In countries like Malawi, where agriculture is the primary source of income for much of the population and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, rural families often face ongoing economic uncertainty. Supporting smallholder farmers with conservation agriculture training and practical income-generating opportunities can help households strengthen their resilience and work toward long-term income stability.

Saving Together, Learning Together

In July 2020, Maureen joined a Village Savings and Loan (VSL) training group in Thanzi n’chuma, Malawi, through World Renew. Along with others in her community, she helped form a Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) that met weekly to pool their savings.

“After receiving training, I joined the VSLA and started saving money for the future,” Maureen shares.
Beyond savings, the VSLA meetings became a learning space. The group—made up primarily of women—received training in small business management, conservation agriculture, and health and nutrition practices. Members were also able to access low-interest loans from their shared savings, allowing them to pay off debt or invest in farming and small business activities.

Turning Livestock Into Opportunity

Maureen used a VSLA loan to expand her income-generating activities. “I borrowed some money from the VSL group to buy pigs for rearing, adding to chickens that I already had,” she explains.

As her livestock business grew, so did her opportunities. Income from selling pigs allowed Maureen to make an investment that would open up an entirely new source of revenue for her family.

Powering a New Income Stream

“After contributing monthly to the savings pool for almost a year, I was able to withdraw a share of about $110 US which I used to buy solar panels, a battery, and a generator,” Maureen says.

Reliable electricity is not easily accessible in many nearby households, including the ability to charge mobile phones. Seeing an unmet need in her community, Maureen started a small phone-charging service from her home. This new venture now provides her with additional, steady income while also serving her neighbours.

Maureen’s story highlights how access to training, collective savings, and locally driven solutions can help individuals adapt, diversify their income, and build greater economic resilience—one opportunity at a time.