By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, August 7, Mana: Councilor for Likoma, Earnest Gulu has commended Invest in Early Years Project (IEYP) saying it has improved livelihoods of the people in the district.

He said this Sunday during an orientation meeting integrated homestead farming   organized for IEYP beneficiaries and community leaders in the district.

"For the past four years, we have managed to reduce mortality rate, maternal rate, infant rate and people's diet has greatly improved because of the project," said Gulu.

He said the nutrition status of people has improved due to the pass on project of livestock, adding that people have a variety of fruit trees and vegetable gardens.

Apart from improving nutrition status, he said women and young girls are now attending antenatal services, delivering at the hospital hence reducing death rate among mothers and babies.

He then asked World Bank to replace the project once it phases out so that many people should benefit hence sustaining their livelihoods.

Project Coordinator for IEYP in Likoma, Vision Mkumbwa said the orientation was aimed at improving food security in integrated households in the district.

"IEYP has done a number of activities in the district for example pass on of livestock, giving out vegetable plants and different varieties of fruits. People now have a lot of vegetables and fruits within their reach unlike in the past so food security and nutrition status has improved," explained Mkumbwa.

He said the aim of the project is to improve nutrition status of the targeted households such as under five children, lactating mother's and adolescent girls.

The five-year project which is being funded by World Bank District is expected to phase out next year in Likoma.