Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
FARMERS in Insiza District, Matabeleland South Province have transformed their Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (Isals) into powerful community financing tools, purchasing farming implements worth about US$2 000 this year alone using funds raised through their village savings groups.
The two groups — Rise and Shine (72 members) and Stars of Tomorrow (30 members) — have been contributing US$10 per month and offering loans internally, enabling members to buy agricultural equipment and support their livelihoods throughout the year.
The farmers have acquired barbed wire, cultivators, ploughs, zig-zag harrows, diamond mesh and wheelbarrows — assets they say will boost productivity and reduce reliance on external assistance.
Stars of Tomorrow, established in 2023 under the Green Climate Fund programme, operates using the farmer field school model where lead farmers mentor 10 follower farmers each. Inspired by the success of their mentors’ savings model, the follower farmers went on to form their own Isal group, Rise and Shine, this year.
Isals— widely known as village savings and lending schemes — have been a vital safety net in rural communities, allowing villagers to pool their money and access credit for emergencies, farming inputs and household needs. The concept has become especially transformative for women, who dominate many of the groups.
Speaking during the commissioning of the implements, Stars of Tomorrow chairperson, Mr Nhlanhla Sibanda, said the idea to invest in equipment stemmed from the need to secure long-term assets.
“Our members lacked adequate farming equipment, yet farming is our main livelihood. Through contributions and borrowing within the group, we decided to buy implements that would benefit us for many years,” he said.
“In 2023, our contributions enabled us to buy wheelbarrows and maize seed. Last year, we raised US$3 933. This year, we mobilised just over US$6 000, which helped us acquire even more equipment. Next year, we plan to buy a tractor.”
Rise and Shine chairperson, Mr Khangelani Sibanda, said their group was inspired by the progress made by the Stars of Tomorrow farmers.
“We saw the development that was happening under their Isal project and decided to establish ours. This year alone, we raised about US$1 300 and members have been borrowing and repaying with interest,” he said.
The savings groups were formed under the Building Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Zimbabwe project, funded by the Green Climate Fund and implemented by Government with technical support from UNDP. The initiative aims to strengthen climate resilience through training, resources and improved farming practices.
Running from June 2020 to June 2027, the programme covers 14 districts across three provinces, including six in Matabeleland South.
Matabeleland South provincial Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services director, Mrs Shupikai Sibanda, applauded the farmers for taking charge of their development.
“These groups have embraced the ISALS concept and managed it well. Buying their own equipment shows commitment to strengthening food and nutrition security,” she said.
“They have secured valuable assets that will serve them for years, proving that development is sustainable when communities themselves take the lead.”
@DubeMatutu
