the partnership and collaboration between the FTF RESINA and PRO Activities. Although the results from the workshop remain to be seen, several methods were used to facilitate peer learning between these activities. 

1. Creating an Open Space for Joint Peer Learning

Staff were invited to sit in on the other project’s CLA session in addition to participating in their own. A combined session was then facilitated with both project teams actively contributing. Key to this process was setting the tone for the session by creating an open space, providing necessary materials for effective and open collaboration, and conducting team-building exercises. These elements were critical in making participants feel comfortable, energized, and willing to speak up, even with USAID in the room. Small group discussions also helped generate insights from people who may not otherwise participate. By focusing on structured, practical examples and key takeaways, mapping common challenges, and identifying new solutions together, the relationship between both projects has strengthened, with USAID playing a critical role as listener and collaborator. 

2. Real-Time Problem Solving and New Engagement Models

During the joint session, the teams brainstormed and developed a new model for collaboration, designing a model that illustrates how FTF RESINA, PRO, and USAID overlap in the market system. The exercise provided clarity on the roles and interactions between the projects, sparking new ideas for deeper coordination. For example:

• PRO can play an active role in strengthening the Business Development Service ecosystem, ensuring that service providers are tailoring services for the Micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) women and youth working with FTF RESINA
• FTF RESINA helps create demand for new and improved financial services, while PRO influences the supply of new products
• PRO works with large buyers, both locally and internationally. This work could encourage investment in integrated sourcing models within FTF RESINA communities, especially if it also improves access to pre-harvest and other innovative financing options.

3. Structured Peer Networking

The workshop provided ample opportunities for project staff to connect with one another through dynamic, interactive team-building sessions, including “weaving lives” exercises. The "weaving lives" exercise involves participants sharing personal and professional stories, which helps build empathy and understanding among team members. This exercise fosters a sense of community and interconnectedness, making it easier for participants to collaborate effectively. 

To foster cross-sector peer learning, the projects recommended more frequent, intentional coordination. They proposed organizing joint “Breaking Barriers” workshops, bringing together a portfolio of partners from each activity, ranging from local farmers to large buyers, to deepen networks and relationships at different levels of the system and potentially expand relationships across geographies. By creating opportunities to expand commercial relationships and build resilience across geographic areas, this type of networking can reshape how different actors perceive their roles within the market system, deepening trust and collaboration. 

4. Peer Training on Market Systems Development (MSD)

To successfully advance systems-level changes in Mozambique, the projects’ private sector partners and government counterparts also need capacity strengthening on the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach, focusing on practical application in the context of the function/role each of the actors play. The CLA workshops identified the capacity constraints and saw opportunities to address them by joining forces and providing training. This exercise was instrumental in setting the foundation for a joint, multi-day training that will help strengthen the partnership, building a common understanding of MSD principles, particularly in areas like WASH and nutrition, where this thinking is new. By increasing staff capacity and knowledge, this training will improve communication and coordination between the projects. 

Conclusion

The CLA workshop set the stage for ongoing collaboration and peer learning between FTF RESINA and PRO. Through joint work, real-time problem solving, peer networking, and continuous learning, deeper engagement and innovation are possible. The strong foundation laid in this workshop will help both projects build and transform successful partnerships to achieve greater impact.