The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has launched an enterprise development programme aimed at supporting households impacted by the pipeline project.
According to Jean Lennock, EACOP’s Land and Social Manager in Tanzania, this initiative is the seventh of the Livelihood Restoration Activities (LRA7) out of the eight identified under the broader Livelihood Restoration Programme.
“The primary goal of LRA7 is to foster the creation and growth of businesses, benefiting 8,971 households,” Lennock said.
The enterprise programme targets 453 priority areas, covering 8,518 households along the pipeline route that spans across eight regions: Kagera, Geita, Shinyanga, Tabora, Singida, Dodoma, Manyara, and Tanga.
The initiative includes comprehensive assessments to identify and address challenges hindering business development, equipping affected households with the necessary skills and resources to manage their enterprises effectively.
Since 2021, EACOP has been implementing the Livelihood Restoration Programme to restore the livelihoods of project-affected households to pre-project levels.
The programme’s eight Livelihood Restoration Activities cover various areas, from agricultural land preparation to improved beekeeping practices. Lennock explained that the current focus is on progressing LRAs 1-6, with LRAs 4-6 in the assessment and design phases.
