EU-SPS co-operation with Mozambique
EU-SPS in Mozambique
Context
About half of the population (54.7%) in Mozambique live below the poverty line. Moreover, a significant part of the population has consumption levels ‘below poverty line +25 per cent’. As these households tend to have very few assets they are extremely vulnerable to the risk of falling into poverty in the event of seasonal variation of incomes or other kinds of shocks. It is estimated that two thirds of the population are either poor or at high risk of falling into poverty.
The contributory social security system coverage is very low. The non-contributory social protection, called as ‘Basic Social Security’, is an essential element in reducing poverty and vulnerability in order to ensure acceptable levels of well-being and human dignity.
The Second National Social Protection Strategy (ENSSB II, 2015-24) approved in April 2016 aims at addressing people’s vulnerabilities across the life cycle and to protect and strengthen their resilience and ability to get out of their vulnerable situation on a sustainable basis in the long run.
ENSSB II is structured around four axes that articulate actions aimed at achieving the following four objectives:
- Enhancing the level of consumption and resilience of poor and vulnerable populations;
- Contributing to the development of human capital through better nutrition and access to basic health services and education of poor and vulnerable populations;
- To prevent and respond to risks of violence, abuse, exploitation, discrimination and social exclusion through social services;
- Developing the institutional capacity to ensure the achievement of the first three goals.
Mozambique has received substantial budget support but recently development partners have suspended their contributions. The expansion of social protection as foreseen in the new strategy is difficult also due to fiscal crisis. However institutional development and capacity development plans are being continued.
Focus of the cooperation
The focal point of the cooperation is the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Action (MGCAS) and its implementing agency, the National Institute for Social Action (INAS).
During the second consultation mission in February 2016 it was agreed that the EU-SPS entry point would be that the EU-SPS would design and provide a tailored monitoring and evaluation course to MGACAS and INAS. The scope and contents were designed in partnership with MGCAS, INAS and the EU Delegation and development partners.
The International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG) delivered the course in Portuguese in February 2017. Next steps are under discussion. It is envisaged that this type of activity could be best be continued by institutionalizing it to a suitable national Institute in Mozambique.
Read more on the International Policy Centre for Inclusive Growth (IPC-IG)
