At its inception, the Koraro Millennium Village project faced many development challenges ranging from lack of infrastructure such as roads, electricity, health clinics and schools to low agricultural productivity resulting from arid and unproductive land. After an initial assessment, the team focused on food security and on agricultural productivity through inputs such as fertilizers and improved seeds. The progress in agriculture over the past four and half years has been encouraging and the wellbeing of the population has improved as a result.

Due to heavy dependence on rain fed agriculture in Koraro Millennium Villages, the major focus of the project shifted to promoting small scale irrigation using hand dug wells, embankment storage dams, pot irrigation and spate diversions and to promoting high-value crops such as vegetables, fruits and spices. Irrigable land has increased in the villages, resulting in a shift of farming practices from cereal based farming to high-value crops.

The project has also quickly responded to curbing diseases through improved health services. Malaria, differential diagnosis, TB and HIV/AIDS have declined significantly through various integrated programs. Lack of potable water was another serious health-related problem in the villages. Today, potable water reaches over 80% of the villages. The focus now is on improving potable water in public institutions such as schools, FTCs. health posts and farmer training centers.

Transforming livelihoods without proper infrastructure and provision for basic services is impossible. Thus, the project also prioritized the construction of an 18.5 km road connecting Megab with Koraro which is creating market connectivity to the nearest town of Hawzien. Upon its completion in 2010, it will open Koraro to regional markets, increase access to basic services and help attract tourists to the area.

Another important priority in the Koraro villages is micro-enterprise development. This activity will help to sustain the progress that has been made by generating new sources of income for the residents. In particular, beekeeping and silk business are potentially lucrative opportunities and the project is helping to supply bee colonies and various accessories to start up four cooperatives.