The article profiles Polite Masaka, a farmer in Manangwonzi who has significantly improved her life through the Manangwonzi Savings Group. Within six months, she transformed her farm using savings from the group, demonstrating the effectiveness of collective resource management in building resilience against climate shocks in Zambia.
On a bright morning in Manangwonzi, Polite Masaka, a dedicated farmer and grandmother, prepares for a crucial meeting at the community center. As a member of the Manangwonzi Savings Group, she has experienced remarkable changes in her life within just six months. Polite’s commitment is evident in her role as the group’s secretary, where her cheerful demeanor accompanies a serious approach during meetings.
Every meeting is crucial, with members pooling their money to provide loans with interest and reinvesting profits into projects. For a membership share of only ZMW 20, the group fosters significant growth in savings and investments. Polite has managed to save ZMW 1,360 and has received ZMW 12,900—including interest—during recent distributions, which has proven transformative for her farming efforts.
With these savings, Polite has expanded her farm into a vibrant mixed farm, now featuring livestock such as 25 chickens, 7 pigs, 6 guinea fowl, and 10 goats, achievements realized in a mere six months. “I always wanted to raise pigs, and now I can finally do it,” she shares gleefully.
In Monze, Zambia, communities are uniting to confront climate shocks through innovative savings groups. By pooling resources, they create financial safety nets that empower them to face erratic weather and economic uncertainties. This collective initiative not only fosters community ties but also underscores the effectiveness of cooperative action in enhancing resilience against climate change.
The story of Polite Masaka highlights the transformative impact of community savings groups in Monze, Zambia. Through collective efforts, individuals can build financial resilience and adaptability against climate challenges. The initiative emphasizes the significance of grassroots initiatives in fostering stronger communities and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Original Source: www.undp.org
