MCENAS: Evaluation of Education in Mozambique

Client – E2A
Location – Inhambane and Matola – Mozambique
Year – 2014
Time – 8 months

The Pathfinder project, called mCenas!, is an interactive SMS system that was implemented by Verde Azul in 2014. The aim of the project was to reach young people (15-24 years old – with and without children) via SMS with educational messages based on a life story and an informational messaging system that will increase knowledge about contraceptive methods, dispel common myths and address common obstacles that young people face regarding the use of contraceptives.

Verde Azul has generated evidence on the acceptability of information about contraception by sms if it is acceptable, and what is its impact on the knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy of male and female youth aged 18-24 years in Mozambique. This project followed a narrow protocol that required a dynamic flow of participants in the field.

The SMS system that was evaluated had three main components:

1. a story passed through SMS messages, based on the theory of behavior change to create a convincing and realistic narrative with which young people can relate and take advantage to deepen the dialogue and reflection with their peers (2 months);
2. informational messages about each contraceptive method (one month);
3. an interactive frequently asked question where young people could contact the system for information on a range of SRH topics.

The evaluation, which was conducted by E2A, focused on the sample of young people aged 18-24 years, distinguishing male and female subgroups with and without children in the cities of Inhambane and Matola.

The final documents included Baseline and Final Studies, as well as a summary of effectiveness, adjustments and improvements, as well as an action plan for the follow-up and monitoring of the SMS system.

HIV Monitoring, Evaluation and Evolution

Client – CAP AED Mozambique / FHI356
Location – Maputo, Sofala, Manica, Zambézia and Nampula – Mozambique
Year – 2010 – 2012
Time – 2 years

The main objective of the study was to obtain reference data on knowledge, attitudes and practices related to HIV / AIDS interventions implemented by AED.

The aim was to allow the EDA and its partners to adjust their activities based on the effectiveness and impact of the projects. The study was carried out at the level of the city of Maputo. The target audience was drug users and sex workers. The quantitative study used a statistically representative sample in the provinces of Maputo, Sofala, Manica, Zambézia and Nampula.

Specifically, the study focused on:

• Determination of the socio-demographic characteristics of the target population;
• Evaluation of sexual practices and behaviors, and their implications for the prevention and control of HIV / AIDS;
• Assessment of levels of knowledge about HIV / AIDS, to allow the creation or improvement of various interventions in order to prevent and control HIV;
• Evaluation of attitudes and practices in relation to HIV / AIDS, to allow the creation or improvement of various interventions aimed at the prevention and control of HIV prevalence.

Behavioral Surveillance Studies on MARP Populations in Angola (Prisoners and Truck Drivers)

Client – CDC – Angola
Location – Angola
Year – 2011
Time – 8 months

The general objective of this project was to support the Government of Angola to understand the HIV epidemic among the target populations, through a basic survey of behavioral and serological surveillance (BSS) supported by the CDC. These BSS were made with two main populations: long distance truck drivers, and prisoners.

The specific objectives of the study were:

• Examine attitudes, behaviors and perceptions of risks related to HIV and STDs among truck drivers, as well as among male prisoners and prison officials;
• Estimate the prevalence of HIV and syphilis in the population studied;
• Develop the Ministry of Health’s internal capacity to implement subsequent BSS surveys among populations most at risk for HIV;
• Carry out the results of tuberculosis screening and recommendations for medical assistance to prisoners.

Verde Azul implemented, mobilized and trained field workers and collected data, and verified the quality of the data collected.

In the second phase, Verde Azul analyzed and interpreted the results.

The final report included a proposal and a curriculum outline for a training program for conducting and interpreting BSS research results.

National Strategic Plan for HIV (2010-2014)

Client – MONASO AED – Mozambique
Location – Mozambique
Year – 2010
Time – 12 months

The main objective of the consultancy was to design and develop a Strategic Plan for the Management of the Network of Organizations to support HIV / AIDS programs in Mozambique for the period 2010-2014.

The deliverables of this project involved several strategic documents and activities:

a) The diagnosis based on the document review;
b) Communication strategy for political dialogue (Lobby and Advocacy);
c) Organizational Development Plan (Communication, Coordination and Training);
d) Training for support services to be provided directly to the recipient (integrated health services);
e) Institutional assessment of financial sustainability;
f) Market positioning analysis and interviews with key people from other organizations (CNCS, MISAU, Partners, Women’s Forum, LDH) to measure the external point of view in relation to MONASO’s strategic positioning;
g) Definition of MONASO’s strategic pillars through a series of participatory sessions, where the role of Verde Azul was that of a facilitator;
h) Validation of the diagnosis through a series of presentations and feedback from the Board of Directors (Draft 1);
i) Definition of a revised version of the Organization’s Vision and Mission;
j) Facilitating the development of strategic indicators.

These results were presented in a final report and used as a working document by MONASO for its institutional development.

Capacity Building of Rural Communities for Participatory Development in the District of Matutuíne

Client – VIDA – Funding Agency
Location – Matutuíne – Maputo – Mozambique
Year – 2009 – 2010
Time – 4 months

The aim of this project was to provide support to contribute to poverty reduction in rural communities in Matutuíne, Maputo Province.

The aim of the project was vulnerable families and to identify places where communities have difficulties in breaking the cycle of poverty.

The project involved a participatory promotion of sustainable rural development initiatives.

Deliverables included:

1. a) evaluation of the dynamics of an association called Pfukani;
2. b) assessment of the sustainability of the Pfukani association;
3. c) coordination with community stakeholders, VIDA team staff and the Development Center;
4. d) submission of proposals for sustainable options aimed at increasing local production inside and outside production areas and for improving productivity and efficiency;
5. e) strengthening the capacities of rural communities to create associations and to improve their marketing activities;
6. f) increased communication between and within rural communities;
7. g) proposal for decision-making tools and a communication strategy.

