<p><strong>WE Effect - CIVSAM project</strong>&nbsp;is addressing the weak farmer organizations and trade associations exacerbated by lack of access to financial services and appropriate information. It is being implemented in the following districts Chitipa, Rumphi, Mzimba, Kasungu, Mchinji, Dedza, Dowa, Ntchisi, Mangochi, Ntcheu, Thyolo, Machinga Chiradzulu, Zomba, Lilongwe, Salima, Chikwawa and Balaka districts. </p>
<p>The project specific Objectives include; </p>
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-roman;">
  <li>To facilitate access to finance by farmers and</li>
  <li>To strengthen farmers organizations leading to increased production and productivity by farmers, and </li>
  <li>To support trade associations in financial services provision and facilitation of appropriate information for production, gender, climate change and market access.</li>
</ol>
<p>To achieve these objectives the project is adopting Study Circle and Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLA) methodologies that have emerged as important tools for education, training and provision of financial services among We Effect partner organizations in Africa in the implementation of partner outreach initiatives. <br />As a Technical Partner specialized in financial services and cooperative development, MUSCCO is supporting Trade Associations in the methodologies to roll out and development of appropriate materials for VSLAs record keeping and Study Circle reference materials in various value chains. <br />The project is also supporting MUSCCO’s outreach initiatives using both study circles and VSLAs for strengthening of member Saving and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) and increase membership, and also strengthening advocacy role for a friendly regulatory environment. </p>
<p><strong>Expected Outcomes</strong><br />The expected outcomes are;</p>
<ul>
  <li>Enhanced uptake by civil society organizations of the two methodologies at higher level.</li>
  <li>Improved agricultural productivity at lower levels (farmer level). </li>
  <li>MUSCCO network expansion through outreach initiatives that will lead to increased membership and improved system</li>
</ul>
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