Interesting visit to the OSIRIS project in Senegal

Mei Zegers recently visited the interesting OSIRIS project in Senegal and-together with the implementing agency (Aide au Développement Gembloux)-identified several good practices. The project offers integrated services to rural inhabitants. Click the link above for a few details.

During project implementation, a holistic approach was increasingly found to be of even greater importance than originally thought during project design. Providing community members with support in a piecemeal manner was identified as a path to confusion. A lesson learned was thus the confirmation of the importance of creating a package of appropriate services that is integrated with formal institutions. Of special interest is the way that OSIRIS strengthens cooperatives and supports members to avail of government recognised services and structures. This includes access to production insurance in the case of calamities as well as health insurance. Entrepreneurship training combined with continuous mentoring are also of key importance to achieving the OSIRIS goals. A highly holistic approach reduces vulnerability and achieves positive outcomes in partnership with community members.