Urban Profiling was conducted in three cities in Mozambique: the capital of Maputo, situated on the southern coast of the country; the medium sized Nacala, situated on the northern coast; and the smaller town of Manica, situated inland, in the middle of the country and close to the Zimbabwean border. 



The initial data gathering exercise started with locating urban key stakeholders representing the three cities. These were interviewed, and during the discussions, additional resources were identified. Following an extensive trail of telephone calls and messages, a draft report was compiled. The draft report served as basis for a technical consultation though a workshop, where the central government, municipalities, academia and NGOs participated and discussed the study findings. 


The participants confirmed that challenges and potential identified by the Urban Profiling approach were significant, but only giving general directions. It was therefore agreed that the profiling exercise should proceed, and be adopted as methodology for planning diagnostics in Mozambican municipalities. 


It was also noted that there was inadequate data on the local level. This was particularly acute when it came to local statistical indicators, gender and environmental issues. The collection and publication of indicators pertinent to the four focus areas is therefore limited in this publication. The three cities, normally published in separate reports, is for the same reason compiled here together.


The Urban Profiling is a rapid, action-oriented assessment of urban conditions, focusing on priorities, capacity gaps, and existing institutional responses at the local and national levels. The purpose of the study is to develop urban poverty reduction policies at local, national, and regional levels, through an assessment of needs and response mechanisms, and as a contribution to the wider-ranging implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. 


The study is based on an analysis of existing data and a series of interviews with all relevant urban stakeholders, including local communities and institutions, civil society, the private sector, development partners, academics, and others. This consultation typically results in a collective agreement on priorities and their integration into proposed capacity-building and other projects, all aimed at urban poverty reduction.


 The Urban Profiling is being implemented in over 20 African and Arab countries, offering an opportunity for comparative regional analysis. Once completed, this series of studies will provide a blueprint for central and local authorities and urban actors, as well as donors and external support agencies.


The Urban Profiling consists of three phases: Phase one involves rapid profiling of urban conditions at national and local levels. The capital city, a mediumsized city, and a small town are selected and studied to provide a representative sample in each country. The analysis focuses on four themes: governance, slums, gender and HIV/AIDS, and the environment. 


Information is collected through standard interviews and discussions with institutions and key informants, to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the national and local urban situation. The findings are presented and refined during city and national consultation workshops and consensus is reached regarding priority interventions. 


National and city reports synthesize the information collected and outline ways forward to reduce urban poverty through holistic approaches. Phase two builds on the priorities identified through pre-feasibility studies and develops detailed capacitybuilding and capital investment projects. Phase three implements the projects developed during the two earlier phases, with an emphasis on skills development, institutional strengthening, and replication.