AbstractsSocial Sciences

Revealing Complexities

by Stefanie Lenz




Institution: Linnæus University
Department:
Year: 2014
Keywords: animal breeding; animal rights; gender; Mozambique; subsistence farming; Social Sciences; Samhällsvetenskap; Freds- och utvecklingsarbete, magisterprogram, 60 hp; Peace and Development Work, Master Programme, 60 credits; Freds- och utvecklingsstudier; Peace and development
Record ID: 1355650
Full text PDF: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-36048


Abstract

In Mozambique, 80 per cent of the people rely on farming for their livelihood. The majority of them are small-scale and subsistence farmers. In spite of high GDP and agricultural growth rates, the majority of Mozambicans in rural areas remain below the poverty line.  Even though many subsistence farmers in Ribáuè District own animals, programmes and policies for development are aimed at commercialization in medium- and large-scale sector animal farming. We found a lack of attention given to family sector animal breeding as a development factor in Ribáuè. Over the course of five weeks, we engaged in an ethnographically inspired, qualitative field study in Ribáuè District, the city of Nampula and the capital Maputo. Our gender and animal advocacy viewpoints allowed us to look at development as a holistic concept and determine effects beyond the immediately visible. Applying the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods approach, we identified a serious threat to the farmers’ livelihoods both in the short- and long-term, which we believe needs to receive much greater attention in policy-making. We found that animal breeding fulfils diverse functions, such as diversification of assets and diet, and generating and increasing resilience. It is crucial as mid-term investment and as a live bank. However, it is hugely insecure in all of these functions due to recurring shocks. Animal health issues are a major limitation for farmers. Therefore, animal breeding has little development scope for subsistence farmers at the moment, and is further diminished by commercialization plans for a minority of farmers, which overlook the complexity of the farming system and may negatively impact regional markets.  Development through intensive animal breeding reflects a dangerous short-term thinking. Sustainability and an important livelihood strategy for many are sacrificed for economic development of a few while exploitative systems are reproduced.  ; Em Moçambique, oitenta por cento da população depende da agricultura para a sua subsistência; sendo que a maioria desse montante é composto por pequenos agricultores. Apesar de altas no PIB e taxa de crescimento agrícola, a maioria dos moçambicanos em áreas rurais permanece abaixo da linha de pobreza. Mesmo que muitos agricultores de subsistência no Distrito Ribáuè – localizada na cidade de Nampula, capital Maputo – possuam seus próprios animais e façam parte de programas de desenvolvimento, políticas de apoio e suporte à comercialização costumam ser destinadas a setores rurais de médio e grande porte. Durante o desenvolvimento deste trabalho, identificamos falta de assistência à criação familiar de animais para o desenvolvimento da região de Ribáuè. Ao longo de cinco semanas, estivemos envolvidos em um estudo de campo qualitativo – com inspiração etnográfica – nesta região.  Nossa tese, baseada na análise de políticas de questão de gênero e animais nos permitiu um olhar para o desenvolvimento desta população com um conceito holístico, determinando efeitos para além do imediatamente visível. Ao…