People in Traditional Authority Kapoloma in Machinga have hailed a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) called Area 25 Consulting for implementing a project in the area which is aimed at improving livelihoods through sustainable off farm enterprises.
The project which commenced in December 2016 with funding from Trocaire includes stove production and formation of village savings and loan groups.
In an interview on the sidelines of an open day in Nkhweya Village in the district recently, Sales and Marketing Manager for the organisation Tendai Chambati explained that three groups in villages of Nkhweya, Masese and Mweura were trained in stove production. Eighty percent of the trained people are women.
“Currently, the groups produce the stoves and Area 55 Consulting provides market linkages for the sale of stoves. In addition to the stove initiative, Area 55 Consulting is also providing solar systems for solar kiosks which have just been given to Nkhweya stove group. We are geared to provide Lighting Africa approved solar products to members of the group who will run kiosks where they will be offering services such as charging mobil phones,” Chambati said.
Chambati added that the project also managed to establish woodlots to sustain firewood source in the project area, such that a total of 35, 000 trees have been planted.
One group member, Esther N’gomba expressed gratitude for the initiative, saying her life has improved.
“I joined the group in February last year and I have managed to purchase cement and I will soon be extending my house; unlike in the past, I am now able to send my children to school without.
Another member Fatima Mbepile said before the project was launched in the area, poverty, especially amongst women, was so rampant.
According to Project Coordinator for the organisation, Josephine Muzira Ngayivale, there are plans to extend the project to other districts such as Dedza
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