Founded by Kenmare in 2004, Kenmare Moma Development Association's (KMDA) goal is to strengthen the socio-economic development of the communities in the vicinity of the Moma mine in Mozambique.  Five years ago, most of the population were subsistence farmers and fishermen living on less than USD 1 a day.  With the support of local and international partner institutions, KMDA has established, among other things, small businesses in egg, broiler and vegetable farming generating revenue of USD 150 000 a year across six villages. Regina Macuacua, Social Development Advisor for Kenmare, details the state of progress of these social projects.

To date, how many people have benefited from the social activities that KMDA has helped to develop?

We have about 200 direct beneficiaries involved in different social activities, namely income-generating and animal husbandry.

There is also a larger number of people who directly benefit from interventions under the health, education and water projects that we are implementing, such as a mobile consultation programme every fortnight, adult literacy classes, a scholarship programme, etc.

What is the salary paid to a miner working in Moma compared with the national average income?

All employees at the mine are paid in excess of the national average wage. People involved in KMDA's income-generating activities also earn more than the minimum salary paid in Mozambique. After dividing the profits between the members of the groups, everyone gets between MZN 2 000 and MZN 5 000 (USD 70-170), which in some cases represents a monthly income, depending on the business.

What is the state of progress of the businesses developed by KMDA?

First of all, let me just say that projects being 100% dependent on the mine is against KMDA's principles of sustainability. We always try to set up businesses that would survive even if the mine wasn't there.

We now have five income-generating businesses in progress (egg, sewing, vegetables, broilers and a small local fuel-selling station).

Eggs, sewing and vegetables are going very well. But we still face challenges in vegetable farming due to climate conditions that affect production during the dry season.  

Still, farmers have been producing quality and diversified vegetables such as lettuce, onions, cabbage, spinach, eggplants, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, green peppers, pumpkins and some herbs. This means that they start eating more diversified vegetables than the usual tomatoes and onions. It also adds value to the business because slowly the local market is starting to become a potential market for most of the crops they grow.

The fuel-selling station is a very interesting project that was designed and proposed by the local community. While our area is developing, more and more cars and motorbikes circulate whereas there was no fuel station or garage in a 15 km radius. So to address this issue, a group proposed starting up this business, which has been very profitable.

How advanced are you with the health clinic? Is Kenmare ready to equip and build it?

KMDA is willing to build a small health facility with a clinic and maternity room. So far, we have taken a few steps (blocks have started to be produced) but there are still discussions going on between the government and the community as to where the clinic will be built.

In the meantime, KMDA has purchased the ambulance envisaged for the project. Community health volunteers have also been trained to educate and disseminate medical information to the people living in this remote rural area. As a result, small changes in habits, like visiting a doctor at the first symptoms of a disease, using mosquito nets, and so on, are becoming more frequent.

How far have you got with building the four new schools? Are they operational yet?

The building of the schools has been finalized. It took longer than planned because our approach is to use local labour as a way to promote community participation and enhance ownership.

We are in the process of finalizing the installation of the school furniture. As soon as it is finished, all classrooms will officially be handed over, although some have already started to be used.

Can you say a few words about the water pumps project and the food security and HIV programmes?

KMDA and Kenmare operations installed water pumps in the villages. But with the increase in population (as a result of the development in the area) more will be needed to fulfil needs. A water and sanitation project has started and will involve building  latrines and training community water committees that will manage and look after the pumps and boreholes.

Food security is an issue that we are addressing every day through lessons in nutrition, production of eggs and livestock. A more varied diet can be assured - with vegetables, protein and vitamins from fruits taking their place alongside traditional crops like cassava, beans and fish. One of the findings of the mobile team during their work is that malnutrition is not a major problem in the area anymore, which is a good sign.

HIV has also continued to be addressed by the mine and KMDA through the health project. The mobile team has introduced testing kits and we are looking forward to the building of the health facility to enhance these services. We are also looking at a programme whereby medication could be available at the facility as a next step to the awareness campaigns and education being done so far.

Finally, what is the total investment cost of developing these social projects?

Since KMDA started its activities in 2004, we have invested around USD 700 000.