Empowering Local Organizations: IOM’s Role in Strengthening Community-Led Responses to Emergencies in Mozambique

"We cannot bring back what we lost, but we can work toward a safer future. This training showed me that a shelter isn’t just a place to stay—it’s the first step in rebuilding our lives," says Pedro, who was displaced by conflict in 2024 in northern Mozambique.

Once a thriving farmer, Pedro lost his home, business, and farmland following an attack by Non-State Armed Groups (NSAG). Now living in a displacement site in Macomia, he cultivates a small plot to support his family. Despite the challenges, he volunteers with Pronanac and joined the International Organization for Migration (IOM) training on building safer shelters as part of Rapid Response Fund (RRF). “I’m learning new skills to help my community to rebuild," he says. "I lost many things, but knowledge is something no one can take away. Knowing how to build safe homes means knowing how to protect families."

Strengthening local organizations like Pronanac is key to a more effective and sustainable response for displaced communities. The RRF focuses on strengthening local actors to lead humanitarian responses effectively. This fund enables IOM to swiftly mobilize resources in times of crisis, addressing urgent needs such as shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), protection and other services. By empowering local organizations, the response becomes more sustainable and rooted in community needs. "Local organizations understand the context, social dynamics, and challenges firsthand, allowing for more targeted and efficient support.”, explains Albino Santos, Pronanac’s team leader in Macomia. “By strengthening them, we reduce dependence on external aid and promote long-term solutions."

Pronanac volunteers, trained by IOM, are putting their skills into action—cleaning sites, repairing shelters, and supporting their communities. IOM’s capacity-building efforts also improve operation of complaints and feedback mechanisms, sp eed up referrals, and ensure that community needs are addressed efficiently. Albino highlights the impact: “Strengthening Pronanac means better data collection, quicker referrals, and greater community participation in decision-making.”
With IOM’s support, Pronanac has delivered training sessions on essential topics such as camp management, rapid response, protection against sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).

“One major improvement has been training local teams to use the complaint and feedback mechanism to collect and refer concerns,” Albino explains. “Before, communication gaps delayed solutions, but now, with a structured system, we can address issues like water access and support for vulnerable groups more efficiently.”

For Cantina, a camp manager for Pronanac, the importance of preparedness cannot be overstated. “When emergencies strike—whether it's natural hazards, or displacement—we are the first to respond. That’s why strengthening our capacity is essential for the people who rely on us every day.” Today, Cantina plays a role in managing cases and referring issues to humanitarian partners.

Amed, a volunteer with Pronanac and displaced for three years, also highlights the beneficial impact of capacity building support. Serving as a site manager, Amed has learned new skills such as latrine construction, shelter repair, waste management, and hygiene practices. “Volunteering is about giving back,” Amed says. “It’s about making sure we can all stand on our own two feet again.”

The collaboration between IOM and local organizations like Pronanac highlights the critical importance of community-driven solutions in humanitarian response. By equipping local partners with the tools and training they need, IOM is improving conditions for displaced people and fostering long-term self-reliance and resilience. With strengthened local capacities, communities are better prepared to rebuild and create a safer, more stable future.
IOM’s Rapid Response Fund in Mozambique addresses urgent humanitarian needs and supports local organizations. Thanks to the generous contributions from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Embassy of Ireland, these initiatives provide lifesaving aid to communities.