Houses of Families from the Mangunde Community
Director José Zacarias – Mangunde Health Centre
Alerts José Zacarias, director of the Magunde Health Centre, describing the severe hunger affecting many of his patients’ communities. “Blessed, or at least lucky, is the one who can secure even one meal a day, and even luckier if that meal is more than just mango purée,” José adds, highlighting the scarcity that forces families to rely on green mangoes, the current seasonal fruit, to make purée. However, even this option is diminishing as mango season ends, making it nearly impossible to find anything to eat. This deepening crisis worsens food insecurity and heightens health risks, pushing communities to consider alternatives that are inadequate for human consumption. Cases of malnutrition and anemia are increasing.
The mangoes sustaining communities
Around the missions, the impact of this crisis is unmistakable: desperation fills the eyes of those facing an uncertain future, as the traditional means of survival no longer yield the same results. This environment of uncertainty intensifies pressure and risks triggering social and family conflicts.
What about Christmas?
December is typically a month of celebration and joy in Mozambique, a time when families reunite to share warmth and reconnect. However, for these communities, especially for families dependent on farming, this year’s Christmas will likely bring fewer smiles. The primary concern now is simply how to cope with hunger, which has become a daily reality as the rains have barely arrived this year, leaving crops barren and fields unproductive.
Sorghum bicolor field affected by draught
“Everything is difficult, many in the community no longer have anything to eat. They’ve sold even the last animals they raised. We work hard, but the suffering persists, and there is no one to blame,” said Mr. Francisco Machaeia, a farmer in Chibabava, describing the terrible situation in the district’s communities. Normally, those who can’t produce food would find work in the fields of those who can, but this time, even the usual producers have not escaped the effects of the drought and lack of rain. The local markets are also feeling the impact, with harvests significantly reduced.
“People are resorting to wild fruits to survive, and it’s possible that some may literally go hungry this Christmas,” Francisco added, expressing his deep concern about how the ongoing crisis will overshadow the holiday season.
Sisters from the Mangunde mission have also reported an increase in people coming to the mission seeking food, driven by the extreme hunger affecting the area. This reflects the dire reality faced by many families, as even basic sustenance becomes harder to secure amidst this growing crisis.
The Boarding Schools of ESMABAMA
Boarding students serving meals
Our communities are facing an unprecedented food security crisis, driven by the climate change, global and national economic downturn. This crisis has critically impacted our missions, threatening not only the agricultural production of families who rely on farming but also food security of the ESMABAMA-managed boarding schools. With escalating prices, these schools now struggle to provide essential nutrition to their students.
The cost of essential items like maize has surged dramatically, raising from 900 MZN to 1.900 MZN per 50 kg only between January and May 2024 alone, a jump of more than 100%.
Boarding school students
No boarding schools, would have devastating repercussions for rural families already facing severe financial hardships. Nonetheless, we remain steadfast in our efforts to find solutions to support our young students.
This crisis has placed a growing financial burden on ESMABAMA. Traditionally, the organization has covered around 60% of boarding school expenses, whith student fees making up the remaining 40%. However, due to rising costs, student contributions now cover only 30% of expenses, adding significant pressure on ESMABAMA’s already strained resources. Emergency assistance from Caritas Bolzano and Caritas Austria was crucial in September in averting drastic measures, but long-term sustainability remains uncertain.
For students from remote and hard-to-reach areas, boarding schools are their only chance to continue their education. Without these facilities, many young people, especially those from the most rural regions, would be forced to abandon their studies. Without the option to live on-site, the long distances would make regular attendance impossible for many, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and severely limiting their future opportunities.
Boarding school Students
The ESMABAMA boarding schools provide much more than a safe space for study – they offer essential conditions for a dignified educational experience. Students receive three daily meals, which are vital for their physical and mental development and something many could not reliably access at home due to worsening food insecurity. Access to potable water is another critical benefit, especially in areas where scarcity and contamination are persistent issues. To secure this access, ESMABAMA is installing boreholes to supply the boarding schools, a significant investment.
Boarding school students taking Water
Additionally, the boarding schools provide a structured learning environment that allows students to focus fully on their studies, free from the distractions and responsibilities they would face at home, such as working in the fields or fishing. This supportive atmosphere helps students stay on track with their education and builds a foundation for a brighter future.
ESMABAMA remains dedicated to supporting these communities and seeking resilient solutions. We are developing projects focused on agricultural production training and agribusiness, working toward a future where education and nutrition are guaranteed, even during times of crisis. Together, we are committed to building pathways to sustainability and empowerment for all.
