Nyachipere Area Program Manager, Samson Semu, told Zodiak Online on Thursday that they have distributed 500 goats under a pass-on program saying they target to distribute 800 goats to 200 households.

According to Semu, they are drilling four new boreholes but also rehabilitating nine old ones.

“We have also distributed 20 beehives for forest management and distributed bicycles to volunteers meant for monitoring various interventions in the area,” explained Semu.

He said; “we have invested K102 million into the goat pass-on program. It includes capacity building of structures responsible and the beneficiaries of the program.

“We have also procured drugs for management and treatment of the animals. The bicycles have cost K3.2 million but we also spent another K8 million towards procurement of 20 beehives.”

The Nyachipere Area Program Programs Manager said the move follows an assessment on various challenges affecting communities in the area.

“So, we are working with Nsanje district council in employing various interventions in a drive to improve their livelihoods. World Vision in New Zealand is bankrolling the interventions.

He hailed the support saying it will make a difference in uplifting the lives of most vulnerable children in the area.

Thokozani Alufazema, from M’bweza village in the area, has received four nanny goats.

She has described the support as a timely intervention saying, “I am economically insecure and could struggle to raise my two children citing paying their fees in future.”

Thokozan says her two children are currently in primary school saying it would be difficult to pay their fees in future given her current economic situation.

The organization says it will serve Nsanje communities for over 10 years.