Participação comunitária em contexto de pobreza extrema 1994-1999: Associação de camponeses 25 de Setembro de mulima (Distrito de Chemba)

Abstract

Extreme poverty characterizes the district of chemba. in the locality of Mulima, where fieldwork was concentrated, economic and social indicators, including the respective causes defined by government policy, are present in the population's perception, but from the perspective of the latter, the main cause of poverty is related to the lack of respect for ancestral spirits on the part of residents who profess different religions and the Mulima regulation that did not comply with traditional norms. The Human Development Program at the Local level has been underway in Sofala province in the districts of Caia, Chemba and Maríngue since 1999 to combat extreme poverty. The main objectives are to support the consolidation of peace, national reconciliation and the deepening of democracy through the involvement of the population. The research took place in the Thentha village located in the administrative post of Mulima, with the peasants' association formed to receive and manage a mill provided by the program. The research results confirm that the motivations that underlie people's participation in the development program are not directly linked to the satisfaction of basic needs for subsistence - food, clothing, accommodation and others. Thentha residents became members of the peasants' association because this was the “sine qua non” means of obtaining material and financial aid. Without membership, they would not have access to credit to buy a mill and to do the business it allows. They had to sacrifice a taste for individual economic activities for group activities like association because the project required it. But all those who did not belong to their extended family ended up giving up on the association. The Association became a private company as everyone wanted but not that of an individual but of his extended family