This campaign has now closed
This programme will work with 1000 families to transform 50 vulnerable communities by improving agricultural production, nutrition, household incomes and access to markets.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
The need • Liberia is among the poorest countries in the world, ranked 176th of 179 countries in the 2008 UNDP Human Development Index. • Gbarpolu County is particularly vulnerable due to its isolation and lack of infrastructure. • Over 60% of the population is living in fear of starvation and malnutrition rates are high, with stunting affecting 29.6% of children. • Only 16% of households have access to safe water, so incidences of intestinal diseases and general poor health are high, particularly among children under 5. Mercy Corps’ response • To improve access to safe water and to raise awareness of good health and hygiene behaviours. • To emphasise community participation, particularly involving local women’s groups to train mothers in child malnutrition prevention. • To involve communities in the maintenance and management of wells. • To improve access to markets, increase and diversify food production and build the capacity of local associations and government agencies. Expected Results A comprehensive nutrition and food security programme measured by the following: 1. Agricultural livelihoods: • 500 families reporting increased yield of 100% or more in targeted farming activities • 600 families engaged in 2 new types of farming enterprises 2. Nutrition of vulnerable populations: • 75% of mothers in target communities participating in nutrition and hygiene activities. • 75 % of children of participants with improved nutritional status as assessed by wasting/stunting. • 75% increase of households utilising year-round clean water sources. 3. Economic and social resources for long-term food security: • 25 communities with improved access to markets through improved road infrastructure • 50 % increase of in sales of supported agro-processing and input supply businesses • 10 community infrastructure projects successfully completed with sustainable maintenance and management plans in place. 4. Involvement of public institutions and civil society: • 50 target communities with actively engaged farmer groups • 3 District Development Committees participating in ag livelihoods programme planning and implementation. • 2 local NGOs / CBOs implementing livelihoods programmes Funding request The European Commission has committed €1,002,357 (80%) of the total budget for this project, conditional on Mercy Corps securing the remaining €250,590 in co-financing. To date, we have secured €89,590 from other funders.