In Oxfam's view Mozambique has two faces. The macro-economy as such is doing well, but paradoxically this does not sufficiently translate into poverty reduction and human development. This is aggravated by the regular occurrence of disasters.
Every year, over 500.000 people are affected by floods, cyclones and drought. Mozambique has recently been identified as the country with the second highest expected climate change impacts in the world. Cholera epidemics are expected to increase.
The vast majority of people rely on small-scale farming. The areas used for agricultural production are expanding, and agricultural production is diversifying, but yields are not increasing; Mozambique is still a net food importer.
The country's untapped oil and gas reserves are attracting the interest of foreign investors, and titanium mining is a growing source of revenue. However, most of the population works the land, and infrastructure nationwide still suffers from colonial neglect, war and under-investment.
So, while part of the population is doing good business, mainly in trade and extractive industries, over 10 million Mozambicans live in absolute poverty and food security is under threat. This affects women and vulnerable groups disproportionally.
Oxfam in Mozambique
Oxfam has been active in Mozambique since 1978. Our work has evolved from direct humanitarian aid during the war in the 80s to promoting sustainable development and supporting civil society organizations, with increased focus on advocacy and lobbying at present.
Our aim in Mozambique is to:
- Improve and sustain livelihoods.
- Prevent and reduce the impact of disasters and improve people's ability to cope with disasters.
- Empower people so they can openly participate as social and politically active citizens, effectively expressing their needs, defending their interests, and holding the government accountable for delivery of public services (and escape marginalization).
- Support women and men engaged in developing more equal gender relations.