It is in this context that the Local Land and Natural Resource Governance Project (LAGO) will be implemented, with the aim of promoting fair, transparent, and participatory land management.

The challenge ahead

In the districts of Lago, Mecanhelas, and Chimbunila, the management of land and natural resources presents recurring challenges:

• Lago: the centralisation of the allocation of land-use titles and licences for natural resource exploitation generates conflicts, as decisions taken at central level do not always involve local communities.

• Mecanhelas: farmers from Malawi cross the border and occupy Mozambican land, often with the consent of local leaders, creating tension and disputes.

• Chimbunila: irregular logging, unregulated occupations, and limitations within the local judicial system increase land insecurity.

These challenges undermine social cohesion, fair access to land, and the sustainable use of natural resources.

How will LAGO operate?

With funding from Switzerland and in partnership with local organisations such as the Centre for Learning and Capacity Building of Civil Society (CESC), the Centre for Legal and Judicial Training, paralegal associations, and the company Terra Firma, LAGO will implement strategic actions:

• Demarcation of community land: to ensure greater legal security for communities and farmers.

• Conflict mediation: promoting dialogue between authorities and the population, based on real cases of land and natural resource disputes.

• Citizen participation: involving stakeholders in decision-making on land and natural resources.

• Institutional strengthening: training local authorities for more efficient and sustainable management.

Expected results and concrete impacts

Although the implementation phase has not yet begun, LAGO intends to generate tangible changes:

A reduction in land conflicts and greater security in the allocation of land titles.

Strengthened coordination between authorities and communities, making decisions more inclusive and context-specific.

Sustainable exploitation of natural resources, ensuring that the benefits from activities such as mining (2.75%) and forestry (20%) reach local communities.

And the strengthening of local governance and the judicial system, creating precedents for more transparent and equitable management.