2 Villages in Zambia

Bright Hope Zambia started working in Kalasa Mukoso in 2019. The first step was helping the leadership of the various churches in the village cultivate shared biblical vision and values for collaboration. BH Zambia's Project Director, Charles Benkeni, facilitated a year of bible teaching during which strong relationships of trust and shared mission were formed.

The next step was when the churches formed a Christian Farmers Association (CFA) and nominated the founding members based on character and initiative. The CFA then administered Level 1 loans of seed for field crops like maize and soya to the members and Bright Hope Zambia provided training and coaching.

Loans were repaid in kind, and the CFA was able to process and sell the produce locally at significantly lower prices than what was available at distant markets. Further inputs from Bright Hope included a feed mill and seed funding for a CFA building that houses a small store, the feed mill, a meeting area, and a storage area. By keeping the value chain local, both the farmers and the CFA were able to maximize their profits while providing goods and services for the local community at more affordable prices.

Both the farmers and the CFA were able to grow their income by roughly 30% per year. The CFA donates 30% of its profit to local churches to help fund their compassionate ministries caring for the most vulnerable people in the village. Another 30% funds collaborative initiatives like market buildings, clinic rehabilitations, and primary schools. The remainder of the profit is used for Level 2 loans of piglets, layer hens, and irrigation. Eggs are sold locally and mature pigs are later processed at the CFA butchery in Samfya, 65 kms away, which enables farmers to earn considerably more than if they sold their livestock to a large and more distant corporation. Perhaps one day there will even be a small butchery in Kalasa Mukosa itself, further contributing to the growth of the local economy.

The growing trust between the churches has led to several collaborative grass-roots initiatives, such as the construction of a local market building with capacity for more than 30 vendors (see previous post), and the construction of a dormitory for 60 female high school students (see pervious post). Bright Hope has helped with some of the funding for these initiatives, but the vision and drive has been generated within the local community.

The result of all of this has been a significant improvement in the quality of life in Kalasa Mukoso, and real momentum toward a sustainable future.

Now the learning gained in Kalasa Mukoso and other villages is being shared in nearby Mabo Kunda. The CFA is well established, and the churches are engaged in their first collaborative project: a market building with 12 stalls for vegetable vendors. Their goal for this year is to begin construction on the market building and welcome 18 new members to the CFA.

We are thrilled to see the momentum in these two villages, and look forward to celebrating with them as their hope and hard work bears fruit!