Resource information
The main aim of this study was to assess, within the context of the Malonda Programme
in Niassa Province, the implementation of community consultations and negotiations as
well as the delimitation and demarcation of community land. These activities had been
carried out within the context of requests from several investors concerning the Right to
Use and Exploit Land (Portuguese acronym DUAT, Direito de Uso e Aproveitamento
de Terra), in order to create extensive commercial forest plantations in Niassa. The
Malonda Programme enjoyed – and still enjoys – strong support from the Swedish
Government that, in addition to its own funding and the subsequent economic growth,
seeks to ensure that there is active participation from the local population in this
dynamic development process.
The assumption is that the Rights to Use and Exploit Land (DUATs) acquired by the
population under the Land Law (Lei 19/97) underpin a negotiation process that will
result in i) a fair division of the territory necessary for investment between communities
and business interests; ii) a series of concrete benefits that may reduce poverty and open
up a new sustainable and equitable socio-economic development path for everyoneThere are also recommendations, based on the conclusions drawn from this study, to
improve the programme and to ensure that these targets are achieved in an efficient
manner.
The study was carried out in April, May and June 2008 and involved a series of
interviews with key actors in the province and at central level, as well as three weeks’
field work in local communities. Other business interests were also contacted and areas
outside the direct scope of the Malonda Programme were visited for comparative
purposes, including the Chipanje Chetu area in the Sanga District and the community
tourism project, Mandla Wilderness in Lago District.
