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SSDO ESTABLISHES VSLA IN IHENYI COMMUNITY 

Research shows that agriculture contributes about 25 percent to Nigeria’s GDP and employs nearly 70 percent of the country’s population. However, farmers still struggle with low productivity, the adverse effects of climate change, and limited financial access for smallholder farmers. This isn’t any different in Enugu state as farmers are plagued by limited resources and access to financial services, making it even more challenging for farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices. 

Understanding this need, South Saharan Social Development Organization in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria through the Strategic Partnership Agreement II program will establish a Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA ) in its three project communities: Umuogili, Oduma Achara, and Ihenyi to help with the financial constraint. 

VSLA is a self-select savings group that uses members savings to lend to each other so they can grow their businesses. VSLAs offer a community-based financial platform that empowers farmers to invest in sustainable agricultural practices. 

Through these community-driven financial solutions, farmers can secure the necessary funds to implement sustainable farming techniques, thereby contributing to the resilience and prosperity of agricultural communities in the region.

The Ihenyi VSLA has been successfully set up and farmers trained in financial literacy and entrepreneurship. The group has selected its executives and is fully operational. The group will be monitored to proffer technical assistance and guarantee the sustainability and effectiveness of the VSLA operations.

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SSDO ESTABLISHES VSLA IN UMUOGILI COMMUNITY

Research shows that agriculture contributes about 25 percent to Nigeria’s GDP and employs nearly 70 percent of the country’s population. However, farmers still struggle with low productivity, the adverse effects of climate change, and limited financial access for smallholder farmers. 

This isn’t any different in Enugu state as farmers are plagued by limited resources and access to financial services, making it even more challenging for farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices. 

Understanding this need, South Saharan Social Development Organization in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria through the Strategic Partnership Agreement II program will establish a Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA ) in its three project communities: Umuogili, Oduma Achara, and Ihenyi to help with the financial constraint. 

VSLA is a self-select savings group that uses members savings to lend to each other so they can grow their businesses. VSLAs offer a community-based financial platform that empowers farmers to invest in sustainable agricultural practices. Through these community-driven financial solutions, farmers can secure the necessary funds to implement sustainable farming techniques, thereby contributing to the resilience and prosperity of agricultural communities in the region.

The Umuogili VSLA has been successfully set up and farmers trained in financial literacy and entrepreneurship. The group has selected its executives and is fully operational. The group will be monitored to proffer technical assistance and guarantee the sustainability and effectiveness of the VSLA operations.

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JACOB’S WELL EMPOWERS WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS TO COMBAT GBV AND POVERTY

We understand that poverty lies at the heart of unreported cases of Gender-based violence (GBV). Most women are often afraid they will lose their economic support if they report. Statistics show domestic violence has increased in the wake of the hashtag#COVID19 pandemic. Women have a huge role to play in nation-building. Gender inequality, unpaid care, and a largely unskilled women’s group are some issues to name a few that hold them back.

Women’s empowerment is one of the practical solutions to reducing the cases of violence against women. Understanding this, South Saharan Social Development Organization, through its Jacob’s Well program is providing micro-credit to female-owned small businesses. This will help women achieve financial independence and reduce poverty. 

So far in 2024, 31 beneficiaries across four registered cooperatives got loans to grow their businesses. As part of our commitment to financial literacy, they were trained in risk management, savings culture, business record keeping, and cooperative management using the GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS resource manual to help sustain and grow the venture. In addition, we’ve printed and commenced distribution of 1000 copies of our Business Record Book to enhance record-keeping practices among loan collectors, ensuring efficient management of finances and resources.

A sum of 9.5 million naira was disbursed to these women with no collateral required leveraging the social trust within the cooperative mechanism to ensure compliance across the board. We are happy to report that the various businesses are thriving and the beneficiaries are doing tremendously well.

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Reducing Sexual Risk in Children by Improving Parent-Child Communication

Many parents and caregivers need support to effectively define and convey their values and expectations about sexual behavior and to communicate to their children important messages about HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pregnancy prevention.

Understanding this challenge, South Saharan Social Development Organization in partnership with Caritas Nigeria is implementing the Families Matter! Program (FMP). The program is an evidence-based intervention for parents and caregivers of 9-12-year-olds that promotes positive parenting practices and effective parent-child communication about sex-related issues and sexual risk reduction. 

It is a community-based, group-level intervention that raises awareness about the sexual risks teens face today. The project improves parents’ ability to effectively communicate with their children about sexuality and sexual risk reduction. 

Over the last quarter, the implementation of a new session has commenced in Imo and Enugu states. The teams conducted advocacy visits and mobilized five cohorts in each of the assigned Local Government Areas (LGAs). They also reached out to various community and religious leaders and stakeholders to emphasize the program’s impact and sensitize them on its importance.

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Tackling Insecurity and Human Rights Violation in South East Nigeria

South Saharan Social Development Organization participated in the launch of the report “Unveiling the Roots of Insecurity, Healing the Wounds of Human Rights Violations in Southeast Nigeria: A Path Towards Peace, Open Democratic Space, and a Prosperous Future” 

The report was published by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) in partnership with the Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS). Some of the recommendations of the report include:

– The government should shift focus from using the military to the police force to maintain law and order in civilian areas. 

– High priority should be given to Police reform. 

– A robust security plan should be developed. 

– The government should uphold the socioeconomic and cultural rights of people in the southeast. 

– Improve investigation of human rights abuse in communities by leveraging vigilante groups. 

– Hold vigilante groups accountable and ensure they operate within the confines of the law. 

– Incorporate human rights training for all levels of policing.