Lazalo 2 Group

In Ntcheu, the Lazalo 2 group is working together to strengthen their livelihoods through farming and livestock activities. The group is made up of five married members who collectively support 15 children. They run their own businesses in vegetable farming, livestock and maize production, aiming to improve their incomes and provide more stability for their families.

Martha, 43, is married to a farmer and has three dependents. She grows tomatoes and will use her share of the loan to buy fertiliser and pesticides to increase her production and income.

With seven years of farming experience, Martha has built a steady business that supports her family. This loan will help her improve her yields and move closer to her goals of building a house and expanding her farming activities.

As part of Lazalo 2, Martha benefits from the shared support and accountability of her group members. They encourage one another and work together to ensure progress for all, meaning the loan not only supports Martha but also uplifts the entire group and the families who depend on them.

The Microloan Foundation, Lendwithcare's local partner in Malawi, employs a unique 'centre' model for lending to female entrepreneurs. A centre comprises several sub-groups, which share the same name as the centre. As such, you may have seen similarly named group loans from Malawi, all belonging to the same centre. In this system, each woman is individually responsible for repaying her loan, but the group offers mutual support by assuming overall responsibility together.