In the village of Nkhozi, a small group of women gathers every week under the shade of a large baobab tree. They meet not only to plan forest conservation activities, but also to manage savings and loans that help improve their families’ livelihoods. What started as a forest management initiative has grown into a social and economic lifeline for communities along the Mlowe–Tchalo–Msuku lake corridor.
These women are part of the Village Natural Resource Management Committees (VNRMCs), which have been revitalised and transformed into self-help groups (SHGs) under the MTM Lakescape Community-Based Forest Management Project that was being supported by the Church and Society Programme – CSP, and United Nations Development Programme – UNDP and run from January 2025 to January 2026. “We learned to save money, lend it responsibly, and help each other,” says Ellas Kondowe, a SHG member. “It has changed our lives.”
The SHGs do more than manage finances. They tackle social issues, including child marriage and gender-based violence. One member recalls how the group helped withdraw a young girl from an early marriage and re-enroll her in school. “We feel proud that we can protect our children and also protect our forests,” says Ephraim Banda, a SHG leader.
Economically, the SHGs have already amassed a total of MK2,750,000 in savings, which members use to support small businesses like fish trading, vegetable gardening, and handicrafts. This income not only strengthens families but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and trust within the community.
The MTM Lakescape initiative, which has led to transformation of VNRMCs into SHGs, has been “a quick and effective foundation for socioeconomic empowerment. When communities see tangible benefits from their efforts, they are more committed to protecting their environment.”
Though the project phased out in January 2026, the impact and benefits continue to show. The forests have regenerated. The SHGs continue to save more and more. The transformation is evident and the people of Mlowe, Tcharo and Msuku are grateful for the financial support from UNDP that made this one year project possible. As the SHG groups continue meeting and engaging in the activities, they continue benefiting from the savings and loans they get, transforming the financial statuses of their families and communities.
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