Cyclone Idai 2019 was one of the most severe cyclones to hit the African continent to date. More than 1,300 people have died - making Idai go down in history as the second deadliest cyclone. Thousands lost their homes. As a result of the subsequent cyclone Kenneth, thousands of people had to be evacuated once again.
NATURAL DISASTERS POSE AN INCREASING THREAT
Mozambique ranks tenth in the world in terms of countries most affected by natural disasters, yet the storms hit the country unexpectedly. The heavily debt-ridden country is dependent on international solidarity and assistance for the reconstruction. AWO International is also working with local partners to improve disaster preparedness.
A THREAD FOR THE POOR
More than half of the population lives in absolute poverty. The country belongs to the economically least developed and most indebted countries worldwide. Most people work in agriculture. AWO International therefore supports Mozambicans in building up structures for self-sufficiency. This opens up new perspectives for the families.
THREAT OF VIOLENCE INTENSIFIES CONSEQUENCES OF NATURAL DISASTERS
Mozambique has also been fighting Islamist terror since 2017, particularly in the northern region of Cabo Delgado. In March 2020, there was an outbreak of violence motivated by Islamism. Although this was contained, 87 people were killed and the group has not yet been dismantled. In addition, there are conflicts with the armed militia RENAMO. This mixture of fear of violence and the destruction caused by natural disasters is forcing many people to flee.
ADDITIONAL BURDEN: THE PANDEMIC
In addition to the damage and violent conflicts, the Corona pandemic has been ravaging the country since March 2020. Not even as much as one-fifth of the population has been vaccinated against the virus. Due to the imposed restrictions, the pandemic has also had economic implications. The poorest and most vulnerable families are suffering the most, especially from the shortage of food. Therefore, the support of rural farmers and communities is significant for the recovery and reconstruction of the country. This is one of the objectives of AWO International and Solidar Suisse in Mozambique.
ACESS TO SANITARY FACILITIES, HOUSING, SCHOOLS AND MORE
Mozambique has an inadequate public health system, according to the WHO. More than half of the deaths are due to transmissible diseases such as tuberculosis and cholera. Displaced people in particular have little to resist these diseases, as they lack access to both clean drinking water and the health care system. In the camps for displaced people, AWO International is therefore working with Solidar Suisse to provide access to sanitary facilities, permanent housing, schools as well as health centers.
EXPERIENCED PARTNER
The project is being carried out with Solidar Suisse, which has been active in Mozambique since 1984. The nonprofit organization supports the district authorities in training local disaster management committees. After Cyclone Idai, Solidar Suisse provided access to drinking water for 15,000 people in the emergency relief camps, for example.
Our project contributes to achieving these sustainable development goals. For more information on the global sustainability agenda, please visit our Sustainable Development page.
Projectinfo
| Project | Strengthening the resilience of families affected by disasters and crises in Mozambique. |
|---|---|
| Place/Region | Mozambique Sussundenga (Manica), Búzi (Sofala), Gondola (Manica), Chiure/Ancuabe, Cabo Delgado |
| Partner | Solidar Suisse and local partner organizations |
| Target group | Families affected by cyclones or armed conflict, people with special needs who are affected by cyclones or armed conflict, people displaced by armed conflict in Cabo Delgado |
| Duration | 01.07.2021 – 31.12.2021 |
| Budget | Total project volume: 336.262,00 CHF (=322.461,92 EUR) Project share AWO International: 25.000 EUR |
| Sponsor | Aktion Deutschland Hilft |
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