Village Bank Drives Self-Sustainability

New solar system at Green Gardens.

What began as a challenging concept to implement is now bearing fruit, both literally and figuratively, in the ZDDT/ Sally Foundation community gardens across Bulawayo.

The 'village bank' model, which encourages each garden to save money collectively, has taken root and is transforming
lives.

These gardens primarily support vulnerable individuals, making the act of saving particularly difficult.

However, despite initial hurdles, the initiative has seen remarkable progress, with savings now ranging into the hundreds and thousands of dollars.

Kirimuva Gardens' new drip line

The impact is already visible; Green Gardens used their savings to construct a toilet block and drill two boreholes, Mandlakhe invested in a new pump for their borehole, Greenfield successfully drilled a borehole, and Kirimuva purchased dripline irrigation equipment and contributed towards paying off a solar equipment loan.

The 'village bank' is fast becoming a cornerstone of the community market gardens’ push toward. self-sustainability, empowering members and improving infrastructure through collective efforts and shared visions….a model of successful development!