UNDP Provides Essential Equipment to Pido Community to Counter Violent Extremism.

Pido: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), a Non-Governmental Organization, has provided vital support to the Pido community in the Sissala East Municipality of the Upper West Region. This initiative aims to combat violent extremism by equipping the community with necessary skills and tools.According to Ghana News Agency, the Pido community received 129 pairs each of Wallington boots, hand gloves, and raincoats, along with equipment such as two multi-threshers for post-harvest management of maize and other cereals, four drying platforms, and four energy-saving stoves. This support is part of a broader project to enhance the capacity and skills of border communities through the shea and maize value chain, a sub-project under UNDP's 'Preventing and responding to violent extremism in the Atlantic corridor.'The project, funded by Australia Aid, the Embassy of Denmark, German Cooperation, the Norwegian Government, and implemented by the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA), was put into action in September 2024. Madam Melody Azinim, Programme Analyst for Peace and Governance at UNDP, highlighted that the project spans five countries: Ghana, Togo, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso. It aims to sensitize communities on the threats of violent extremism and the factors influencing individuals to join such groups.Madam Azinim emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships between different community groups to prevent the development of these threats. She encouraged effective use of the equipment to benefit all community members.Hajia Alima Sagito Saeed, Executive Director of SWIDA, stated that the initiative aims to enhance the capacity of women and youth in the shea and maize value chain, helping them improve their businesses and livelihoods, thereby reducing susceptibility to extremist groups. Community members received training in shea and maize quality processing, post-harvest loss management, financial and record-keeping, and market linkages.The Chief of Pido, Pe Wem on Mahama Kudalia, expressed gratitude to the UNDP and its partners for their support and requested additional infrastructure, including a school and improved road network for the community. Community member Madam Alimata Mumuni also thanked the organizations, noting that the new equipment would ease cereal processing, ensuring cleaner finished products.