Interim Update:

Balagualuzu and Voinjama Sites (April – May 2025)

There are two project sites: Balagualuzu (main site) and Voinjama (poultry site).

Balagualuzu, a remote rural area, holds the greatest potential for impact on pregnant women and young children. However, during the rainy season, access to Balagualuzu became impassable due to severe road closures. As a result, many project activities were temporarily relocated to the more accessible city of Voinjama.

Despite logistical challenges, Balagualuzu remains a high-priority location for agricultural development due to its fertile soil. The current focus at this site is groundnut (peanut) cultivation. Direct and indirect expenses related to this activity amounted to $700, representing 70% of the overall agricultural budget. The groundnuts are expected to be ready for harvest in 60–90 days and will contribute to both the community’s nutritional programs and as a key ingredient in chicken feed.

Key Achievements:

• Land Preparation: Farmland was successfully cleared and prepared for planting.
• Seed Preparation & Planting: 76 kg of groundnut seeds were processed and planted.
• Local Employment: Over 80 local workers were engaged in land clearing, digging, planting, and other support tasks—strengthening community involvement and livelihoods.
• Potato Bed Construction: 116 raised beds were constructed for potato cultivation, each measuring 15 ft (L) × 2 ft (W) × 1 ft (H).
• Worker Support: Daily meals were provided to all workers and volunteers throughout the activity period.

These foundational efforts are expected to yield a productive harvest, enhancing food security and advancing community development goals.

Nutrition Program (June – July 2025)

The nutritional support component, funded by BreaktheTide, is a part of the project’s long-term plan. To date:

• More than 30 pregnant women and 50 children under the age of five received a total of 210 chicken eggs as nutritional support.
• The eggs were sourced from AgroHealth Solutions poultry farms in Fagonda and Voinjama (Lofa County).
• Additional food crops including cassava, potatoes, and beans have also been planted.
• The groundnut farm is nearing harvest, signaling the next phase of the integrated agricultural and nutrition initiative.

Interim Update

“This project helped me learn how to dig potato beds. It also gave me some money to support my children’s needs” – Local worker

“We had never seen this kind of project here before. It give out youth something positive to do” – Community Elder

Balagualuzu and Voinjama Sites (April – May 2025)

Since April 30, 2025, the CAN Africa team has utilized funding from BreaktheTide to support a range of agricultural and nutritional activities. To date:

• 76 kilograms of groundnuts (peanuts) and 11 kilograms of potato vines have been procured and planted.
• Over the past 30 to 45 days, efforts have focused on preparing additional land for the cultivation of groundnuts, beans, and potato vines.

In partnership with AgroHealth Solutions and Roads to Health, CAN Africa is preparing to expand poultry operations in Voinjama. Plans include raising chickens to 20 weeks of age before transferring them to Balagualuzu once weather and road conditions improve.

Due to the ongoing rainy season and transportation challenges, the full planting season may be delayed by an additional 3 to 8 months. In the interim, cassava and pepper have been planted using alternative funding sources (outside of the BreaktheTide grant) to sustain existing food support efforts.

The first harvest is expected within 90 to 120 days. A portion will be allocated for immediate consumption, while the remainder will be preserved as seed stock for the next planting cycle.

Nutrition Program (June–July 2025)

With support from BreaktheTide, CAN Africa and its partners provided over 210 chicken eggs to more than 30 pregnant women and 50 children under the age of five as part of a targeted nutrition initiative. Additionally, food crops including cassava, potatoes, and beans were planted to further strengthen household nutrition and food security.

Change Agent Network Africa, Inc. (CAN Africa) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a mission to bring about a positive impact in the lives we touch. We aim to become a force of change all across the globe. We seek to help the underprivileged, less fortunate members of the community and improve their quality of life.