After four years of efforts to ensure that women within the Tolon and Kumbungu districts are presented with several avenues to develop themselves and their households. This week, the URBANET team engaged stakeholders representing every aspect of the project’s intervention to discuss sustainability strategies to keep the initiatives going as the project ends. These stakeholders included women entrepreneurs, smallholder farmers, religious and traditional leaders, male champions, CBVs, solar hub volunteers, mentees, and children’s safe space reps.

Among the issues that were raised during the discussion were challenges and the successes so far. Since its inception, the WISE project has transformed the lives of many of its beneficiaries, despite the challenges. Some women entrepreneurs who were able to participate in competitions were there to share their experiences.

Amongst the successes that were shared were the child-safe spaces that have been created across the districts. The women stated that the initiative has reduced time poverty by allowing them to perform their daily tasks without worrying about their children’s care. Others mentioned they have been able to establish small businesses with the extra time made. Volunteers or carers at the safe space added that despite the low payment rate, more parents are showing interest, and they have been able to admit more children.

Other issues raised include registering businesses, acquiring a business certificate, its benefits, and the significance of the WISE Solar Hub. And also, the impact of demo farms and agricultural education on their farming. Although CBVs reported challenges in the maintenance and sustainability of demo fields, others have found a way out.

“To ensure proper utilization of the knowledge shared by experts, I ensure that each VSLA group under me owns a demo farm. By so doing, the knowledge is transmitted largely.”

Yussif Alhassan, CBV-Dimabi community

“I take charge of the maintenance of my wife’s farm anytime it is used as a demo field, because I know after harvest, my household benefits from the produce.”

Ibrahim Issahaku, traditional leader

Golinga community

“Earlier this year, I received a call from Esoko at the solar hub, I was informed about the potential drought. I told my husband about this and we were able to determine what and when to cultivate in order not to be affected. This is one of the benefits of the solar hub.”

Nafisah – CBV and Solar Hub Volunteer,

Voggu Community

As for the sustainability of the project, many community leaders and volunteers are already on course to ensure the initiatives brought forth by the WISE project are utilised properly. However, they called on project officers to respond to their calls in case of any difficulty in the future. They also encourage each other to take advantage of the opportunities that have been given to them.