Goat Pass-On Project Transforms Lives in Chikwawa Communities
Communities in Chikwawa, Malawi, benefit from a goat pass-on project that empowers them financially and promotes sustainable livelihoods.
CHIKWAWA, MALAWI — Communities from three Traditional Authorities in Chikwawa district have experienced a positive transformation through the implementation of the goat pass-on project by Circle for Integrated Community (CICOD), writes Moses Thole.
The project, funded by Trocare over a three-year period starting in 2020, aims to empower communities financially and reduce their reliance on forest reserves for a living, which contributes to deforestation.
For years, protected forest reserves in the area have been threatened by massive exploitation as communities cut down trees for charcoal production.
However, interventions from CICOD through the goat pass-on project have led communities to halt deforestation activities and focus on afforestation projects.
Esnart Fole, a beneficiary from Traditional Authority Ndakwera, expressed gratitude for the project, stating that her life has completely changed through goat farming.
Under the project, households receive two goats, and when they produce offspring, they pass them on to other households.
Fole said, "Previously, we had nothing to rely upon for a living. Many thanks to CICOD; now, I am focusing on goat farming to earn a living. I am making money by selling goats. Since the project's launch in 2020, I have even bought a bicycle."
The project has also had a positive impact on Mavuto Chiwanda, a 42-year-old under Traditional Authority Ngabu, who can now afford to pay school fees for his child at Makande Community Day Secondary School.
"Through the goats that I received, my life has positively changed. I no longer have time to cut down trees in Lengwe National Park for charcoal production. Moreover, I am paying school fees for my child using income from goat farming. Many thanks to CICOD," said Chiwanda.
The project also emphasises the importance of tree planting to replace those previously cut down, contributing to efforts to combat climate change.
A visit to the area revealed that the land is regaining its lost vegetation.
Mateyu Peter, a community member, has taken steps to establish his own woodlots after receiving training through the project.
He said, "We are raising goats and, at the same time, engaged in afforestation programmes. About ten years ago, our land was completely bare due to tree cutting. But now, the land is covered with vegetation. We no longer cut down trees in the park; our focus is on goat farming."
In addition to the goat pass-on project, CICOD is promoting the establishment of Village Savings Loan groups, where members save and borrow money from each other.
Chief Therere emphasised the fair and monitored distribution process of the goats, ensuring transparency and equal opportunities for beneficiaries.
Edward Thole, CICOD Malawi's Programme Manager, highlighted the organization's commitment to developing the lives of communities surrounding Majete Game Reserve, Lengwe National Park, and Mwabvi Game Reserve in Nsanje district, urging them to move away from reliance on forests.
However, Thole noted some challenges faced by the project, including a lack of interest from some villagers and the need for proper kraals to ensure goat safety.
To date, CICOD has distributed goats to 100 households in the three Traditional Authorities since the project's inception.