Polite Masaka, a farmer from Monze, Zambia, shares her transformative experience with the Manangwonzi Savings Group, where members pool resources to create financial safety nets. As secretary of the group, Polite emphasizes the seriousness of their mission while enjoying a collective approach to resilience building. Her success is reflected in the diversification of her farm, which has flourished due to the group’s support in the face of climate challenges.
On a bright Monday morning in Manangwonzi, Polite Masaka, a dedicated farmer and loving grandmother, prepares for her meeting with the Manangwonzi Savings Group. Within six months of her membership, Polite has experienced significant changes in her life, showcasing the impactful nature of the group. She possesses a cheerful demeanor and leads as the secretary, ensuring that meetings are productive and focused, often implementing fines to maintain order and seriousness during sessions.
The Manangwonzi Savings Group thrives on a simple yet effective strategy where members contribute their savings and lend money to one another at interest. Each share is priced at ZMW 20, and this collective approach has enabled substantial growth in both savings and investments. Polite, demonstrating the group’s success, has accrued ZMW 1,360 in savings and received ZMW 12,900 in total during the latest share-out, showcasing the effectiveness of the model.
With the financial resources garnered through the group, Polite has transitioned her farm from solely crop production to a varied mixed farm that boasts 25 chickens, 7 pigs, 6 guinea fowl, and 10 goats within half a year. This achievement exemplifies her dream of raising pigs realized through the support of the savings group.
In Monze, Zambia, community members are uniting to confront the challenges posed by climate change. By forming innovative savings groups, they pool their financial resources to establish safety nets that empower them to tackle unpredictable weather events and economic instability. This grassroots initiative not only bolsters community solidarity but also highlights the strength found in collective action to build resilience against climate impacts.
The story of Polite Masaka and the Manangwonzi Savings Group illustrates the transformative power of community-driven initiatives in addressing climate challenges. Through their savings and collaborative efforts, members strengthen their financial resilience and enhance their ability to cope with climate shocks. This model of collective action serves as a testament to the importance of community solidarity in fostering sustainable development and resilience.
Original Source: www.undp.org
