Sustainable & Gender-Sensitive IDP Integration in Pemba Via Urban Durable Solutions

Summary

Given the context of large-scale displacement in Northern Mozambique, the Municipal Council of Pemba City (CMCP), with the support of UN-Habitat and IOM, propose to work synergically on the urban dimension of displacement as an opportunity to ensure a better future for displaced and host communities through increasing IDPs’ integration in urban areas. 

The initiative aims at:

1. Improved social cohesion through participatory and gender-inclusive territorial analysis, planning and management while increasing awareness.
2. Increased living conditions at the neighbourhood scale for women and children (IDPs/HC) by constructing prioritised resilient community and public services infrastructure.
3. Increased local socio-economic resilience of communities through livelihoods diversification while ensuring sharing of experiences and monitoring and evaluation to extract lessons learned.
4. The initiative has a phased approach. The Pemba City Municipal Council is looking to strengthen the implementation and extend interventions to more neighbourhoods within the city; therefore, having the possibility to partner with the Call to Local Action Partners would also give them more visibility to further fundraise and build partnerships for the project.

Impact

1. Building a common and clear understanding of urban displacement dynamics, data, needs and gaps through action and joint planning. 
2. Engage at the neighbourhood level with the hosting community and displaced people in participatory planning and prioritising interventions towards improving public services and infrastructure. 
3. Provide advice and support services to displaced people on employment opportunities, livelihood, and social services for better integration in the city. 
4. Increase capacities of the local government, including training, capacity building and equipment to monitor the achievement of durable solutions.

Lessons Learnt

• Participatory and inclusive action planning strengthened trust among host and displaced communities, including the main implementing partners.
• The local interventions prioritised by the project are influencing public policies and plans.
• Enhanced awareness of social cohesion beyond the project areas.
• The direct implementation of community infrastructure brought employment opportunities and a better impact on families.