At 53 years old, Francis Simweetwa of Chikankata Village in Chisamba District, Central Province, has lived most of his life depending on seasonal crop production. But when 2023/2024 drought struck, wiping out much of his harvest, Francis and his family faced food insecurity and uncertainty about the future.
With the pressure to provide for his household, Francis embraced the idea of joining the “Saving to Own a Cow” model in his community. The initiative is designed to help men, women, and youth adopt new behaviors that build resilience in the face of climate change and economic challenges.
During the first savings cycle, Francis took a small loan of K700. With determination, he invested in vegetable seeds and chemicals, venturing into gardening. “I took advantage of gardening activities to provide vegetables to the community and traders,” he explained.
What started as a small loan turned into a lifeline. Since October 2023, Francis has earned an average of over K1,800 per month from selling vegetables. The income has not only sustained his family but also allowed him to repay his loan and save enough to participate in the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) by government, giving him access to subsidized inputs for the 2024/2025 farming season.
Thanks to our supporting partners Jersey Overseas Aid and Royal Jersey Agriculture and Horticulture Society, Francis’s journey is now a story of the power of savings and innovation. Through resilience and support, he has turned drought-induced hardship into an opportunity for growth, securing a sustainable livelihood for his family and inspiring others in his community.
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