These instruments were developed to be used as lobby and advocacy with stakeholders, for dialogues with the government, with contacts from the private sector, as well as in dialogue with other representatives of the community.

The project proposal was later financed by VIDA, and reached around 400 families with direct support, and another 2,000 families were indirectly benefited as they improved their income.

Tuberculosis Assessment and Screening in Mozambique

Client – CDC – American Embassy
Location – Dondo, Nhamatanda, Boane and Matola – Mozambique
Year – 2009 – 2010
Time – 1 year

The main objective of this project was the assessment of measuring recent practice within the scope of the National Tuberculosis Program (implemented by the Ministry of Health), investigating the exposure of Tuberculosis in pediatric relationships.

Verde Azul provided facilities and equipment for intensive training to employees of the Ministry of Health and supervised the implementation of a revised Monitoring and Evaluation program, more efficient and easier for the user, designed with the objective of reducing the risk of exposure.

In a follow-up of results, Verde Azul was informed that the exposure of children in the hospital to diseases such as tuberculosis had reduced by 10%.

Market Access for Local Farmers in Maputo Province

Client – FAO: Support Program for Agricultural Markets (PAMA)
Location – Mozambique
Year – 2008 – 2010
Time – 2 years

The objectives of this project were:

• improve product quality, competitiveness, diversification of higher value crops and market access for small farmers in Maputo province;
• helping members of farmers’ associations to identify and invest in common infrastructure, such as irrigation systems;
• train individual farmers and associations to improve their marketing and production skills, with a view to increasing the volume and profitability of their agricultural operations.

Verde Azul interviewed farmers, held training sessions and implemented a seminar in which solutions and results were discussed.

FAO’s final assessment of this project was that there was a real increase in the income of target farmers.

Monitoring, in Connection, with the Zambezi Bridge Project in Caia

Client – SIDA (Swedish International Development Agency)
Location – Sofala – Mozambique
Year – 2006 – 2009
Time – 3 years

The overall objective of the project was to build a bridge over the Zambezi river, between Caia (Sofala province) and Chimuara (Zambezia province).

Verde Azul was responsible for overseeing the social and environmental components of the project, making sure that contractual agreements, national legislation and IFC principles were followed at the project site. The total value of the project was 70 million Euros.

Verde Azul interacted with contractors and supervisors and made them aware of and complied with contractual obligations.

The potential needs for deviations and / or adjustments in the contract were discussed and decided through broader stakeholder involvement and an analysis of best practices.

Verde Azul also listed the impacts and mitigation measures that were recommended in the social and environmental studies and maintained control over the actual impacts and compliance with the bridge’s Environmental Management Plan.

Verde Azul, in addition, provided advice to the Steering Committee for the construction of the bridge, involving routine inspections and follow-up visits on site, as well as the development and implementation of an integrated monitoring matrix to assess the real impact, together with the supervisor and the main contractor.

Review of the Law on Cooperatives in Mozambique (1979) – Phase I

Client – CLUSA
Location – Quelimane and Zambézia – Mozambique
Year – 2008
Time – 2 months

Verde Azul was hired by APAC to coordinate the execution of a study and to propose a new and revised law on cooperatives in Mozambique.

Activities included:

• hiring international legal advisors, as well as an economic analysis of cooperativism as a vehicle for economic growth;
• public debate and working meetings with a large number of decision makers (Ministry of Justice, politicians, associations and existing cooperatives).

The final report with the economic analysis constituted the basis for the legal readjustment of the previous 1979 Cooperative Law.

Review of the Law on Cooperatives in Mozambique (1979) – Phase II

Client – NPCM (Center for the Promotion of Modern Cooperatives in Mozambique) – UNAC, FRUTISUL, CLUSA, APAMO)
Location – Mozambique
Year – 2007 – 2008
Time – 6 months

Commercial cooperatives in Mozambique are an important form of association and a legal entity for farmers to defend their economic interests. There are networks of cooperative companies formed, especially in central and northern Mozambique over the past ten years.

Farmers understand and are interested in joining these cooperative structures, if they offer real benefits to their members. For this, there is a clear need to review the legislation of the cooperatives of July 10, 1979 (Law No. 9/79), still from the time of socialism, with a new draft code under discussion since 2001.

This study, foresees and formulates general observations on the draft code relating to the concept of cooperative organization, taxes, methods of legislation and the capitalization of its members. This economic analysis of the cooperative will be the basis for the legal adjustment of the cooperative in the Law on Cooperatives.

The study, in conjunction with international legal advisors, wrote the part of the explanatory memorandum draft that concerns the cooperative’s economic analysis, giving a legal justification on the basis of the legal adjustment, and took steps to ensure that this agreement covers a wide range stakeholders (farmers, “cooperatives”, Ministry of Justice, politicians, parliamentarians, etc.).

“Translate” the concept discussed internationally to the circumstances of Mozambique before starting to write a draft law, wrote the statutes of the cooperatives, discussed the draft statutes widely, adapting the proposed Law of Cooperatives to the Mozambican legal system.

Provide an explanation to justify the cooperative as a legal entity in the legal system (eg civil law, right to legal persons; tax law, etc.).

The proposed law should be submitted to Parliament for approval in December 2008, involving all interested parties to receive contributions for the drafting of a new cooperative law in Mozambique, with the capacity, in addition to other legal aspects, to create a framework legal favorable, for some types of associations to be able to make profits in their activities.

The project also included consultations with lawyers and national and international cooperative organizations, including members of the Mozambican Parliament to produce the “Draft law on the cooperative”.