Elifa Chinengu, a community member from Sukasuka Village in Ntcheu, shares a compelling story of transformation following the Investing in Early Years Project (IEYP).
Since receiving ten chickens in 2020 through IEYP, her household has experienced notable economic changes.
“The chickens provide us with eggs for nutrition and manure for farming. Fertiliser prices have soared, and most of us villagers cannot afford them. So using chicken manure has been a plus in our farming activities,” said Chinengu.
She added that although challenges such as the manifestation of Newcastle disease led to some poultry losses, agricultural experts under IEYP intervened with treatments that helped save part of the flock.
“Through this project we have learnt the impact of keeping livestock at a household level. I sell some of the chickens and sort out other pressing issues,” she added.
IEYP also taught villagers how to prepare diverse, nutritious meals incorporating local crops such as soy, groundnuts, and sweet potatoes. This knowledge has been instrumental in preventing malnutrition among children under five, promoting healthier growth and development.
One of the women in the village, Tariya Chinyoka, lauds IEYP’s impact: “We have gained much from this programme, better childcare education, savings through ‘banki m’khonde’, and improved livestock management. Even though the project has ended, its benefits continue to resonate in our daily lives.”
Ambese Mangochi, another beneficiary, attests to IEYP’s success, having passed on 20 chickens to others and reduced her household’s food shortages.
“I am advanced in years, as you can see, but I eat well. If I need meat, I simply take a chicken from the khola. The project was an eye-opener,” said Mangochi.
Chickens provide us with manure – Mangochi
The Sukasuka community’s experience demonstrates the key impact of IEYP, which was rolled out in 2019 and has since wound up. The project brought integrated early childhood development, nutrition, and livelihood support to the village, as outlined in Malawi’s National Nutrition Policy (2018).
IEYP’s interventions also advance Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 1 (No Poverty), fostering resilient and prosperous communities.
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