Location: Bigegu Village, Ketare Ward – Bunda District
Group Members: 22 Farmers

The Umoja na Amani Group was formed in 2009 in Bigegu village with the aim of supporting members and their families, particularly during social events such as celebrations and bereavements. At the time, the group mainly contributed small financial support to members during such occasions.

However, their journey toward economic empowerment began when they were introduced to Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) methodologies.

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Introduction of VSLA

A field officer from the ALIVE programme visited the group and introduced them to the VSLA model. After receiving training, the members realized that savings and internal lending could help them achieve their economic goals.

In 2013, the group began operating a VSLA system and started purchasing shares within the group.

Like many newly formed savings groups, they faced several challenges in the early stages, including:

• Some members failing to repay loans on time

• Limited experience in managing group finances

Despite these difficulties, the group remained committed and continued improving their savings and loan practices.

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Improving Farming Practices

In addition to savings activities, group members were engaged in farming as their primary source of income. However, their farming practices were mainly traditional and included:

• Use of local seeds

• Limited knowledge of modern agronomic practices

• Poor soil fertility management

In 2018, the Bunda Farmers Development Support Organization (BUFADESO) began working with the group through the Agroforestry for Livelihood Empowerment (ALIVE) Project.

After engaging with the group, several production challenges were identified. To address these challenges, BUFADESO partnered with SeedCo Tanzania to provide training on:

• Best agronomic practices for maize production

• Entrepreneurship and business skills

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Establishing a Farmer Field School

Following the training, the group established a 1-acre maize demonstration plot as a Farmer Field School. Additionally, two more acres were cultivated using improved maize seeds.

Group members were also encouraged to apply the learned farming practices on their own farms by cultivating at least one acre per household using improved agronomic practices.

Despite unfavorable weather conditions during the growing season, the group managed to harvest 46 bags of maize.

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Strategic Marketing and Increased Income

After harvesting, the group decided to store their maize rather than selling it immediately. They waited for market prices to increase before selling.

Meanwhile, income from their bean harvest enabled them to purchase an additional 50 bags of maize at Tsh 600 per kilogram.

This increased their total stock to 96 bags of maize stored collectively by the group.

Later, in October 2019, when maize prices increased to Tsh 1,000 per kilogram, the group sold their stock and earned a total of:

Tsh 9,050,000

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Investing in Women’s Economic Empowerment

After earning this income, the group decided to invest part of their profits in empowering women.

They purchased six sewing machines and distributed them to women members of the group to start tailoring businesses at home.

These businesses are helping women:

• Generate additional income

• Support their families financially

• Build economic independence

BUFADESO continues to support the group by providing training on tailoring skills and business management.

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Award-Winning Farmer Field School

In 2019, BUFADESO and SeedCo Tanzania established several maize demonstration plots across the Mara Region.

Among the 22 Farmer Field Schools established, the Umoja na Amani demonstration plot was awarded first place, recognizing the group’s commitment to applying improved farming techniques.

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Individual Success Stories

The project has also improved the livelihoods of individual group members.

One example is Mr. Morice, a member of Umoja na Amani group. Before participating in the programme, he had only laid the foundation for his house. Through increased income from improved farming and VSLA participation, he has now been able to continue building his home.

Other farmers who have benefited from the programme include:

• Mr. Ezekiel Nicodemus

• Mr. Panda

• Mr. Samsoni

• Mr. Zakayo

These farmers have successfully applied the knowledge gained from the ALIVE programme to improve their agricultural productivity and income.