Quotidiano e experiências de subsistência de mulheres chefes de agregado familiares e integrantes do programa do INAS no distrito de Boane, província de Maputo

Abstract

This work aims to understand the livelihood strategies adopted by with the support of the National Institute for Social Action (INAS) in the district of Boane. Boane district. The research investigated the activities carried out by these women as members of INAS and other activities they perform outside of institutional support. Using an ethnographic approach, semi-structured interviews and informal conversations were used to collect data. to collect data. The problem of this study is to question and criticise the predominant view in previous studies that studies which claim that the socio-economic conditions, level of education, age and personal experience of female heads of experience of female heads of household have a direct and decisive relationship with their survival conditions. their survival conditions. This study shows that these variables do not have a significant impact on the significant impact on the lives of the women who took part in the research, as they try to overcome all the difficulties they face. overcome all the difficulties they face. The results show that these women lead their own initiatives that go beyond the support of INAS. This support, which includes financial assistance, food and health programmes is complemented by individual economic activities such as agriculture, handicrafts and entrepreneurship. entrepreneurship. In addition, the study emphasises the importance of mutual support networks between these women, who share knowledge, experiences and economic and social resources. The study reveals that the women benefiting from the INAS project, while dealing with various difficulties in their livelihoods, have found new ways to adapt and survive. These strategies are based both on the support networks that already existed and on the new ones that have emerged through day-to-day interactions. These support networks not only help them to cope with adversity, but also to ensure their survival and social continuity.