From theory to application: measuring development disparities in Mozambique through an Odum-inspired emergy framework

This study proposes an integrative framework for assessing development disparities grounded in Howard T. Odum’s systems ecology and emergy theory. Drawing upon the Five Sector Sustainability (5SEnSU) model, the framework captures economic, environmental, and social dimensions of performance through a systemic and energetically grounded lens. Using Mozambique and its trade relationships within and beyond the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as a case study, the IDEAS index (Integrated Development Emergy Adjusted Score) is introduced. It is based on five normalized indicators: GDP per unit of emergy, GDP per capita, GDP per workforce, GDP per CO₂ emissions, and GDP per population below the poverty line. Results for 2014 reveal pronounced structural disparities, with Mozambique exhibiting one of the lowest performances (IDEAS = 0.076) and disparity ratios exceeding 12 in comparison to developed countries. By embedding Odum’s principles of energy hierarchy, feedback, and self-organization, the proposed framework offers a robust tool for diagnosing systemic imbalances and guiding ecologically informed development strategies. This contribution aims to operationalize Odum’s legacy within international sustainability assessments and offers a more coherent alternative to conventional economically centered metrics.