…For Economic Livelihood Project
Traditional Zoe women in Nimba County, Liberia, have applauded the efforts of Plan International Liberia and UN Women for the Alternative Economic Livelihood Project.
Head Zoe woman, Madam Piaseh O. Gonsahn, speaking on behalf of the women over the weekend, praised the two international organizations working together under the banner of EU Spotlight Initiative for targeting women zoes in the intervention.
Working with partners, Plan International Liberia, with funding from UN Women, under the EU Spotlight Initiative, has provided the women climate smart agriculture training to enable them engage in productive farming activities, provided training and support in business development and literacy and village savings and loans association methodology.
During a visit of Plan International Liberia team to the farms of the Zoes, the women demonstrated enthusiasm for the project aimed at transforming harmful traditional practices and improving their livelihood.
Plan International Liberia staff, headed by Macpherson Abu, who is the project manager, accompanied by M &E Specialist, Isaac Davis, Media and Communication Coordinator, Theo Barbi Roberts and Driver, Emmanuel Amos returned from Nimba and Lofa counties following monitoring field visits to get acquainted with ongoing project activities, progress and challenges associated with the implementation.
The team held consultative meetings with beneficiaries, key stakeholders including representatives of UN agencies in the two counties, civil society groups, traditional leaders and county officials to update on the project implementation.
Mr. Macpherson Abu commended leaders of the two counties and district officials for their continues support toward the project and praised the zoes for their enthusiasm and hard work in ensuring the project succeeds in favor of them.
The visits include a tour of the women’s farms in Lofa which has corn and rice ready for harvest and that of Nimba County with Cucumber, okra and beans already harvested.
The women expressed optimism that proceeds from sale of the crops will boost their economic activities and enhance unity among them.
Plan International Liberia and UN Women, in December, 2019 launched the Alternative Economic Livelihood for Traditional Practitioners Project in Tieni, Grand Cape Mount County with Zoes and traditional leaders nation-wide in attendance.
The project aims to increase knowledge and skills of Zoes in village savings loan association (VSLA) methodology, innovative agricultural activities, basic literacy and business development skills that will enable them pursue alternative economic livelihoods and as well increased support and coordination amongst traditional practitioners through small grants as revolving fund for alternative economic livelihood initiatives.
Five Liberian Counties, namely Grand Gedeh, Nimba, Cape Mount, Montserrado and Lofa are currently benefiting from the project with county level activities implemented by county based civil society organizations
