Challenges and Opportunities for Spatial Data Infrastructure Development in Mozambique

Abstract

The importance of access to spatial data for development and resource management is widely acknowledged worldwide. Unrestricted, reliable and efficient access to accurate, timely, and up-to-date spatial data may be achieved through a Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI). Thus, most developed countries implemented and continue to develop their SDI. In Africa, there is a growing number of governments committed to SDI development. This paper aims to contribute to initialize an SDI in Mozambique. We identified and characterized through a survey the government institutions producing, sharing, and using spatial data in the country to estimate their potential contribution to the development of the Mozambican SDI. We found 12 institutions producing 15 thematic datasets which can constitute the core of the SDI for Mozambique. Two government agencies have the technical skills and policies to make spatial data available to the public. Based on the possible contribution of these institutions, this paper proposes an SDI for Mozambique based on four pillars: i) organizational framework; ii) legal framework; iii) technical framework; and iv) accessibility.

Integration of Ecosystem Services into Land Use Planning in Mozambique

“…The study's outcomes will be useful for designing and implementing approaches mainstreaming ES into LUP the country. The results could also enhance the existing capabilities to produce, share and use spatial data among Mozambican government institutions (Atumane and Cabral 2019), and help operationalize SEA legal framework.…”

“…Other identified opportunities were the institutional development and the participatory approach recommended by the Land Policy (Conselho de Ministro 1996), which might be useful towards an ES integrative framework. The investment in information technologies and the existence of government institutions already working on spatial data (Atumane and Cabral 2019) are also major opportunities towards a successful ES integrative framework.…”

Investigating an agent based modelling approach for SDI planning: A case study of Tanzania NSDI development

“…Understanding the roles and functions, organizations will be better informed and make better decisions and hence come up with a more reliable strategic planning. Best coordination of NSDI requires both a reliable strategic plan and a clear vision necessary to develop and maintain political support, ensure policy integration, and inclusion of different stakeholders (Giuliani et al, 2015, Gelagay, 2017, Atumane and Cabral, 2019, Lubida, 2019. Also a coordinating body is a key to guide on most important initiatives including creating awareness, technical support to organizations and all issues regarding training and skill development as part of capacity building in the country (Hodza et al, 2015, Käyhkö et al, 2018.…”