LocationsWith SDC Support, Marratane Dam Becomes a Flagship of Decentralization and Inclusive Development in Northern Mozambique
June 17, 2025
In the heart of Naburi, in the Nampula District, the Marratane dam has once again been filled with hope — and water. After years of siltation and degradation, the infrastructure was completely rehabilitated as part of the Iniciativas para Promover a Descentralização Provincial project in Niassa and Nampula, with technical and financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funds from the Swiss Cooperation.
After years of siltation, the dam regained its water storage capacity through the removal of tons of sediment. Along with the reconstruction of the irrigation system, the project directly benefits 247 households, corresponding to 1,482 people, including the local population and refugees hosted at the Marratane Refugee Center.
“The support we received restored our dignity and our ability to feed our families”, says Clementina, a refugee from Burundi and one of the farmers benefiting from the Marratane dam.
“Here we produce tomatoes and vegetables — eggplant, peppers, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, onions, and more. We sell to the city of Nampula and maybe even to some nearby districts. Not everyone who comes to buy here at the Center tells us where they're from. But we know that Shoprite also buys from us — in disguise.
Although we now have water, and we’re truly grateful for this project and for the rehabilitation of our dam, we still need more water... You know how it is. We want more — so we can grow stronger and become a reference point in the Province.”
Clementina, a refugee from Burundi and one of the farmers benefiting from the Marratane dam.
Durable Solutions for Longstanding Challenges
The project went beyond rehabilitating infrastructure. It also included the construction of retaining walls to prevent further siltation, reinforcement of the protective dike, and expansion of the irrigation system with a second supply line. These actions not only ensure the sustainable operation of the dam but also strengthen its resilience to extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts.
In addition to the physical rehabilitation, the project placed strong emphasis on training beneficiaries in good agricultural practices, soil conservation techniques, and community-based water management.
Technology and Knowledge Transfer
The involvement of institutions such as the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Fisheries (DPAP), the Northern Region Water Authority (Ara Norte), the National Institute for Refugee Support (INAR), the Provincial Service of Economic Activities (SPAE), and the Provincial Directorate of Public Works, along with UNHCR, ensured an integrated approach. Through practical workshops, exchanges, and technical visits, local farmers and refugees shared experiences and adopted new agricultural technologies.
Alignment with the SDGs and the National Agenda
The project is part of the PROA (National Food Production Program) framework and directly contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
The impact goes beyond agricultural production. The improvement of food and nutrition security will also bring greater social stability to the Marratane community, promoting cohesion between Mozambicans and refugees and fostering peace and social cohesion.
A More Resilient Future for Marratane
The case of Marratane is an inspiring example of how strong partnerships, participatory planning, and sustainable solutions can transform complex realities. The dam, which was once a symbol of scarcity, is now a source of prosperity.
With the support of the UNDP and Swiss Cooperation, and under the leadership of local authorities, Marratane shows that decentralized development is possible, effective, and, above all, transformative.
Author: Celina C. Henriques, Communication Analyst , Governance and Social Cohesion Unit, UNDP Mozambique
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