Maputo 2008 & 2010: Poverty Reduction and Urban Revolts

Presentation for the EADI Working Group on Urban Governance17 March 2011

Inge TvedtenSenior ResearcherCMI

Introduction

• Part of larger series: Two studies on poverty in Maputo (2007-2010)

• High level of urban vs. rural poverty in Mozambique (50 % vs. 57%)

• Poverty rate in Maputo reduced between 2003-2009 (55% to 36%)

• Two large uprisings (Feb2008, Sep2010) sparked by price-increases

• Immediate concessions by the Government (continued subsidies)

Analytical Framework

• Structural constraints and human agency (Bourdieu’s ’praxis theory’)

• Cities represent different structural constraints and opportunities than rural areas do

• Unemployed and poor men lose their authority and self-esteem and have their agency restricted

• Women have their social space extended through the options for income in the informal economy and less socio-cultural control

Socio-Economic Inequality

• Employment and housing the two key issues with material as well as socio-cultural ramifications

• Richest/poorest quintile food- housing expenditure 50% vs. 80%

• Processes of marginalisation of the very poorest

• Differences in poverty levels between the bairros

• Most consistent reduction in poverty among urban FHH

Socio-Cultural Conditions

• Relatively high level of education, particularly among the young (Primary completion rate 92%)

• Relatively poor health indicators, particularly as regards nutrition (Calorie poverty rate 75%)

• Precarious environmental conditions (pollution, waste, floods)

• Limited extent of urban-rural relationships (the poorest ’trapped’)

Politics and Governance

• ‘Informal’ political control by Frelimo down to the levels of ‘quarterões’ and ‘dez casas’

• Frustration with the political system (low participation in municipal elections at 28%)

• Poor communication between central and municipal govern-ment and the communities

• Exceptionally limited extent of ‘associational life’ and basis for organisation

The Urban Uprisings

• Sparked by price increases on fuel/transport (2008) and food/energy (2010)

• Quickly spread by cell-phones and words of mouth, and effectively ’paralysing’ the city

• Immediate response from the government by reintroducing subsidies (2% of GDP in 2010)

• Quickly calmed down, but tension ’simmering’ under the surface

Tentative Explanations

• Urban poverty more complex than simple poverty lines imply

• The commodification and ensuing vulnerability of urban life

• Un-fulfilled expectations of ‘urban modernity’ among youth

• Women more social space and less patience with social injustice

• Inadequate outlets for real political participation