Maimu Women Agriculture Project

Republic of Liberia

Amount: € 34,527.00

Overview

The objective of the project undertaken by the Women of Liberia Peace Network (WOLPNET) was to increase the income and the earning capacity of forty-five women from vulnerable households as well as to create employment opportunities for sixty other war-affected female residents from the Maiumu Salala district of Liberia. This was achieved via the formation of an agricultural cooperative which helped the women to strengthen their business entrepreneurship skills, maintain viable agricultural and economic activities as well as build an income generating base for themselves and stimulate employment opportunities within the local community. This project supports Aspiration 1 of Agenda 2063 which calls for a prosperous Africa, based on inclusive growth and sustainable development and Aspiration 6 which seeks an Africa whose development is people-driven, especially relying on the potential offered by its youth and women.

Key results

• WOLPNET empowered 105 Liberian women directly benefitted from these interventions by providing them with the opportunity to earn their own incomes, provide for their families and eliminate their dependence on food rations.
• The Maimu Women Agriculture Project facilitated the clearing of 75 acres of farm land which enabled the planting of cassava for sale at local markets. The organisation procured the necessary tools and materials required to improve agricultural output. Furthermore, the project worked closely with the Cooperative Development Association (CDA) of Liberia to establish the Maimu Women Agriculture Cooperative.
• The beneficiaries and project coordinators worked in unison with the Cooperative Development Agency of Liberia (CDA) to ensure the Maimu Women Agriculture Cooperative met all the requirements for government accreditation. 45 Liberian women directly benefitted from the establishment of the cooperative, and now earn incomes due to its establishment.
• 25 women were empowered with literacy skills through programmes that improved the women's self-confidence and independence for the beneficiaries to open their own businesses and improve their employment prospects.