Even in the covid crisis, VSF continues to work for a better world under the motto of "healthy animals, healthy people, healthy environment"! Thus, in addition to the actions we are currently engaged in ourselves in the Netherlands, we are currently, busy fundraising for our new project 'Livestock for Empowerment' (L4E).

Improved productivity of livestock, improved position for women, youth and their families

L4E, once the necessary funds are in, will take place in the Mzimba and Rumphi districts in Northern Malawi. To make L4E a reality, we are again working with local partners and governments to improve the lives of women, youth and, of course, the animals of Malawi. We also strive once again to establish a sustainable project, ensuring that smallholder farmers have the knowledge and (access to) resources to continue to make a living when VSF focuses on the next project.

With L4E, we want to ensure that women and youth in Malawi are empowered to increase and improve the productivity of their livestock in a sustainable and responsible manner. This has a positive effect on their financial and social position, and that improvement is badly needed. Indeed, in Malawi, more than 85% of the population depends on small-scale agriculture for their livelihoods, and due to land degradation and climate change, this sector is being hit hard. This increases poverty and food insecurity, which unfortunately are already a major problem in the country. For women and youth, the risks are even greater, as they often already lack the opportunities to support and develop themselves. In addition, positive impulses in the agriculture are badly needed to prevent small farmers from resorting to harmful industries such as poaching and selling firewood.

Goals and activities

How do we plan to achieve this improvement with L4E? L4E's starting point is to improve animal production. This not only involves better care of these animals, but also promotes the living conditions and economic independence of women, youth and their families and their access to and control over livestock yields. This increases a household's annual income, improves health and food security, develops resilience to the negative impacts of climate change, empowers women and youth, and strengthens the social, organizational and management capacities of supported farmer groups. Specifically, this includes strengthening the capacity of women and youth in animal health and production techniques to improve the production of animals they keep. Farmer groups are also being established and trained that will be the starting point for implementing various interventions. In addition, farmers can receive credit to invest in their livestock and access the services of animal health workers in the community to treat their animals. Ultimately, the project aims to improve the living conditions of 2.500 households, and thus has as many as 12.500 direct beneficiaries!

Would you like to make a contribution?

We are currently working hard to get the L4E budget in place so that we can start this project as soon as possible. The total budget is 120,000 euros, we are already over half way through our fundraising! So we can really use your help. Donate an amount of your choice via the link below and spread the word, the farming families in northern Malawi and their livestock will be very grateful.

https://dierenartsenzondergrenzen.nl/doneer/

Want to know more about this project or VSF's work in general? Then send an email to coordinator@dierenartsenzondergrenzen.nl or intern.dzg@gmail.com or approach us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.