Strengthening the voice of vulnerable communities in Mozambique's national social protection system — through independent community monitoring of the Basic Social Subsidy Program (PSSB) in Beira and Caia.
Mozambique's Basic Social Subsidy Program (PSSB), administered by INAS — National Institute for Social Action, delivers cash transfers to the country's most vulnerable citizens — elderly people, people with disabilities, and destitute households. But without independent oversight, even the best-designed program can fail those it's meant to serve.
Between January 2019 and December 2023, ASADEC ran a 5-year community monitoring initiative across Beira and Caia districts in Sofala Province — training beneficiaries themselves to monitor delivery, document gaps, and channel their voice to national authorities.
Funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with INAS, this program strengthened Mozambique's social accountability ecosystem — building the community capacity that continues protecting vulnerable rights today.
Cash transfer programs work — when they reach who they're supposed to.
The Basic Social Subsidy Program is Mozambique's flagship cash transfer, reaching elderly people, people with disabilities, and destitute families. It's the country's most important poverty reduction instrument.
Research shows irregular payments, uneven district coverage, and eligibility gaps in Mozambique's social protection. Rural provinces like Zambezia and Nampula see fewer than 40% of eligible elderly reached.
Communities themselves are the best watchdog. When beneficiaries know their rights and have tools to document problems, state accountability strengthens naturally — and delivery improves.
What guided our 5-year community monitoring work.
Equip beneficiaries and community representatives with monitoring tools, documentation methods, and knowledge of their rights under the PSSB program.
Systematically document payment delays, coverage exclusions, procedural failures, and beneficiary complaints across Beira and Caia.
Create formal channels for elderly people and other vulnerable groups to raise concerns with authorities — bypassing traditional bureaucratic silence.
Work constructively with INAS at district and provincial levels — turning findings into program improvements rather than public accusations.
Feed evidence into national dialogue on social protection reform, contributing to stronger frameworks for delivery quality and accountability.
Leave behind trained community monitors and functioning structures that continue safeguarding beneficiary rights well beyond the program's life.
Five years of continuous work strengthening Mozambique's social accountability ecosystem.
Continuous community monitoring across Beira and Caia — from January 2019 to December 2023.
Deep, sustained work in Beira (urban) and Caia (rural) — two contrasting realities of PSSB delivery.
Recognized quality of program design through European Union funding — a marker of institutional credibility.
Formal partnership with INAS — Mozambique's National Institute for Social Action — the state body responsible for PSSB.
This program formally ended in December 2023 — but its influence continues to shape Mozambique's social protection ecosystem.
Community monitors trained during the program continue safeguarding beneficiary rights across Beira and Caia — long after program completion.
Trust and formal channels built with INAS remain active — allowing ongoing dialogue on social protection quality even beyond the funded period.
Five years of documented findings continue to inform national dialogue on social protection reform in Mozambique.
International funders and national institutions making community accountability possible.
Funds social accountability and community monitoring programs across Mozambique, strengthening civil society's capacity to hold public services accountable.
National Institute for Social Action — the government body responsible for delivering the PSSB and other national social protection programs.
Local implementer with 25 years of community engagement in Sofala Province — with particular expertise in elderly rights and social protection.
Age-inclusive climate emergency response supporting 300 families and 500+ elderly across Sofala.
Community-led monitoring of public schools across Sofala — applying similar accountability principles to education.
Your gift helps us continue strengthening community-led monitoring of Mozambique's social protection system — ensuring public resources reach who they're meant to serve.