Transformation of Rural Spaces in Mozambique

Despite the persistence of poverty in Mozambique important investments have been made in rural areas, at the level of extractive industry or agribusiness, resulting in both transformation of these areas and a new set of tensions and conflicts related to land tenure, population resettlement or general livelihoods. At the same time Mozambican rural landscape is dominated by smallholders, whose livelihoods depend on farming and a mix of non-farming activities, and are often extremely vulnerable to shocks and pressure over resources.

In this scenario, new civil society organizations emerge - and often stumble in the interests of local political, administrative and economic powers - creating fresh social conflicts. Transformations of the Rural Spaces in Mozambique examines the processes of transformation in a diversity of settings, bringing to the fore discussions on aspects related to the associational life; impacts of large-scale industries; relations between state and non-state actors; issues related to land; and the transformation of agriculture.

With contributions from both Mozambican and non-Mozambican scholars, with different disciplinary backgrounds and approaches, this book provides an interdisciplinary perspective of how Mozambique has been characterized by profound changes in the rural milieu.