Project Coordinator | National Irrigation Institute – Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development | Mozambique
Miguel Tafula is an accomplished Agronomist Engineer with expertise in sustainable development, agri-food systems, and cooperative management. With over five years of experience in agricultural sustainability and research-for-development, Miguel has led initiatives to enhance resilience in food systems and improve the livelihoods of rural communities. His efforts in participatory irrigation management, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy have garnered international recognition.
Profile
Orcid
Education
Miguel holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development, Agri-Food, and Cooperatives from University College Cork (UCC), Ireland (2023–2024). His dissertation focused on barriers to sustainable land use among Irish farmers, aligning with national socio-economic and environmental goals. He earned a B.A.Sc. (Hons.) in Agronomic Engineering from Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique (2013–2017), where he researched efficient water use in maize production.
Experience
Miguel has held impactful roles, including as a Project Coordinator for the Transforming Smallholder Irrigation Systems (TISA) project in Mozambique (2019–2023). He implemented agricultural innovation platforms and trained over 500 stakeholders in sustainable practices, resulting in improved water and fertilizer use. Recently, he contributed as a researcher at UCC, conducting a systematic review to inform policy on sustainable land use.
Research Interests
Miguel’s research interests lie in sustainable agricultural systems, water resource management, and participatory approaches to technology adoption. His work focuses on enhancing the productivity and sustainability of smallholder farmers, improving climate resilience, and fostering collaborative solutions to agricultural challenges.
Awards
- EFMD Excellence in Practice Gold Award for Ecosystem Development (2022): Recognized for his contributions to the TISA project in collaboration with partners from Australia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Selected Publications
- Tafula, M., et al. (2024): Climate change adaptation benefits from rejuvenated irrigation farming systems in Mozambique. International Journal of Water Resources Development. [Cited by 5 articles].
- Mdemu, M. V., et al. (2023): Participatory mapping of irrigation schemes in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Agricultural Water Management. [Cited by 10 articles].
- Wellington, M., et al. (2023): Decoupling crop production from water consumption in southern Africa. Agricultural Water Management. [Cited by 8 articles].
- Parry, K., et al. (2024): Women, youth, and tail-end users improving livelihoods in southern Africa. International Journal of Water Resources Development. [Cited by 3 articles].
Conclusion
Miguel Tafula exemplifies dedication to agricultural sustainability and community development. His academic rigor, practical expertise, and collaborative leadership have advanced transformative solutions in agriculture, earning him accolades and recognition. Through his work, he continues to drive impactful change for farmers and ecosystems globally.