Livestock projects empower 90 women’s groups

SIMANJIRO: PASTORAL women in Simanjiro District are turning livestock into a pathway out of poverty after 900 goats were distributed to 90 women’s groups under an economic empowerment programme.

The women from Emboreet, Loiborsoit and Loiborsiret villages have benefited from projects implemented by Nasaru Organisation, which promotes women’s economic empowerment and combats violence against women and children.

Nasaru Organisation Director, Ms Anna Shinini said each beneficiary received 10 goats through her group, alongside training on livestock management, before the animals are fattened and sold or exchanged for calves to sustain the projects.

“We have received great support from the government on various issues, including gender-based violence, and we appeal for continued support so that we can do more to assist communities facing various challenges,” she said.

Ms Shinini said the projects have transformed the lives of many women by enabling them to earn income to buy food, clothing and other household necessities.

“When women have their own projects, their lives change. You see one mother buying roofing sheets and another buying a chair. This also helps them to be recognised as having a contribution to their families,” she said.

Established in 2023, Nasaru Organisation has also drilled three water wells in Emboreet, Loiborsoit and Loiborsiret villages to improve access to clean water.

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The organisation is also preparing to establish a dairy cattle demonstration farm later this month, beginning with two cows, to train women on improved livestock keeping, feeding and milk production.

Ms Shinini said the organisation has received support from various partners, including Georgina Lorencz, who funded the goat project, St Dominic Catholic Church in the United States and Professor Joseph Mbele.

She said the organisation has also rescued six girls who were at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM) and supported five children to access education.

Despite the achievements, Ms Shinini cited inadequate funding as the biggest challenge and appealed to the private sector and development partners to increase support so the programmes can reach more women and children.