The COMSIP Cooperative Union Limited has imparted over 350 members of selected COMSIP groups with knowledge and tools required to venture into value addition.
The cooperative union wants the groups to start transforming raw materials into market-ready products capable of competing on both local and international markets.
Livelihoods specialist at COMSIP, Ernest Jumbe said the union hopes to equip various groups with knowledge that can help to unlock access to new markets, establish sustainable enterprises and improve overall household livelihoods.
“We are using the Magomero Community Development College to train these groups and we are hopeful that more people will benefit,” said Jumbe.
Jumbe said through the programme, beneficiaries are receiving specialised training in diverse value addition skills.
“At the end of the trainings, participants are also being supported with simple start-up equipment to venture into their respective value addition initiatives,” said Jumbe.
Among others, participants are being trained in wine production, potato crisps making, peanut butter production, sausage making and juice making.
“In the end, we want these trainings to act as a catalyst for economic growth for people,” he added.
One of the participants, Lucy Banda, commended COMSIP for organising the training, saying it has been an eye opener.
“Personally, I have been equipped with knowledge on how I can make sausage, one of profitable businesses in my community,” said Banda.
