Paper short abstract:

This study delves into the pervasive issue of the marginalization of waste pickers in the outskirts of Beira, central Mozambique. By digging deeper into the multifaceted aspects of territorial marginality and social exclusion this paper contributes to the existing literature on urban marginality.

Paper long abstract:

This study delves into the marginalization of waste pickers (catadores) in the suburbs of Beira, central Mozambique, aiming to explore the territorial and social exclusion they face. The research frames their marginality as a result of historical urban planning, rooted in colonial influences and exacerbated by post-independence factors such as migration and urban expansion. Focusing on the informal bairro of Macuti, the study employs qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews and literature analysis.

Findings reveal that catadores in Beira experience both physical and social marginalization, stemming from discriminatory colonial urban planning and persistent post-independence challenges affecting marginalized communities. Despite having a self-identified home, catadores live in vulnerable, informal, and decentralized spaces exposed to climatic events, facing discrimination. The study suggests mapping marginality in Beira and proposes ethnography as a research methodology for community involvement in future projects.

By shedding light on the challenges faced by catadores in this specific geographic and social context, this work aims to deepen our understanding of the complex urban dynamic of African outskirts and advocates for cooperatives as a potential solution for catadores, but cautions that their adoption should be considered cautiously, emphasizing the need for improved living conditions before implementation. Overall, the study contributes to the literature on waste picking and urban marginality, urging for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by catadores and suggesting practical approaches for future interventions.