Country Description:

CARE began operations in Mozambique in 1986 by providing emergency assistance to people badly affected by the war between the Mozambican government and rebel forces. Between 1986 and 1990, CARE strengthens and coordinates emergency logistics while conducting a large emergency food distribution effort. From 1990 to 1994, CARE continued to distribute food while expanding its portfolio to include disaster recovery and development activities. Following the end of the war in 1992, CARE has focused on implementing long-term development projects in the areas of agriculture, water supply and sanitation, micro-credit and savings, health and HIV/AIDS.

In 1999, CARE began a project in the capital city of Maputo that examined strategies for improving livelihoods in several urban neighborhoods. In 2000, CARE launched a major emergency response to heavy flooding caused by heavy rains and cyclones, including emergency shelter and water supplies, managing camps for displaced persons, and distributing small grants to help families recover lost assets during the floods. In 2002, CARE began a growing involvement in activities designed to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS, with a special focus on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC).

CARE Mozambique’s current development strategy for 2001 - 2006 is focusing on basic and girls’ education, HIV/AIDS and emergency response. Overall, CARE seeks to improve livelihood security for vulnerable households in seven provinces: Maputo, Nampula, Inhambane, Sofala, Manica, Zambezia and Cabo Delgado.