Women hail project for transforming lives

Women in Likoma District have touted the World Bank-funded Investing in Early Years Project for transforming their lives.

The project, launched in 2019, empowered women with skills to prepare nutritious meals to beat stunting among under-five children in the district. The women also received goats and chickens to enable them venture in livestock farming.

In an interview on Friday, Beatrice Kamanga, who received four chickens, said her life has improved.

“The chickens multiplied. I sell eggs and chickens to raise money to buy basic needs and pay school fees for my children,” she said. 

Another beneficiary Anne Nkhoma said she received a goat in a pass-on programme and it has multiplied.

“With the animals, I can sell one to buy food during the lean season,” she said.

Group village head Nkhwemba said besides empowering women economically, the project has imparted cooking and food preservation skills to the women.

He said: “Previously, people used to think that it was impossible to eat six food groups because they live in rural areas.

“However, the project taught them how to prepare nutritious food using locally available foodstuffs.”

Likoma District Council official Felix Banda said the council will support beneficiaries to sustain the project.

“We have so far distributed about 1 300 chickens and 300 goats to households,” he said.

Investing in Early Years Project financial management specialist Chisomo Nayeja commended Likoma District Council for ensuring the project achieves its objectives.

She said: “I am impressed to see women participating in various activities, including livestock farming and raising fruit tree seedlings.

“We have been funding this project through the district council. So, I would say we are satisfied with the progress of the project.”

The five-year project is targeting under-five children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers and will phase out in 2024.