Poverty and poverty alleviation programmes in the urban areas of Mozambique

Abstract

The first part of this paper provides an analysis of poverty and destitution in the cities of Mozambique. The second part summarises the existing programmes for poverty alleviation and the social safety net. The last part describes in some detail the only organisation and programme which has had significant impact in terms of alleviating poverty and destitution: the Gabinete de Apoio a População Vulnerável (GAPVU) Cash Transfer Scheme. A poverty profile of Mozambique's urban centres shows that over half of all households are living in poverty. It distinguishes between absolutely poor and destitute households. The latter have expenditures less than two thirds of the poverty line, are at risk of malnutrition, high child mortality and low life expectancy and comprise nearly a third of the population. A distinction is made between structural and conjunctural causes of poverty and used as a basis for classifying households in different situations, in order to identify appropriate types of intervention. Existing policies and programmes to reduce poverty and alleviate destitution are reviewed and their strengths and weaknesses identified. The cash transfer scheme designed and operated by the GAPVU is described in more detail, and its effectiveness in reaching destitute households assessed. Finally, its administrative efficiency and financial and institutional sustainability are evaluated. It is shown to be a well designed programme which succeeds in reaching increasing numbers of vulnerable households because of its use of decentralised health and community administrative structures, and strong political and institutional backing.