The First Seed: Agri-Fund and Pig Farming

With training in VSLA methodology, financial literacy, digital tools (Chomoka app), and collective investment, the group launched their first initiative—a group Agri-Fund on 25th November 2022. This communal savings pool allowed them to purchase seeds and fertilizer without turning to predatory lenders while gaining the economies of scale.

By January 2023, their efforts bore fruit. They had saved TZS 770,000 (US$ 288) as Agri-Fund savings, which they invested in a small-scale pig farming project, purchasing eleven (11) pigs as their first collective investment which will be an income-generating activity.

Scaling Up: From Savings Group to a Registered Enterprise

Guided by CARE Tanzania, the women formalized their group under Tanzania’s Microfinance Act of 2018 and drafted a business plan on 4^th November 2022. Just three months later (early February 2023), they secured TZS 10,000,000 (US$ 3,740) non-interest loan through the 4-4-2 government scheme loan (4% for women, 4% for youth, 2% for people with disabilities).

With this capital, they scaled up their operations—building ten (10) pig shelters, acquiring thirty-one (31) more pigs, leasing two (2) acres of farmland planting potatoes and beans. Their ambition was matched by their discipline: although the loan term was one year, they repaid it in just ten (10) months journey.

Real Returns, Real Impact

Their repayment cycle that ended on 16th November 2023 brought impressive results, the profits the group earned did not just help them pay off their loan on time, they sparked real change. The group sold twenty (20) adult pigs and eighteen (18) piglets, one hundred and two (102) potato sacks, nine (9) nine bean sacks, and pine trees plantlets earning a total of TZS 17,880,000 (US$ 6,814) making a profit of 7,880,000 (US$ 3,003)

The profits weren’t just numbers—they were catalysts for change. Members used their earnings to reinvest in personal businesses, pay school fees, improve household conditions, and start individual pig farms (each member received one pig). Most notably, the group purchased five (5) acres of farmland worth TZS 1,750,000 (US$ 667), through this purchase, the group eliminated the burden of land leasing costs—marking a major step toward self-sufficiency and ownership

Building Skills and Confidence

The group’s growth wasn’t just financial. With continued support from CARE Tanzania, the women deepened their knowledge through entrepreneurship training provided in partnership with Small Industrial Development Organization (SIDO) and local district trade officers. They learned how to brand and market their products, improve packaging, and build stronger businesses from the ground. Agricultural officers provided hands-on guidance in livestock care and farming techniques.

Through the support of CARE Tanzania, the group showcased their innovations and products at national events like Nanenane International Agricultural Exhibition, and International Women’s Day, gaining visibility and expanding their networks. As their confidence grew, so did their dreams.

Driving a Bigger Vision: The Tractor Hire Business

In early 2025, the group set their sights higher. They envisioned a tractor hire service to support local farmers and create employment. With CARE Tanzania’s support, they developed a second business proposal and secured a three-year loan of TZS 90,000,000 million (US$ 34,299.7) non-interest loan under the 4-4-2 government scheme loan from the Mufindi District Council in February 2025. This is one among of the huge amount of 4-4-2 loan disbursement to be recorded in Tanzania since its launch.

The group invested TZS 83,700,000 (US$ 31,898.70) to purchase a tractor, a tractor trailer, and a motorcycle, while an additional TZS 6,300,000 (US$ 2,357.00) was allocated for initial operational costs, including hiring a tractor operator.

On March 19, 2025, the tractor was officially handed over to the group during a ceremony graced by the presence of Hon. Dr. Linda Salekwa, the Mufindi District Commissioner.

Within just three months (by June 2025), the group had generated a profit of TZS 12,500,000 (US$ 4,763.90) through the tractor and motorcycle leasing business. This is a promising start to a new chapter, with which is a good trend for an assurance of loan repayment and return on investment.

A Ripple Effect of Empowerment

What began as a simple savings group is now a force for inclusive growth. The tractor project is creating jobs for local youth, increasing farm productivity, and demonstrating the power of women-led solutions at the community level.

Tumia Dawa Vizuri is not just a group of entrepreneurs. They are leaders. Role models. Innovators. Their journey proves that when women are equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and support, they don’t just survive—they thrive, and they lift their communities with them.