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Supporting communities to access affordable loans from community microfinance groups.

TaLRO, with UNDP GEF/SGP funding, implemented a financial inclusion project in Kisarawe District to empower communities near Pugu-Kazimzumbwi Nature Reserve. Partnering with NMB Bank PLC and local government, the project trained 57 community members (36 women, 21 men) from Maguruwe village on financial literacy, digital savings, and loan access. Key outcomes included the formal registration of three Community Microfinance Groups (CMGs) and the opening of 20+ fee-free bank accounts. The initiative aimed to reduce forest dependency by fostering eco-friendly enterprises through improved financial access and management skills.

Objectives

  • 01

    Financial Literacy

    Enhance understanding of savings, loans, and budgeting among CMGs and poultry keepers.

  • 02

    Digital Inclusion

    Promote digital savings schemes (e.g., NMB PESA, Mshiko Fasta) for secure and accessible financial transactions.

  • 03

    CMG Formalization

    Register informal Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) as CMGs under Tanzania’s 2019 Microfinance Regulations.

  • 04

    Loan Access

    Facilitate access to affordable loans (e.g., Kisarawe District’s 10% annual revenue loans for women/youth).

  • 05

    Eco-Enterprise Support

    Strengthen livelihoods through financial tools to reduce reliance on forest resources.

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Progress and Achievements

Capacity Building

  • Conducted training sessions with NMB Bank on financial literacy, covering loans, digital savings (e.g., NMB Kikundi, Jiwekee), and insurance.
  • 20+ participants opened fee-free digital accounts (e.g., NMB PESA).

CMG Registration

  • Formalized three CMGs (Wamama Kwanza, Tuitaze, Imayamvima) with 50 total members, enabling access to government loans.

Partnerships

  • Collaborated with Kisarawe District Council and NMB Bank to ensure sustainability.

Challenges Addressed

  • Addressed gaps in record-keeping, loan repayment strategies, and youth inclusion.

Recommendations and Conclusion

✅ Recommendations

  • Expand Training: Include more villages and marginalized groups (e.g., youth) in future sessions.
  • Strengthen CMGs: Provide ongoing mentorship on business management and loan repayment.
  • Leverage Partnerships: Engage SIDO (Small Industries Development Organization) for entrepreneurial training.
  • Promote Digital Tools: Scale up use of NMB’s low-cost digital savings products (e.g., Fanikiwa account).

✅ Conclusion

The project successfully bridged financial inclusion gaps, equipping communities with tools to sustain eco-friendly enterprises and reduce forest dependency. Registered CMGs and digital accounts lay the foundation for long-term economic resilience. Continued collaboration with banks and local government will amplify impact.

  • Key Takeaway: Financial literacy and inclusive banking are pivotal for conservation-linked livelihoods, transforming local economies while protecting ecosystems.