Reference Study of the Poverty Index of Cotton Producers in Cuiabá

The RESET Foundation has launched a study to measure and understand the depth and characteristics of poverty among the approximately 50,000 cotton farmers in the Cuamba region, Niassa Province. The main objective is to establish a reliable benchmark that will allow for monitoring, over time, the progress achieved in poverty reduction strategies and the improvement of rural livelihoods.

The study uses the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) methodology, adapted to the Mozambican rural context. This approach encompasses various dimensions of deprivation, including access to education, health, housing, and standard of living, offering a more comprehensive analysis of poverty than traditional indicators. This measure helps to identify not only who is considered poor, but also which specific factors contribute to this condition and where targeted interventions are needed.

The research is conducted in partnership with Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) and the World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), institutions with solid experience in in-depth socioeconomic analysis. The link established with the cotton company JFS-SAN facilitates access to smallholder communities, ensuring that the data reflect local realities.

The results of this study will enable RESET and its partners to design specific and integrated interventions that address the underlying causes of rural poverty, promoting the well-being of farming communities in a sustainable and evidence-based manner.