With funds from the Government of Ireland, Welt Hunger Hilfe has disbursed Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand New Leones cash for domestic animal rearing in Barri and Makpele Chiefdom, Pujehun District.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Nutrition Smart Community Project, aims to address the insufficient meat consumption in the two chiefdoms. Hawa Bockarie, Project Manager at Welt Hunger Hilfe, emphasized the importance of promoting good protein practices through this endeavor.

Under the project, 25 beneficiary groups, comprising 13 in Barri Chiefdom and 12 in Makpele Chiefdom, received Ten Thousand New Leones to purchase chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, and other domestic animals.

Hawa Bockarie stressed the need for beneficiaries to procure the animals within a month, cautioning that failure to do so would require the return of the disbursed funds.

Regent Chief Emmanuel Egugiama, Mustapha, of Barri Chiefdom, highlighted plans to collaborate with local authorities to implement bylaws ensuring the welfare of the domestic animals. He affirmed their commitment to monitoring and supporting the initiative.

Madam Baindu Sombie, representing the Pujehun District Council, expressed gratitude to Welt Hunger Hilfe for their contribution to local development efforts, reaffirming the council’s readiness to collaborate with developmental partners.

Edward Kaiyimba, District Livestock Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry emphasized the importance of the initiative in reducing the need for residents to travel to other provinces to purchase animals for various ceremonies. He pledged the ministry’s support in monitoring the project and conducting vaccine campaigns.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the support and pledged to utilize the funds responsibly for the intended purpose of enhancing domestic animal rearing in the district. They echoed their commitment to contributing to the success of the initiative.