Implicações socioeconômicas do mercado informal de terras na Matola: o caso do bairro de Ndlavela, 2013-2024

Abstract

This study analyzes the socioeconomic implications of the informal land market in the Ndlavela neighborhood, in the city of Matola, between 2013 and 2024. The investigation starts from the recognition that, despite the existence of a legal framework that regulates land use in Mozambique, such as the Constitution of the Republic, Law No. 19/97 and the Land Regulations of 2006, urban expansion in peripheral areas occurs, to a large extent, outside formal channels. The accelerated growth of the neighborhood and the high demand for housing have driven informal land acquisition practices, generally lacking legal documentation. The research had the general objective of analyzing the effects of this dynamic on the lives of residents, seeking, specifically, to identify the characteristics of the informal market, evaluate the effectiveness of public policies for territorial planning and propose strategies for land regularization. A mixed methodological approach was adopted, combining interviews, questionnaires, direct observation and document analysis. The results reveal that the informal market is sustained by practices such as spontaneous occupation and purchase of plots through verbal agreements or informal contracts, generating insecurity of tenure, conflicts, and difficulties in accessing basic services. It was also found that existing public policies, although consistent in legal terms, face significant operational obstacles, such as lack of resources and weak institutional coordination. In response, strategies such as simplifying the process of allocating DUATs (Land Use and Development Rights), investing in infrastructure, and promoting community awareness and legal support actions are suggested. It is concluded that tackling land informality requires an integrated approach that combines social justice, community participation, and effective urban planning.