Mozambique and Angola have both seen horrific civil conflict and massive displacement of population, both internally and across borders to neighboring states. The result has been virtual depopulation of many rural areas, with a consequent fall in production as those displaced are necessarily dependent on food aid and other assistance to survive. The task of restoring peace is complicated, but the transition from emergency humanitarian aid conditions to development and growth has proven more difficult in some respects than had been anticipated, and indeed has still not been achieved in many areas. This brief paper discusses some issues relevant to this debate, focusing on the transition from resettlement and rehabilitation to true development and growth.