Mozambique: Empowering Women Facing Conflict and Climate Change Effects in Mozambique

Sep 9, 2024 | CARE
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The humanitarian situation in Mozambique’s conflict-affected Cabo Delgado province is deteriorating rapidly. This has been worsened by a severe climate change-induced drought that has exacerbated the suffering of those displaced by violence. It is forecasted that 3.3 million people, with over 144,000 hungry children and nearly 24,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women, will need malnutrition treatment from October 2024. Of the affected, 1.3 million are in conflict-affected regions of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. There has been widespread displacement, food insecurity, and severe disruptions to basic services, leaving vulnerable communities, especially women and girls, in desperate need of assistance. To ensure a just and equitable response, climate policies and finance must prioritize gender equality, ensuring that women have access to resources and decision-making power.

“The drought completely wiped out our crops,” said Maissa Valentim Cade, a 37-year-old mother of four displaced by the conflict in Cabo Delgado. “With nothing to eat and with the threat of violence, we fled from our home and came to settle at the camp. I tried to start farming again, but my crops succumbed to the drought.”

Across the country, the La Nina-induced drought has devastated the lives of millions. It has led to a severe food crisis affecting 63 districts, representing 39% of the country. Water resources have been severely depleted due to the scorching heat thus reducing sources where people can access water and at the same time increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. This means women and girls have to travel further to get water and this exposes them to higher risks of Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV)

“Maissa’s story is emblematic of the challenges faced by countless families in the region who have been affected by conflict and drought,” said Katia dos Santos Dias, CARE Mozambique Country Director. “The humanitarian response fund remains critically underfunded at only 34%, jeopardizing the lives of millions in Mozambique. Women and girls, already disproportionately affected by the conflict and displacement, are at even greater risk due to this lack of support.

CARE is implementing an adaptive measure that involves supporting Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). In these groups, women are trained on how to save and obtain credit to create sources of income to meet household needs. Maissa joined a group, received lessons, was able to utilize the learnings to help her family, and is now mobilizing other women in the community to be part of the program.

“Through the VSLA group, I decided to start a fish trading business as the drought still makes farming impossible,” says Maissa.  “I took out a loan from the group, I expanded my fish business, which has been incredibly successful, enabling me to not only pay back the loan but also grow my business. Now I can afford school supplies for my children and essential household items. The demand for fish is high, so I’m reinvesting profits to grow my business even further and explore new opportunities.”