Mozambique

More than half the population in rural Mozambique have no access to clean drinking water. Helvetas has been active in Mozambique since 1979, supporting local communities in building wells and other potable water facilities as well as latrines. Helvetas also promotes farmers' organizations and vocational training for young people.

Capital

Maputo
Area

801,590 km²
Poverty rate*

49% of the population live under the poverty line of $1.90 per day
UN DEVELOPMENT INDEX*

Rank: 185 out of 193
Population

33,420,619
People supported per year

663,889
Thematic focus

WASH & Water Governance
Private Sector Development
Climate & Disaster Resilience
Humanitarian Response
Vocational Skills Development

* Source: UN Data

More than half the population in rural Mozambique have no access to clean drinking water. Dirty water makes people sick. Helvetas has been active in Mozambique since 1979, helping to supply people primarily in the northern provinces with clean drinking water by building wells and other potable water facilities as well as latrines. We work closely together with rural communities and regional authorities to guarantee the sustainability of these infrastructure projects.

Water for all

Helvetas supports the formation of local water management committees, for instance, which are in charge of the maintenance of the facilities and the fair distribution of this vital resource. Women are given literacy courses and especially encouraged to take part in these committees and, in so doing, to participate in public life. Helvetas also supports various cultural projects, such as radio programs, stage plays and dance pieces, that heighten political awareness and promote civic engagement among the population of Mozambique.

Better seed to increase productivity

Due to the lack of adequate infrastructure as well as farming supplies and equipment, the productivity of small farmers in Mozambique is very low. They are also often embroiled in conflicts over the government’s sales of fertile land to foreign investors. Malnutrition is widespread. To help overcome these obstacles and improve the situation, Helvetas promotes the formation of farmers’ organizations and helps them procure improved seeds and new technologies to reduce postharvest losses. Thanks to increased productivity as a result, smallholders can sell part of their crops. We support them in processing and marketing their produce.

Vocational training for young people

Another point of main effort for us in Mozambique is vocational training. We facilitate access to practically oriented training for young people that enables them to find a decently-paid job or start up a small enterprise of their own. Our training programs prioritize the integration of young people with disabilities.