Traditional leaders in Dedza district have commended YICOD for engaging various stakeholders in the validation exercise of the results from the baseline survey and the irrigation feasibility study held on Wednesday afternoon.
A couple of weeks ago, YICOD conducted a baseline survey in the areas of three Group Village Heads (GVHs): Kanyama, Kapesi, and Chiluzi, under Traditional Authority Kasumbu, which will serve as a reference point for measuring progress and evaluating impact.
In addition to that, YICOD conducted a feasibility study to determine the viability of a small-scale solar-powered irrigation scheme in GVH Kapesi that will enhance the resilience of women and youths to the effects of climate change and economically empower them, thereby contributing to their livelihood improvement.
During the convening, Group Village Head Chiluzi expressed his gratitude to YICOD for involving them in the dissemination and validation of results, stating that they are often not engaged in such conversations.
“Many organisations come into our area and conduct surveys, but they do not engage us to inform us of the results so we can validate them together. What you (YICOD) have done today is exceptional; we don’t take this for granted,” he said.
Group Village Head Kanyama agreed with his counterpart, saying that what YICOD has done shows that it puts community-led initiatives at the forefront. He later stated that most of the results from the survey reflect the reality in the communities.
“I urge you to continue the way you are doing it so we can move in the same direction. It's rare for community members to be informed of survey results after they have been conducted. Most of these results are a true reflection of what is in our communities,” he said.
Group Village Head Chiluzi speaking during the meeting
In his remarks, YICOD’s Executive Director, Andrew Bwanali, stated that the results from the two studies will help the organisation ensure that the interventions being implemented are people-centred and evidence-based, which will also make it easier to track progress and impact of the programme.
Among those present during the validation exercise were officers from different government departments, including social welfare, education, community development, youth, gender, forestry, agriculture, NGORA and traditional leaders, and representatives of women and youth, members of Civil Society Organisations, among others.
With support from IM Swedish Development Partner, YICOD is implementing several interventions targeting women and youth.
