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Mwaembe village, Kwale County, has trees unlike any other—the Mkungu tree, known to scientists as Terminalia catappa. Its leaves blend green and reddish hues, making it the most striking tree I have ever seen.
The village unfolds to a shoreline where you will spot fishermen returning from their fishing escapades. Children and young people splashing in the ocean—a scene that perfectly captures the spirit of Mwaembe.
Yet, there is more to this village. Within Mwaembe, a remarkable initiative has taken root—the eco-credit groups under the Mwaembe Beach Management Unit (BMU), Muungano, and Kijiwe Mtu groups, formed about two years ago to provide an incentive for marine conservation.
The Muungano eco-credit group, comprised of 32 members, has taken their vision further. Instead of merely loaning each other funds, they established a business to grow their seed grant. One of their businesses involves selling lesos—-colorful, patterned fabrics that local women wear around their waists while tending to their homes. These sales, their chair hiring service—20 chairs hired out at Ksh. 10 each and other loan-related income—have steadily increased the group's capital from Ksh. 100,00 to Ksh. 544,710 amount, enabling them to offer higher loans of up to Ksh. 100,000 amount, expanding their financial reach.
One success story within the Muungano eco-credit is Mwanatumu Makopo. She is a determined businesswoman who has built not one but two businesses thanks to financial support from the eco-credit group. She initially borrowed Ksh. 32,500 to expand her hotel, where she entices customers with tantalizing Swahili dishes—fragrant pilau, rich samaki wa kupaka, and more. Encouraged by her success, she later took out a second loan for Ksh. 50,000 to start a grocery business, which thrives alongside her hotel.
"With eco-credit, the loaning system aligns with our religious beliefs, making it a viable option for the members. The loan accessibility is easier, allowing members to borrow and repay within a reasonable timeframe." shares Mwanatumu
In addition to being a businesswoman, Mwanatumu is also a Community-Based Trainer (CBT) for the two eco-credit groups. Through this role, she has gained invaluable skills like record-keeping and data-collection skills, and the allowance provided boosts her financially.
"Through eco-credit, I have gained business skills to run my business, pay school fees for my children, and even support one of my siblings. I believe education empowers people and changes their perspective on life," she shares with pride.
Read more on eco-credit project stories HERE.
