Volunteers for Sustainable Development in Africa

20/04/2026

From Savings to Success: Marie’s Journey of Empowerment

Meet Marie, a 19-year-old entrepreneur from Liberia who's taking control of her future!

Through the VOSIEDA & Welthungerhilfe LANN+ project, she joined a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) in Gbakpamah Town, Todee District, rural Montserrado County, and received her first loan to start selling assorted produce.

Today, Marie:
• Runs a thriving market business
• Supports her family financially
• Invests in her education

"The VSLA gave me confidence & a future!" - Marie

Marie’s story shows the power of community-driven solutions to build resilience, improve food security, and empower women across Liberia.

Together, we are creating opportunities where they are needed most.



Below is Marie standing at her market stall, smiling confidently

Powering Prosperity and Livelihoods TransformationsWe empower smallholder farmers to turn subsistence farming into thriving family businesses—boosting incomes and strengthening food security.Get Details Protecting the climate by protecting natureWe work to protect ecosystems, promote the sustainab...

13/02/2026

Strengthening Forest Protection and Sustainable Livelihoods in Liberia

In Liberia’s forest-rich counties of Nimba and Lofa, communities are protecting the Upper Guinea Forest Ecosystem while improving rural livelihoods through a BMWK-supported initiative implemented by VOSIEDA in partnership with Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e.V.

The project supports forest-dependent communities to adopt climate-smart agriculture and sustainable forestry practices that reduce deforestation while sustaining food security and incomes. Sixty farmer cooperatives—engaging about 600 smallholder farmers—have been organized and registered to pilot deforestation-free cocoa and rice production models, demonstrating that conservation and productivity can advance together.

At the national level, stakeholder coordination has advanced the development of a multi-stakeholder deforestation platform, strengthening collaboration among government, civil society, and the private sector. Media and awareness campaigns further promote sustainable land-use practices.

Since 2025, the initiative has strengthened local forest stewardship, improved cross-sector collaboration, and created sustainable livelihood pathways that align conservation with economic resilience.

13/02/2026

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10/12/2025

Today, on Human Rights Day, we wrap up the . However, VOSIEDA’s stand against Gender-Based Violence continues.

From the physical world to the digital space, we UNiTE to protect women and girls everywhere.
Violence is not inevitable; it is preventable. And it starts with us.

Thanks to our partners and stakeholders for being together against GBV.

09/12/2025

"I can now speak openly in community forums about my journey, encouraging other women to break the silence around gender-based violence," said Yah, a young mother in Seaplay, Nimba County.

Yah faced repeated violence from her partner and felt trapped and voiceless. With limited knowledge of her rights and no support system, her situation seemed hopeless. That changed when she connected with VOSIEDA’s Gender Officer through the farmer group, who guided her through the process of reporting the abuse and accessing psychosocial support. Through VOSIEDA’s intervention, Yah’s case was resolved by the community conflict and grievance redress committee, and she received protection and counseling from the county gender office.

Sweden supports VOSIEDA’s work to facilitate climate-smart agriculture techniques that empower smallholder farmers, mainly women, and youths, to employ sustainable farming practices in rural Liberia.

05/12/2025

VOSIEDA joins the fight against gender based violence. Everyone deserves to live equally.

27/11/2025

Today, Volunteers for Sustainable Development in Africa conducted a Nutrition Health Training session in Paul Reeves, Grand Bassa County. Participants from the five project communities: Elephant Town, Gbechea, Mator Town, SDA, and Paul Reeves, engaged in this important initiative under the Welthungerhilfe - BMZ, funded Food and Nutrition Security Project.

The training, aligned with the LANN+ approach, focused on practical strategies to enhance food security and nutritional outcomes in rural households.

Key discussion points included:
Balanced Diets and Food Groups: Exploring the four major food groups and their roles in providing essential nutrients for health and growth.

Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture: Strategies for diversifying crops and integrating home gardens to improve family nutrition year-round.

Hygiene and Sanitation Practices: Emphasizing safe food handling, handwashing, and water management to prevent diseases and support nutrient absorption.

Maternal and Child Nutrition: Guidelines for exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and supporting pregnant and lactating women with local, nutrient-rich foods.

Facilitators and community leaders guided interactive sessions, including group discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, to build capacity for sustainable behavior change.

VOSIEDA extends appreciation to all participants for their active involvement and commitment to these vital topics. This training strengthens our collective efforts to address malnutrition and promote well-being in montserrado and Grand Bassa counties.

For further information or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact us via direct message or visit vosieda.org

25/11/2025

TODAY marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism.

From November 25 to December 10, VOSIEDA is joining the fight to END DIGITAL VIOLENCE against ALL Women and Girls. No more cyberbullying, deepfakes, doxxing, or online harassment.

At VOSIEDA, we're committed to speaking out, sharing stories, and amplifying voices for sustainable empowerment. Will you join us? Log off the hate, swipe left on toxicity, and stand in solidarity. Together, we can build a safer web.

Tag a friend, share your pledge, and let's make this campaign go viral, for good.
Visit vosieda.org to learn more and get involved.

21/11/2025

Most of us grew up eating groundpeas, but did you know they are one of the healthiest foods you can find in the market?
It’s true. Groundnuts are loaded with protein, iron, and vitamins that help fight malnutrition and keep your heart strong. It’s nature’s way of giving us energy without the high cost of meat.

At VOSIEDA, we believe the solution to hunger is right here in our soil. We’re helping local farmers grow better, stronger crops to feed their families and the nation.

Keep following us for more news on our programs and projects.

18/11/2025

Did you know the humble Liberian “bitter ball” (garden egg) has more vitamin C than an orange and acts as a natural blood tonic?
These are not ordinary eggplants. They are Garden Eggs (Solanum aethiopicum), Liberia’s super-nutritious traditional “bitter ball”.

Some of the benefits of garden eggs are:
*More vitamin C than an orange (boosts immunity & fights malaria).
*High fiber that keeps blood sugar stable and digestion smooth.
*Powerful antioxidants that protect the heart and reduce inflammation.
* Natural blood-tonic properties, especially great for pregnant women and people recovering from illness.
* Almost zero calories but fills you up, perfect for healthy weight management.

At VOSIEDA, we train and support smallholder farmers to grow these nutrient-packed garden eggs using climate-smart methods. Every harvest strengthens local agriculture, improves family nutrition, and brings fresh, healthy food to markets across Liberia.

12/11/2025

Empowering Women

At Volunteers for Sustainable Development in Africa, we believe every woman deserves the chance to thrive, lead, and contribute to Liberia’s future. Through our dedicated programs on gender equality and climate-smart agriculture, we're equipping women and girls with essential skills to build resilient livelihoods, combat poverty, and drive sustainable change in the Mano River Basin and beyond. From farming cooperatives that boost economic independence to advocacy efforts fighting violence against women, we're breaking barriers one empowered voice at a time. Let’s build equality together.