World Vision on progress 14th May 2012

The West Gonja Livelihood and Economic development project is a component of the west Gonja Area Development Program (ADP) under World Vision Ghana.

The project which was established last year aims at improving livelihoods and economic resilience of households and local Institutions in the district.

Moreover, it will achieve this by strengthening the capacity of households and selected local institutions to generate income in pursuit of their livelihoods and social services aimed at financial sustainability and poverty reduction. 

However, in an interview with the Area Development Manager of World Vision Mr. Paul  Azeka, has disclose that the project has so far  empowered 33 savings groups and other business units with resources, knowledge and skills and this support has brought about a rise in income levels for their households.

Again, in about a period of four months ago, 33 savings groups consisting of 924 women have mobilized over GH¢ 21,000 an equivalent of USD 13,125 as loan funds for various income generating activities.

Mr. Azeka confirmed that, the project has also built the capacity of 50 cooperatives leaders in businesses and entrepreneurial skills and this has precipitated an upsurge of businesses in the Damongo and surrounding communities.

Consequentially, the project continues to explore the possibility of diversified income sources of local institutions and households for self-sustenance. The project has supported 350 Households with small ruminants (female and male goats) for rearing which is expected to improve their financial and social services.

The earnings of gari traders and processors have also increased as a result of a capacity building training organized for 50 executives of Gari processing groups in the Damongo Township.

Furthermore, the Area Development Program (ADP) also facilitated the Business Advisory Centre to train and equip 20 bee-keepers as a means of alternative livelihood. The scheme has further supported the training of young girls to acquire vocational skills to be self sustaining.

Again, it has also cared for and supported 60 of the most vulnerable children in the district; the Redemption children home now has a poultry project that supplies table eggs for the children. With an additional small ruminant’s project, the Orphanage is gradually moving to a self sustaining level.

Mr. Azeka said, observations has revealed that  leadership skills is the most important skills in enhancing ones business or an institution, so the World vision has seen  it as an essential investment by  enhancing the leadership skills of local Institutions/partners  which has resulted in improved internal accountability, governance and management practices for programme sustainability.

The capacity of 70 heads of institutions, including churches has been built on good governance and leadership. The project further supported the Gonja Literacy project to develop primers and the training of literacy supervisors to promote functional literacy and which has improved the quality of human resource for development.  

Shallom Lumor