Village Baseline Study: Site Analysis Report for Xai Xai, Zongoene Village, Bairro 1, Mozambique

Abstract

This is the report of the village baseline study of Zongoene Village, Bairro 1, in the CCAFS benchmark site of Xai Xai, Mozambique in May 2013 to complement an earlier household baseline survey done in the same village. Zongoene village is located by the coast at the mouth of the Limpopo River where there are extensive wetlands along with forests and sand dunes. The village is divided into five sections: Bairro 1, Bairro 2, Bairro 3, Bairro 4 and Bairro 5. Zongoene is the result of a government resettlement program that brought people together to ease service provision. Nonetheless, the level and quality of services remain very low with roads in bad condition, local schools poorly built and lacking water, one hospital with insufficient staff and resources, and nascent electrical availability. The concentrated and expanding population is also increasing pressures on the environment as demand for food and farmland grows. The village is food insecure and does not produce enough food to meet its needs so additional food is purchased from South Africa. Rice has long been cultivated in the wetlands using traditional methods and no mechanization, which results in below optimal harvests and small plots. Fear of flooding in the wetlands limits the production of other crops, such as maize and fruits, which are grown around the village, ponds and forests. As with rice, the level of technology and mechanization is low with diverse crop cultivation. While the sand dunes provide protection from the ocean and related weather hazards, they also redeposit sand in fields and waterways, impacting soil quality and water resources. As viable land for planting is limited, the forests are increasingly cleared for food production. Forests are also exploited as sources of firewood, timber and charcoal. A total of 25 organizations were identified by the community. Out of this total, 12 were identified by men and 15 were identified by women. More than half (52%) of the organizations are operating beyond the locality, 16% within the locality and 32% within the community. In general only 36% of the groups or organizations identified by both men and women address food security. Groups that addressed natural resources were limited but evenly spread with 33% in each locality sphere. There is evidence from the organizational landscape that the local administration provides a significant link for other organizations operating in the area. However, during times of crisis due to floods or lack of food the community reported little support from government and other organizations. The men’s discussion group identified more sources of information than the women’s group, however both groups reported limited sources of information and knowledge. The source of information that is most frequently used is the farmer, followed by Radio Xai Xai. The local government and community meetings ranked third. Most community meetings are called by the local administration therefore these two sources are closely linked. The government is a significant source of information especially warnings on adverse weather conditions. Farmers provide a range of information regarding weather, planting, seeds and cultivation. The study identified a range of opportunities for research and development interventions. The village’s proximity to the beach and Zongoene Lodge mean there is potential for services related to tourism. Food production and livelihoods can also be expanded while not increasing damage to wetlands and forests. This can come from diversifying wetland production beyond rice to include crops such as maize, onion, potatoes and bananas as well as mainstreaming modern farming technologies and practices. The wetlands can also be used for aquaculture, an effort that is already being supported by local universities. In addition, opportunities exist to expand the village’s production of oranges and tangerines and promote the development of village processing facilities. The report also calls for increased local engagement and cooperation, which can be supported through broadened information sharing, group formation, collaborative commercial enterprises and an expanded local organizational landscape.