Events

This article draws on lessons learnt from implementing value chain strengthening in Liberia and savings groups in Mozambique under the Supporting Transformation by Reducing Insecurity and Vulnerability with Economic Strengthening (STRIVE) project. Funded by USAID’s Displaced Children and Orphans Fund and implemented by FHI 360, STRIVE examined the effects of economic strengthening initiatives on micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs), households, and children to fill current knowledge gaps on effective approaches to reducing the vulnerability of children and youth. While the program in Mozambique had a child-focused component by targeting mothers with children under the age of two years with nutrition training, the Liberia program targeted rural agricultural farmers and provided ad hoc nutritional messaging during farmer-group meetings. The value chain intervention facilitated linkages between farmers and others in the supply chain of goods and services, such as farm inputs and sales outlets. In both cases, the population relies on agriculture.