Since its inception in 2017, Emmanuel International Malawi (EIMW) has been dedicated to transforming the lives of vulnerable communities through its Integrated Livelihood Program. Supported by funding from USAID through the World Food Program, this initiative aims to enhance community resilience by fostering sustainable natural resource management and livelihood development. As the program progresses into its third phase spanning from 2022 to 2024, remarkable strides have been made in empowering communities across five Traditional Authorities (TAs) in Zomba District, Malawi.
Through a variety of interventions, the program has positively impacted livelihoods of 23,737 beneficiaries in numerous ways, including but not limited to forestry, energy-saving stoves, beekeeping, pig farming, and village savings and loans.
Forestry: This has been a cornerstone of the program, with initiatives such as nursery establishment and tree planting flourishing. Over 60 community tree nurseries have been meticulously maintained, nurturing more than 500,000 trees. Notably, the integration of moringa trees into homesteads has showcased the program’s commitment to multifaceted sustainability.
Energy-saving stoves: Energy-saving Stoves have gained significant traction, with over 3,400 households embracing the “changu-changu mbaula.” Collaborative efforts with United Purpose further bolstered stove adoption, mitigating firewood consumption and safeguarding forests.
Beekeeping and Hive Production: Beekeeping represents another cornerstone of EI’s Livelihood Program, offering communities a valuable source of income through honey production and related products. By establishing beekeeping clubs and providing training in modern beekeeping techniques, EI equips beneficiaries with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully manage 20 beehives, harvest honey, and market bee products. Moreover, the promotion of beekeeping not only contributes to economic empowerment but also plays a vital role in environmental conservation by supporting pollination and biodiversity conservation efforts.
Goat Pass-On Program: At the heart of EIMW’s Livelihood Program is the Goat Pass-On initiative, which seeks to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities to households in rural areas. Through this program, selected beneficiaries receive female goats, accompanied by training in goat husbandry and management practices. By empowering households with productive assets, such as goats, EI aims to enhance income generation, improve food security, and build asset ownership among rural communities.
Pig Distribution:
In addition to goats and beekeeping, EI’s Livelihood Program includes the distribution of weaner pigs to selected Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs). By providing piglets to community groups, EI aims to create opportunities for income generation and asset accumulation among rural households. Through training in pig husbandry and management practices, beneficiaries learn how to care for their pigs, maximize productivity, and capitalize on the market demand for pork and related products.
Village Savings and Loans (VSL):
The VSL component has been instrumental in promoting financial inclusion, with over 2,100 groups benefiting from financial literacy training and access to revolving funds. Furthermore, the Homegrown School Feeding Program has not only provided nutritious meals to students but also created market opportunities for local farmers.
The program’s impact extends beyond economic empowerment, encompassing nutrition-sensitive activities and school integration initiatives. EI is fostering wholistic community development by equipping communities with the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to pursue sustainable livelihoods, EI is helping to break the cycle of poverty and empower rural populations to build a brighter future for themselves and future generations.