We Effect Empowering Households in Choma: 144 Chickens Distributed.

Twenty households in Chief Mapanza’s chiefdom, Choma District, have been empowered with 144 chickens to help mitigate the devastating effects of climate change on livelihoods in the region.

The beneficiaries are members of the Chisembwa Women Association, who received the chickens through the “Pass on the Gift” initiative. This initiative began with 20 households from the Twaagolama Women Association, who were originally empowered by We Effect in partnership with Heifer International through the Choma District Women Association.

During the handover ceremony in Chief Mapanza’s Hamoonde area, where each household received seven chickens, Choma District Commissioner Gamela Sikaleya commended the community for expanding their livelihoods. He urged them to focus on value addition to maximize their economic potential.

Mr. Sikaleya also called on government departments involved in combating climate change—such as Agriculture, Livestock, and Community Development—to collaborate with NGOs like We Effect, Heifer International Zambia, and the District Women Association to further empower households.

He expressed gratitude to We Effect, Heifer International Zambia, and their partners for supplementing government efforts in providing alternative livelihoods.

Heifer International Zambia Director of Programs Chabota Miyoba highlighted that the “Pass on the Gift” model is a sustainable way of empowering rural households, enabling beneficiaries to eventually become donors themselves. Mr. Miyoba thanked the Twaagolama Women Association for passing on their gift to the Chisembwa Women Association after being empowered in 2023.

Choma District Women Association Board Chairperson Hilda Chifwala encouraged the beneficiaries to practice good livestock management and disease control, which will allow them to reap the benefits and eventually invest in goats and cattle. She also urged rural women to join clubs and affiliate with the Choma District Women Association to access economic empowerment initiatives targeting women and youth.

Senior Headman Muyuni, representing Chief Mapanza, acknowledged the positive impact of the initiative on households affiliated with the District Women Association. He urged the beneficiaries to remember the importance of giving back and encouraged them to pass on the gift to others in the chiefdom.

“Blessed is the hand that gives. Those of you who have benefited, pass on the gift to others as well,” Headman Muyuni said.