Intervention(s)
To address three critical constraints to climate adaptation infrastructure—technical knowledge, liquidity, and cooperation—we have designed a multifaceted intervention. Based on recommendations from an engineering team and tailored to the unique characteristics of each city block, we propose locally viable flood mitigation projects to overcome technical knowledge gaps. Community meetings are organized to facilitate collaborative decision-making and strengthen local cooperation. Liquidity constraints are mitigated by providing a small grant. This innovative, community-driven approach to disaster risk management empowers communities to select and implement their own climate adaptation projects.
1. Technical Knowledge
To address constraints in technical knowledge, we propose one flood mitigation project for each city block. To ensure these projects are technically sound and contextually feasible, we establish partnerships with international and local experts.
Together with the Portuguese university Instituto Superior Técnico and the Swiss engineering company MHYD, we collect relevant in-situ data, conduct hydraulic and hydrological studies, and develop a macro water model for Quelimane. In collaboration, we map the drainage canal system, identify key flood risk areas and zones suitable for mangrove replanting, and produce detailed maps to guide our intervention. The international engineering team also recommends a set of flood prevention measures, which serve as the foundation for the proposed flood mitigation projects. Additionally, we partner with local engineers to integrate their insights on existing capacities. They validate the proposed flood prevention measures for both financial and practical feasibility. To further build expertise in mangrove replanting, we partner with the Centro de Pesquisa e Tecnologia do Mar (CePTMar) and two mangrove restoration associations based in Quelimane, ANAMA and ASSOPEZA. These collaborations—both international and local—are critical to ensuring our proposed projects are technically robust and contextually appropriate.
2. Liquidity
To address liquidity constraints, we provide each city block with a small grant to support project implementation. Valued at 5,000 MZN (approximately 80 USD), the grant is announced during the first community meeting and allocated exclusively for purchasing materials needed for the project, rather than being distributed directly to the community.
3. Cooperation
To foster cooperation, we organize three rounds of community meetings. Block leaders are encouraged to invite all residents within their block to participate. To ensure adequate attendance, our team directly invites a share of residents through door-to-door mobilization activities and follows up with text message reminders.
3.1 First meeting
During the first community meeting, the community discusses flooding-related challenges. Residents identify key issues affecting their blocks and propose potential solutions. These challenges and solutions are then classified into smaller, locally manageable ones and larger issues requiring broader responses. Once the list of locally manageable projects is finalized, community members rank them by priority, and our team commits to conducting a technical evaluation before the second meeting.
Additionally, local committees, composed of the block leader and elected members, are formed during the first meeting to facilitate community decision-making. We also announce the 5,000 MZN grant per block, explaining its purpose and allocation process.
3.2 Analysis between meetings
Building on the accumulated expertise outlined earlier, we evaluate the measures proposed during the first meeting from a technical perspective. This process results in five types of flood mitigation projects, all technically sound, financially feasible, and suggested by the communities themselves: 1) cleaning drainage canals; 2) opening and connecting canals to the drainage system; 3) Entulho (using debris to fill holes where water accumulates, reducing water build-up and improving road accessibility) or Abaulamento (using debris to create an elevation in the centre of the road to direct rainwater off); 4) replanting mangroves; and 5) constructing or repairing bridges.
To identify the most suitable recommendation for each block, we develop an algorithm that incorporates: a) the community’s suggestions from the first meeting, b) the geographic location and specific characteristics of each block, and c) our engineering expertise, including the validated flood prevention measures, a detailed drainage system map, and a map of areas proposed for mangrove replanting.
This approach results in one flood-prevention project recommendation per city block, ensures that the selected project aligns with both local needs and engineering best practices, and fosters participation and ownership among community members.
3.3 Second meeting
During the second community meeting, our team presents the flood-prevention project to each block as a recommendation rather than a directive, always allowing the community to make the final choice. This approach respects the community’s deep understanding of local challenges and reinforces a sense of ownership over the selected project. To guide the discussion and support informed decision-making, our team provides detailed maps of the drainage system and mangrove replanting areas, down to the individual block level. As a result, the final project for each block is chosen through a collaborative process that combines community suggestions, our technical assessment, and a final group discussion during the second meeting.
Once a project is agreed upon, the focus shifts to identifying the materials and volunteers needed. This is still part of the second meeting. Each block receives a grant of 5,000 MZN, allocated specifically for purchasing materials required for project implementation. Our team also encourages community members to volunteer their labour and contribute materials they already possess to support the initiative, reinforcing collective effort and engagement.
3.4 Third meeting
During the third and final meeting, the community, guided by its local committee and supported by our team, comes together to implement the project using the volunteers and materials agreed-upon during the second meeting.
In addition to the primary project selected by each community, an awareness-raising campaign is implemented to promote positive flood prevention behaviours and discourage harmful practices. Many blocks suggested this activity during the first meeting, and it is a cost-effective addition to the intervention.
Focus group discussions with a block leader, a member of ASSOPEZA, and other stakeholders determine the content of the awareness-raising campaign, which comprises two phases: 1) Megaphone message: our team circulates with a megaphone, delivering concise messages in both Portuguese and the local language Chuwabu, ensuring broad understanding; 2) Community lecture: our team gathers residents for a 10-15 minute lecture, reinforcing key messages and fostering community engagement.
At the end of the lecture, communities are provided with two types of maps to enhance awareness and understanding: 1) a map of the drainage system, which identifies and categorizes the drainage canals within the block and surrounding areas, and 2) a flood risk map, which highlights the flood risk level for each block. In areas where mangrove planting is feasible, we also provide a one-page instructional guide with practical, locally tailored guidance to support successful planting efforts. This guide was developed in collaboration with CePTMar, ANAMA, and ASSOPEZA.
Finally, we sent text messages to all contacts collected during door-to-door mobilization activities and the three community meetings to reinforce the information shared in the awareness-raising campaign.