Polite Masaka, a farmer and secretary of the Manangwonzi Savings Group in Zambia, has experienced transformative changes in her life through the group. The savings group pools member resources, provides loans, and encourages reinvestment, leading to significant financial growth. Polite has diversified her farming operation and noted the broader communal effort to counter climate shocks through collective savings and empowerment.
On a sunny Monday morning in Manangwonzi, Polite Masaka, a passionate farmer and devoted grandmother, prepares for an important community gathering. She is heading to the Manangwonzi Savings Group’s biweekly meeting, which has become central to her life over the past six months. Polite’s dedication to the group has led to significant changes in her circumstances.
As the secretary of the group, Polite is recognized for her cheerful demeanor and serious commitment during meetings. Her no-nonsense approach ensures that focus remains on the proceedings, and she imposes fines for distractions, maintaining an atmosphere of seriousness. “This one hour is serious business,” she states with a smile, emphasizing her commitment to the group’s objectives.
The Manangwonzi Savings Group functions on an effective model where members contribute financial resources, offer loans with interest, and invest the returns into various projects. For a modest share price of ZMW 20, members witness their savings multiply. Polite herself has managed to save ZMW 1,360 and received ZMW 12,900, including interest during their recent share-out, showcasing the group’s efficacy.
Polite’s newfound financial means have allowed her to diversify her farm significantly. Once focused solely on crop production, she has transitioned to a mixed-farming operation, now containing 25 chickens, 7 pigs, 6 guinea fowl, and 10 goats—an impressive transformation in just six months. “I always wanted to raise pigs, and now I can finally do it,” she expresses with pride.
In Monze, Zambia, communities are uniting to confront climate shocks proactively. Through innovative savings groups, local residents are pooling their resources to build financial safety nets, enhancing their ability to endure unpredictable weather and economic difficulties. This grassroots initiative not only fosters community spirit but also exemplifies the strength of collective action in developing resilience against climate change effects.
The initiative by the Manangwonzi Savings Group illustrates the transformative power of collective financial strategies in aiding individual communities to adapt to climate shocks. Through Polite Masaka’s experience, it becomes evident that such programs not only improve personal circumstances but also strengthen communal ties and resilience against environmental challenges. Community-driven efforts, like this, hold promise for greater adaptation initiatives in the face of climate variability.
Original Source: www.undp.org
