By Pylaia Chembe
In the heart of Foroma Village in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe, a community once plagued by domestic disputes has found a new path to harmony.
For years, Headman Mandamugiyo’s traditional court was overwhelmed with cases of gender-based violence (GBV), with two out of every five disputes rooted in financial struggles.
The headman would often say, “A hungry man is an angry man,” highlighting how poverty and food insecurity fueled tensions. His community, located in Zimbabwe’s drought-prone southern region, has long battled the devastating effects of climate change.
But everything changed when the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), introduced the Climate Resilient Livelihoods (CRL) project.
This initiative, designed to empower vulnerable communities through innovative savings groups and climate-smart agriculture, has not only provided a lifeline to the villagers but has also transformed lives and relationships.
A New Chapter of Peace at Home
For Lucia Mashava, a 48-year-old mother of eight, the CRL project was a beacon of hope. She recalls how financial stress would trigger arguments between her and her husband, often spilling over to her children.
“In 29 years of marriage, I’ve never enjoyed family time as much as I do now,” Lucia shared with a radiant smile. “We used to argue over money and food constantly, but now those days are behind us. My husband and I have real conversations, and there’s peace in our home.”
Lucia attributes this transformation to the village savings and lending (VS&L) groups introduced by the project. These small, member-run initiatives allow participants to save money and access low-interest loans, empowering them to fund their agricultural activities or start small businesses.
A Challenge Accepted
Taurai Mbambu, a father and grandfather from the same village, initially believed that the savings groups were a women-only initiative. But when his wife proudly bought a bed and blankets from her share-out savings, Taurai decided to join.
“It challenged me as the head of the family,” he said. “Now, when we meet in our group, we not only discuss finances but also how to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. The project has changed our behavior and our lives.”
For Taurai, being part of the project has restored his pride as a provider. He now ensures his children have food, clothing, and school fees. His sense of purpose and self-worth has grown alongside his family’s stability.
Empowering Change Through Innovation
Beyond the savings groups, the CRL project equips farmers with tools to adapt to climate change. Villagers are guided on growing climate-resilient crops and managing bee apiaries to produce and sell honey, diversifying their income streams.
“Now, families not only have food but extra income to sustain their needs. This has brought incredible peace to our community,” shared Headman Mandamugiyo. He believes that the busier villagers are with productive work, the less time they have for conflicts.
Breaking the Cycle of GBV
The project’s impact on reducing GBV has been profound. With women and men working together in savings groups and sharing responsibilities at home, traditional power dynamics are shifting.
“This initiative has brought dignity and respect to families,” said Mr. Rungano Benza, the project manager. “By addressing root causes of conflict, like poverty and food insecurity, we are tackling GBV at its core.”
A Vision of Harmony
Headman Mandamugiyo looks to the future with optimism. “The project has given people something to focus on. By the time they meet at night, they’re tired but satisfied with what they’ve accomplished. This is the community I’ve always dreamed of—a place of peace and purpose.”
Through transformative projects like the CRL initiative, communities like Foroma are proving that empowerment and resilience are the keys to building safer, happier lives for women, children, and families alike.
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