The mental health support component of the Open Minds Project was complemented with livelihood support initiative at the ending phase of the project. This was aimed to further enhance effective ownership of project by beneficiaries and to guarantee sustainability of project goals.

At the Social Contact events, project participants were trained on village savings and loan association (VSLA) approach. The approach provided knowledge and skills on income generation and diversification through savings and loans. Participants identified farming as the major component that would require boosters for improved yields. This will sure provide opportunities for members (mostly farmers) to generate more income to improve savings and strengthen households in a more sustainable manner.

Eight VSLA groups were formed with 20 members per group. Groups continued with the VSLA weekly meetings. They were further provided with agricultural products of their choices—improved seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. A total of 160 households received these items during the current farming season, and this is expected to increase their yields during harvest.

Community members expressed gratitude to this initiative, including the Community Heads and government officials. They offered to jointly provide the needed enabling environment to see that the Project goals are achieved. The Open Minds Project is funded by Comic Relief and implemented by The Leprosy Mission, Great Britain, The Leprosy Mission, Nigeria and Gede Foundation.