The Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS) has launched a comprehensive financial empowerment initiative aimed at improving livelihoods and deepening financial inclusion in the Mion District of the Northern Region.

The project, dubbed the RAINS Slaight Foundation Emergency Funding Project, is being implemented in partnership with Kinvia, an international nongovernmental organization and funded by the Slaight Foundation in Canada. The beneficiary communities are Kulinkpegu and Bachaborido.

The initiative seeks to empower smallholder women farmers with practical skills in irrigated farming, value chain development, and household nutrition. Beneficiaries are also receiving farm inputs and improved access to community-based savings and loans schemes to enhance their access to credit for farming and other income-generating activities.

As part of the intervention, solar-powered irrigation systems fitted with water storage facilities and drip or sprinkler technologies are being installed to support year-round vegetable production, improve food security, and increase household incomes.

The project is further strengthening existing Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) and training selected Village Agents to improve efficiency and deepen the culture of savings in the beneficiary communities. It also promotes male participation through the formation of men-led VSLA groups alongside existing associations.

Project Manager Alhassan Abubakari said the initiative is designed to promote grassroots financial empowerment and sustainable agricultural growth.

“This project is about building economic resilience at the community level. By combining irrigation support with financial inclusion strategies such as strengthening VSLAs and training village agents, we are creating sustainable opportunities for women and men to improve their incomes and livelihoods,” he stated.

Residents of both communities expressed appreciation to RAINS and its partners, noting that the intervention would enhance year-round vegetable farming, boost income generation, and improve household nutrition.