Village Baseline Study: Site Analysis Report for Chicualacuala, Maluana, Mozambique (MO0145)

Abstract

This is the report of the village baseline study of Maluana village in the CCAFS benchmark site of Chicualacuala, Mozambique from May 5-12, 2013 to complement an earlier household baseline survey done in the same village. Maluana is in a relatively isolated area two hours walk from the main market of Mapai and in a region lacking paved roads and communications. Its wooded grasslands and naturally occurring ponds are strained due to economic exploitation and limited water resources. Charcoal production, subsistence farming and animal husbandry are the dominant sources of livelihoods but offer little returns. The village faces challenges from lack of sufficient rainfall, poor water quality, marginal soils, limited market access, deforestation, and low access to social services. The main crop produced is sorghum and other crops include maize, cowpeas, pumpkins, cashew nuts and watermelon. Agricultural potential of the land is low, and as a result there is low agricultural productivity and the community is unable to meet its food security needs. A total of 17 organisations were identified by the community; seven by women and 10 by men. Out of the 17 organisations identified 41% operate in the community, 18% in the locality and 41% beyond the locality. Among the organizations food security was addressed by 53% and natural resources by 47%. Women reported most of the food security groups operate within the village, which indicates food security is a concern in the community and particularly among the women. Findings show the domination of vertical organizational linkages and limited local initiative, weak presence of civil society and a strong government presence. Organizations best placed to mobilize the village are identified among local administrative and community groups given perceived authority and legitimacy, however increases in horizontal linkages and capacity development are needed. Given a current lack of funding linkages, external organizations are best placed to mobilize these resources. Maluana’s isolation and community organizations impact its information network. Communication was reported as poor and villagers felt marginalized. Cell phones with radio capability are owned by most people and are the main source of information. With limited transport opportunities and poor infrastructure some information is exchanged informally at markets and by word of mouth. Information also comes from the 17 organizations identified, including community groups, NGOs and public agencies. Government information flows from Mapai to the village level while other organizations engage throughout the network to provide services and information. The study identified a range of opportunities for research and development interventions given Maluana’s food security and natural resource management challenges. Alternative livelihoods, agriculture diversification and livestock promotion are suggested as a means to reduce environmental stresses and increase food security and income generation. The introduction of more drought resistant crop varieties as well as soil management practices can be promoted to improve agricultural output. Findings also support sustainable forest management to protect the forest from overexploitation as well as the development of water resources such as wells and rainwater harvesting. In addition, improvements in social services and infrastructure are cited as key for increased village stability and prosperity. It is suggested that the well-connected local administration and local groups are engaged at the village level to help mobilize the community. Capacity building can also be used to address gaps in the organizational landscape, encourage linkages between organizations, and promote collective action among community members.