VESA- a ladder to exit from dependency!
018 Kebele residents of Wadla district of North Wollo Zone have formed a Village Economic and Social Association called "Star" in Amharic "Kokeb" through the guidance of Livelihood for Resiliency Activity project. The association comprises 14 couples (generally 28 husbands and wives) identified as poor.
Members save twice a month and devise a system where they can borrow three times their savings. Two percent of what they save will be used for members for various social activities, such as during the times of death, happiness, illness, etc. According to W/ro Sebeli Setegn, leader of the “Kokeb” VESA, it has resulted in a strong social bondage among us. W/ro Sebeli said, "We are taught on how men and women are treated equally in social, economic and all other aspects of society, and are not discriminated against on the basis of our gender." As a result, it has helped women to complement each other's work by comparing men's work with women.
Since its inception in June/ 2017, "Kokeb" VESA members have saved over 28,000 birr and have invested 26,390 Birr on member loans.
The main goal of the project is to improve the livelihood of the poor by engaging them in different value chains (income generating) activities. In this regard, the project has linked beneficiaries to get loan from financial institutions (ACSI) and have started shoat fattening, poultry raising, improved wheat and potato seed production, and other off-farm activities.
Farmer Haile Kassie, a longtime safety net beneficiary, is the father of seven children (Male 1, female 6). Ato Haile is already graduated since 2019.
The farmer said, "I have worked and improved my life the way the project has shown me. I earn a good income through fattening sheep, raising poultry, producing improved wheat, and trading beer, soft drinks, tea and tella (local beer) working together with my wife. I changed my house from a small hut to a corrugated iron house, built additional house in a nearby town with 100 thousand Birr. Today, I fulfill my own needs; I’m also able to support my children to go to school. Moreover, I’m able to cope with emergencies. That’s why I requested the kebele to conceal me from project beneficiary list.
However, the farmer did not want to leave his "VESA" membership despite improving his livelihood. Because that from VESA discussion, members including him get a means to exit from dependency on the basis on gender, child development and nutrition, climate change adaptation, permagardening, improved crop production that laid the foundation for livelihood transformation.
N.B -While Donors and consortium partners visiting the VESA.