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“Disability Doesn’t Mean Inability”

Mtama kwa Walemavu VSLA members. Photo: Edward Charles | CARE

Mtama kwa Walemavu VSLA members. Photo: Edward Charles | CARE

By Edward Charles September 15, 2025

“When people see us working the land, they stop and stare,” says Juma Kyogo, a member of Mtama kwa Walemavu. “We’re showing them that disability doesn’t mean inability.”

In the dry plains of Iguguno District, Singida Region—one of the harshest agricultural zones in Tanzania—a remarkable transformation is taking place. A group of 15 members, fourteen of whom live with disabilities, has come together not only to farm but to save, invest, and challenge deep-rooted stigma. Their name, Mtama kwa Walemavu (Sorghum for People with Disabilities), tells the story of resilience in action.

Formed through CARE Tanzania’s Smallholder Sorghum Farmers’ Project, with support from DIAGEO, the group began in 2024 as a farming collective. Their goal was simple: grow sorghum, a crop well-suited to dry conditions. But they soon realized that farming alone wasn’t enough challenges like lack of capital, poor access to quality inputs, and personal hardships held them back.

In May 2025, with facilitation from CARE Tanzania, the group transitioned into a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) a self-managed, community-based savings group model, to help members save, and get affordable loans through collective contributions. Each member now contributes TZS 5,000 (US$ 1.9) weekly in shares and TZS 1,000 (US$ 0.4) to an emergency/social fund.

Within just four weeks after establishment (as of June 2025) the group has saved TZS 290,000 (US$ 110) and has started disbursing loans whereby a loan of 270,000 (US$ 103) has been taken by three members of the group (each getting TZS 90,000 ~ US$ 34) with an interest of 5% monthly. One member has gone to start a vegetable selling business, while the two are investing in their current businesses.

Mtama kwa Walemavu VSLA members buying shares. Photo: Edward Charles | CARE

"With a low-rate interest return, I can get a good loan now in the group"

says Salome,

One of the members.

Recognizing that members struggled especially during planting season, CARE supported the group in establishing an agri-fund—a savings pool dedicated to agricultural needs. Members contribute an additional TZS 1,000 (US$ 0.4) weekly, ensuring they have money to purchase agricultural inputs including seeds, fertilizers, and even hire labor when the farming season comes.

“Money is always needed in our daily lives, so saving is never easy,” says Daudi Benjamini, the group’s secretary. “But contributing to the agri-fund is a big achievement. It gives me peace of mind that I’ll have what I need when farming season starts.”

Their unity goes beyond savings. On their two-acre farm, labor is divided according to members’ abilities. Tasks are shared based on what each person can do, those who cannot dig may help with sorting seeds or managing tools.

“We want to expand from two acres to five and even shift to irrigation farming. We believe we can achieve this in two years,”

Says Juma Kyogo,

A member of Mtama kwa Walemavu VSLA group

What began as a small group of determined farmers has evolved into a symbol of possibility in Singida. The Mtama kwa Walemavu group is changing how their community sees people with disabilities—and how they see themselves.