As part of the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project, Alinea International, in partnership with the Organisation Sauvons le Lac Tchad (OSLT), organized two training sessions from December 3 to 6, 2024, in Maïlao and Mandelia, within the Ramsar site of Logone and the Toupouri depressions in Chad. These sessions strengthened the skills of women’s and youth groups in business plan development and income-generating activities.

Strengthening Project Management Skills

The 37 local organizations trained—31 in Mandelia and 6 in Maïlao—acquired essential skills for creating solid business plans, enabling them to develop their activities across various sectors, including product sales, tailoring, machinery repairs, as well as agriculture, forest resource management, and livestock. Through practical exercises, participants deepened their understanding of strategic planning, resource exploitation, and financial management, which are key elements for the sustainable development of their activities.

Training Tailored to Local Needs

Participants expressed satisfaction at the end of the training, highlighting the importance of the knowledge gained for their projects. Many noted that this was their first experience participating in such training. The consideration of the specific needs of women and youth, who are often underrepresented in decision-making processes, was also greatly appreciated.

Support for Sustainable Development

In addition to the practical skills acquired, participants expressed a desire for ongoing support to strengthen their capacities and continue the development of their organizations. This desire reflects the beneficiaries’ commitment to integrating new skills to improve their resilience against economic and climate challenges while contributing to more inclusive and sustainable development.