Oxfam GB has worked in Mozambique since 1984. Initially, our work focused on emergency relief projects in areas affected by years of civil war. Since the end of the conflict in 1992, our programme has been supporting poor people to improve their livelihoods and strengthen their capacity to cope with the impact of HIV and AIDS. We also work with local organisations who are trying to help give vulnerable children access to quality basic education.

Oxfam’s work in Mozambique is delivered through three main programmes; the Zambezi Basic Education Programme, the Niassa Food Security and Livelihoods Programme and the Manica Integrated HIV and AIDS Response Programme.

Zambezia Basic Education Programme

Zambezia Province in central Mozambique suffered the worst damage from the civil war. The tactics of the rebels to target and destroy basic public services left this densely populated and poor province with limited basic services and a need for reconstruction, especially of schools. Communities in this province are far away from health and educational facilities, government administration, commercial networks and communication.

Our programme in five districts (Gurue, Alto Molocue, Gile, Ile and Namarroi) seeks to increase access to quality basic education, particularly for girls and vulnerable children, to strengthen the capacity of government and non-governmental groups to address the country’s education needs, and to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS.

Niassa Food Security and Livelihoods Programme

Agriculture is the main means of support in Niassa Province in northern Mozambique. Land is abundant and generally fertile. Households in Oxfam’s five target districts (Maua, Metarica, Mandimba, Macanhelas and Cuamba) are the poorest in the province because of their isolation from core services, poor infrastructure, lack of reliable markets and weak farmers’ organisations.

We support poor farmers to improve their access to sufficient food  by using different agricultural methods and diversifying their crops. The programme also supports farmers’ income opportunities by improving their access to markets. Women and other vulnerable groups are targeted to take a greater part in decision-making, to acquire literacy skills and to receive training on nutrition.

Manica Integrated HIV and AIDS Response Programme

In the past 15 years, Mozambique has experienced a steady growth in the number of people who are infected with HIV. More than 16 per cent of the sexually active population (15–49 years) is estimated to be living with the condition. Some 60 per cent of HIV-infected adults are women, and infection rates are significantly higher among women between 15 to 24 years. The highest number of infections is found in the central region.

The Manica Integrated HIV and AIDS Response Programme is based in two districts  (Machaze and Mossurize) of Manica province in central Mozambique. The programme aims to help the community to deal with the impact of HIV and AIDS, to revitalise prevention strategies and to prevent further infections. It also seeks to improve the capacity of district and provincial institutions to implement the government’s plan for HIV and AIDS response in the two districts.

Last updated: November 06