Mozambique

Low literacy and high poverty rates continue to threaten Mozambique’s development.

Since 46 % of the population lives below the international poverty line of USD 1.90 per day, poverty is still widespread in the country and depends primarily on subsistence agriculture. Around 15 % of children aged five years and younger are malnourished, and the average life expectancy at birth is only 53 years.

Mozambique is located on the coast of southern Africa and borders Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Swaziland and is a country of 25.9 million people. After five centuries of Portuguese colonization, Mozambique gained independence in 1975. But it was not until 1992 that the country experienced longer periods of political stability.

Recently, however, terrorist activities have increased, especially in the north of the country, which again jeopardizes what has been achieved in terms of political stability. Fortunately, however, the epicenters supported by THP are still located in peaceful and secure regions. However, negative indirect effects are to be feared due to Mozambique’s overall situation. In this situation it is more important than ever to help the people on the spot.

Recent successes

Thanks to your support we have been able to achieve a lot in Mozambique recently.

In 2018, the Chokwe Epicenter was able to achieve independence and was officially confirmed as such in mid-2019. With the help of this project a total of 13,366 people could be reached. The Hunger Project Switzerland provided collected contributions in the amount of 119’143 CHF in 2018. In 2019 an additional 20’112 CHF were transferred for the celebrations and activities after the Chokwe Epicenter became independent.

The independence of the Chokwe Epicenter at a glance: The achieved score in the independence test was 85.24 of the required 80 points.

• 81% of small farmers use improved farm management practices

• 54% of children under 5 sleep under a mosquito net

• 84% of community members use at least one simple source of drinking water

• 78% of households have at least one household member who can read and write

• 76% of community members know their HIV/AIDS status

• 88% of individuals consult a health care professional or go to a clinic for a check-up

• Score on the Women’s Empowerment Index (WEI): 57.68 out of 100 possible points
  • 100% of women receive antenatal care
  • 94% of births are attended by licensed nursing staff
  • 93% of women are examined at least four times by licensed nurses before giving birth

Interview with Mariarosa, Partner of the Microfinance Programme in Mozambique

Mariarosa shows us how she makes bricks. She mixes the sandy soil with the cement and adds water. The she fills the mold with the mixture. The content of the mold will be dried in the sun for a few days. The final bricks will be sold for CHF 1.80 each.