Update from GA activists on the struggles in Tete, Mozambique

Global Aktion activists in Tete, Mozambique, report drought and land struggles. They work closely with local communities to adapt to climate change and fight for their rights. Despite efforts, the government isn’t taking action, and land is still being sold to foreign companies, leaving locals in a vulnerable situation.

Standing with Local Communities

In the heart of Mozambique, the provinces of Tete and Zambezia are increasingly vulnerable to the harsh impacts of climate change. Local communities are not just struggling to adapt to a changing environment, they are also fighting for their land rights. The locals in these regions, which are affected by storms, flooding, and droughts, are finding it harder to sustain agriculture and secure fresh drinking water. Yet, many community members do not recognize these challenges as part of a broader trend linked to climate change.

Since 2013, Global Aktion’s Mozambique Group has been working closely with Associação de Apoio e Assistência Jurídica às Comunidades (AAAJC), an organization playing a critical role in bridging the gap between district government and local communities. Our partnership is deeply rooted in a shared vision to promote resilience with the aim of building a strong network that not only supports grassroots efforts but also influences political decisions in international forums.

The focus of the project, started in July 2023, is making communities aware of the consequences of climate change and supporting them in advocating for their rights. By engaging with district governments and ensuring that local climate adaptation plans prioritize the needs of the poor rural populations, we aim to ensure that these communities have access to adequate food, water, and are able to generate sufficient income.

Tete, a Region in Crisis

Over the past days, Global Aktion activists Alberica, Connie and Ole have been on the ground in the province of Tete to visit our partners in AAAJC. Here is a message they send us from Mozambique:

Tete is going through one of the worst droughts in its history. Since the start of the year, It has only rained three times, with the last rain falling in February. This prolonged drought has decimated crops, leaving farming communities, namely the majority of Mozambique’s population, with nothing to harvest. The scarcity of water for agriculture and animals, and subsequent lack of food has aggravated the already tough situation of the people living in the extractive area.

Some community members have started cutting and burning wood to produce and sell charcoal in order to survive. This, however, is a short-term solution that causes further deforestation.

The visit has underscored the challenges faced by these communities and the efforts of our comrades in AAAJC to support them in their struggle for survival and justice.

Local Initiatives and Struggles

In response to this crisis, AAAJC, along with a local professor of environmental science, has been working closely with these communities to develop and share adaptation strategies. They have been educating community members on water conservation techniques, methods for digging new wells, and ways to prevent erosion and deforestation. These initiatives are crucial in helping the communities adapt to climate challenges.

The communities themselves have not been passive. They have organized, identified intervention priorities, and have repeatedly raised their demands for financial and technical support to the district government through local “Conselhos Consultivos.” Despite their efforts, they are still waiting for answers. Although the government has prepared adaptation plans with help from local experts and international donors, nothing has been implemented yet due to a cited “lack of funding”.

At the same time, the government continues to sell land to international companies, offering communities only a small percentage, 20% at best. This leaves them marginalized while their land is exploited for profit.

Political Tensions and the Fight for Justice

The current political climate in Mozambique adds another layer of complexity to the situation. With national elections coming up, people are afraid to speak out and share information because of potential repercussions.

The presence of Frelimo posters, t-shirts, and caps in the communities stands in contrast with the absence of basic necessities, highlighting the disconnect between political promises and lived realities.

Building Alliances for Change

Last Saturday, Alberica, Connie and Ole spent the day with seven Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) based in Tete, learning from each other’s struggles and brainstorming ideas for joint actions. One interesting idea that emerged was the creation of a platform or observatory for climate change, along with a joint letter to the provincial government, in order to push them to include local climate adaptation plans in the provincial development plans.

By joining forces with all civil society representatives in Tete, we hope to send a strong message of collective pressure to the government. Our next stop is Zambezia, where we will continue our work with our partners, including MULABA, to make sure the voices of those fighting for their rights are heard.

Estamos Juntos!