Savings for Transformation: Building Economic Resilience in Nkeyema

In 2016, a small group of community members in Nkeyema District came together with a shared goal: to improve their livelihoods and create new economic opportunities. At that time, many faced challenges such as limited access to formal financial services and insufficient resources to invest in farming or education. Recognising these struggles, World Vision Zambia introduced the Savings for Transformation (S4T) model in Kaliyangile Zone. This approach was simple yet powerful: members pool their savings to create loans, build financial resilience, and foster community development.

The initial group comprised 15 members, 10 women and five men, who committed to meeting weekly to save whatever they could. "The training showed us how to turn small savings into big opportunities," says Namakau Mwendabai, one of the founding members. "World Vision taught us that even small amounts, saved regularly, can help us buy farm supplies or pay school fees when needed." Their collective savings quickly grew, and they managed to accumulate a total of K12,000, which they then shared as loans to members to support their individual needs and small businesses.

Over the years, the group’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit blossomed. They expanded their assets, now owning more than 70 goats as a group, which has become a source of income and nutrition. Recognising their progress, they took the formal step of registering as a cooperative a move that opened doors to government support, including access to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). This funding has enabled them to invest in more substantial projects, such as building a community storage facility and improving their farming methods.

What sets the S4T approach apart is its emphasis on community ownership and sustainability. While World Vision provides essential training on savings and financial management, the community members are responsible for managing their own funds. They save collectively, lend to one another, and share profits at the end of each cycle, without relying on formal banks or financial institutions. This model fosters trust, cooperation, and self-reliance.

Seven years later, the Kaliyangile group still meets weekly, demonstrating how far they have come. "Before, money came and went," reflects Namakau. "Now, we plan for the future and work together to build a better life." Their journey exemplifies how grassroots initiatives, driven by community ownership and mutual support, can create lasting change and uplift entire communities.