Impact of Decentralization on Improving the Quality of Life of Residents in the City of Chimoio (2008–2017)

Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, amid structural reforms and the constitutional review process, the Government of Mozambique has recognized decentralization as a central strategy to promote grassroots development. This research aims to analyze the impact of decentralization on improving the quality of life of residents in Mozambique. To achieve this objective, a mixed case study approach was used. Data were collected through bibliographic and documentary research, supported by interviews and questionnaire surveys. The results indicate that the poverty alleviation strategies adopted by the Municipality of Chimoio to improve the quality of life include promoting youth entrepreneurship and financing income-generating projects. The municipal administration has encouraged resident participation in local management. The fiscal decentralization process has shown satisfactory results. During the 4 years and 5 months of governance, the municipality's performance was positive, with 96.5% of targets being met, with 417 of the 435 planned activities having been carried out. It is concluded that decentralization has a significant impact on improving the quality of life of residents. It is recommended that the functional competences derived from fiscal decentralization be maximized, with a focus on improving the collection and management of municipal revenues, to face the challenges that this process imposes.