Leprosy Mission unveils livelihood programme for inmates

The Leprosy Mission in Nigeria is launching a significant empowerment program aimed at providing sustainable livelihoods for over 2,000 individuals across six northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative, set to conclude by December 2028, will run concurrently in the FCT, Kogi, Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, and Sokoto states.

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The target groups are persons affected by leprosy, persons with disabilities, women and girls, youths, Smallholder farmers, community groups, civil society organisations, vulnerable and rural households.

Program Officer Habila Diko outlined the diverse target groups, which include persons affected by leprosy, individuals with disabilities, women and girls, youths, smallholder farmers, community groups, civil society organizations, and vulnerable rural households. The specific number of beneficiaries in each state will be determined by the prevalence of leprosy and disabilities within those areas.

Diko further stated that the Mission will engage over 300 civil society groups, equipping them with skills to advocate for and influence public policy concerning environmental sustainability and adaptive agriculture. By 2028, beneficiaries are expected to have improved access to sustainable livelihoods through skills development and the adoption of technology.

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The Mission will also engage over 300 civil society groups through skill development to advocate and influence public policy on environmental sustainability and adaptive agriculture.

The program's core focus areas include climate change adaptation, environmental sustainability, adaptive agriculture, sustainable livelihood creation, gender equality, disability inclusion, and strengthening civil society participation. Specifically, 1,500 farmers will receive training on climate-resilient farming models and disaster risk assessment and prevention.

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The Mission will equip 1,500 farmers with skills on climate change, resilient farming models, disaster risk assessment and prevention.