MLBP Annual Report 2008

We are proud to report the major achievements, challenges and impacts at national level as well as in the two lakeshore districts of Salima and Mangochi with focus on the great successes on issues of gender, rights and inequalities in terms of economic and social empowerment of women through adult literacy programme, study circles and group savings and loan (GSL).

Since its start in 2006 the MLBP has generated big changes in power relations, rights and responsibilities in the targeted groups. There is an overwhelming female participation in market and business oriented enterprises, considerably more women are accessing decision-making positions in the society than before. It was noted in 2008 that about 70% of leadership positions across the targeted districts in the sampled households are hold by women.

The period under reporting also had significant impact in promotion of local economic growth, business development, market oriented agriculture and mitigation of the consequences of HIV/AIDS and other causes of socioeconomic vulnerability.

The promotion of farming as business, the establishment of groups savings and loans together with the introduction of high value commodities, post harvesting technologies and collective marketing constitute the pillars for transforming subsistence agriculture into business oriented rural enterprises.

Mr Dyborn Chibonga - The Chairman of the Board
Dr Marcelo Dougnac - Programme Director