Youth Initiative for Community Development (Yicod) project coordinator Leonard Emiliyo has urged stakeholders to implement initiatives that improve the livelihoods of women and youths in the country.
He made the remarks in Traditional Authority Kachere in Dedza District on Monday when Yicod distributed 60 goats to women and youths in the area.
Emiliyo said the distribution involved giving five goats to each of the 12 beneficiaries aims to empower vulnerable people and help them adapt to climate change.
He emphasised the need for communities to embrace both crop and animal husbandry.
“The project aims at improving livelihoods in communities in this area. We want to empower people economically and, with the effects of climate change, farmers need to adopt diverse farming practices,” said Emiliyo.
One of the beneficiaries, Lokesi Esimu from Chingwalu Village under Traditional Authority Kachere, said the goats will support her household.
“I thank Yicod for considering me in this initiative. I will ensure that the goats are well taken care of as they will not only help me, but also everyone in our household,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Letina Msiska, 19, from Tchanga Village, said the goats will provide manure for her fields. She encouraged other youths to engage in farming instead of being involved in unproductive activities.
“I appeal to other youths to join farming activities instead of engaging in bad behaviours,” she said.
