Communities in Mzimba district hail VSLAs project
The Integrated Community Development (ICD) project has been praised by communities in Mbongondo, Matunkha, and Kasangani in Mzimba district-Susan Moyo.
Malawi-The Integrated Community Development (ICD) project has been praised by communities in Mbongondo, Matunkha, and Kasangani in Mzimba district, writes Susan Moyo.
The project aims to improve the living standards of communities by providing access to local financial institutions, money rotations, and Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs).
"VSLAs empower people in the communities to increase access and control over financial resources and use collective power to overcome social and financial barriers," according to CARE International data.
Brenda Banda, one of the beneficiaries of the ICD Project, who is also a member of Tampokera VSLAs at Kasangani in the district, says in 2022 she invested in VSLAs and from the profits, she bought a maize mill which is helping a lot of people around her area.
“Since we lacked a maize mill in our community, I took this as a business opportunity to buy one, and I am planning to have more by the end of this year. Women now no longer travel long distances to the maize mill since they have one in the community," she said.
Banda added that from the profits she gets from the maize mill business, she is able to pay school fees for her children who are in secondary school and manages all the basic needs at home without depending on her husband to provide for the family.
Another beneficiary, Tryness Tembo, 26, from group village headman Kamulamba in Kasangani Traditional Authority Mpherembe, said after receiving the training on VSLAs, her life has changed.
“Through the business, I am able to provide for my family, we are able to eat nutritious food, and also the pigs and manure provide me with fertilizer for the farm to restore soil nutrients so that I harvest high yields," she said.
Witness Ng’ambi, who is the project coordinator, says at least 20 VSLAs have been trained on the importance and management of these groups, and over 1,800 people are benefiting.
“Currently, most households in the project areas have at least an individual who is a member of a VSL group, meaning every household has access to a saving group, access to loans, and has started a small-scale business which is improving their daily life," he said.
Thandi Kamtekete, another beneficiary from group village headman Mgonapasi from Traditional Authority Jalavikuba, also shares her success.
“Thanks to Sprodeta for providing the training. After the training, I started saving my money, and last year after we shared the profits, I bought pigs and goats and can now fend for my family," she said.
The ICD project, which is being implemented by a local organization known as Small Producers Development and Transporters Association (SPRODETA) with financial support from Hope for a Child, is also focused on improving primary education, nutrition, water, hygiene, and local financial institutions.