A study in Mozambique reflects the key role of cooperatives in achieving SDGs by 2030

(ILO News) Maputo: In Mozambique, a recent study on the cooperative movement as a factor of economic and social development in Metuge district in Cabo Delgado province demonstrates that cooperatives can play a major role in the sustainable development agenda. This projection goes hand in hand to the statement made by ILO Director General during the International Day of Cooperatives on 02 July 2016.

During the International Day of Cooperatives (2nd July), Mr. Guy Ryder, ILO Director General stated that, “It´s not only timely following the unanimous adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development but it also offers an important opportunity to highlight the outstanding work of cooperatives, and their major contribution to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Cooperatives are not a new idea, but are more relevant than ever if we look at the development challenges and opportunities the world faces over the coming decades.”

Today, the world of work is at a crossroads, with the need to create over 600 million new jobs globally by 2030 to keep pace with the growth of the working population. Furthermore, the quality of jobs will need to be improved in order to enable women and men to lift themselves out of poverty and informality.

The ILO has recognized the role of cooperatives as drivers of sustainable development, and remains a strong supporter of the cooperative enterprise model. Noting that cooperatives, together with other micro, small- and medium-sized enterprises, will continue to play a key role in providing decent jobs for all, including young people. They offer a low-barrier entry to the world of entrepreneurship, and play a key role in formalizing work in the informal economy. This leads to better working conditions and enhanced livelihoods for millions of workers and their families around the globe.

Mozambique has about 75.2 % of its population in agriculture, livestock, hunting, fishing and other activities in rural areas where 71.4 % live, mostly women 86.7 % (INE, 2011). The Government approved the “Action Plan for Poverty Reduction " (PARP ) 2011-2014 granting the creation of cooperatives and associations in rural areas as a way to provide economic growth to different social strata , through increased production and productivity agricultural and fisheries to reduce poverty from 54.7 % to 42 % by 2014 .