Nakazzi’s Chicken Business: A Look into the Village Savings and Loan Program

In 2024, Amazima launched a new program in the communities, where our team has worked with local officials to register Village Saving and Loan Associations within the villages. Families are able to come together to learn more about financial literacy, grow in their business skills and create income-generating opportunities. Our social workers conduct regular field visits where they provide technical support and guidance. One of the 413 newly enrolled members is Nakazzi, who is one of the mothers in our communities with a child enrolled at The Amazima School.

Nakazzi, a resilient and hardworking mother, is a shining example of how small financial support can lead to significant economic transformation. Enrolled in the Micro Merchandise Loans Support program, she received a startup loan of 150,000 UGX, which she used to invest in poultry farming.

With her entrepreneurial spirit, Nakazzi carefully planned her business and utilized the funds wisely. She purchased 10 healthy Sasso chicks at 10,000 UGX each, ensuring she selected quality breeds that would yield good market returns. She also used part of her loan to purchase starter feed to provide quality nutrition for the chicks, to ensure healthy growth.

Nakazzi diligently cared for her poultry, following proper feeding and hygiene routines to prevent diseases. Her patience and commitment paid off when the chickens matured, and she was able to sell each bird for 30,000 UGX. This resulted in a total revenue of 300,000 UGX.
With her newly earned income, she promptly repaid the initial loan of 150,000 UGX, demonstrating her financial discipline and responsibility.

Nakazzi has learned not only about better techniques in agriculture, but also business skills. “I have acquired agricultural skills which allow me to harvest more than I used to,” Nakazzi says. “I can even sell some of it to make more money. I have also acquired a lot of knowledge about how to run a business–what to put in, what to use, and what to invest.”

Recognizing her dedication and successful repayment, the program extended another loan of the same amount to her in December of last year. This time, Nakazzi expanded her poultry business, increasing her stock to over 30 chickens. She is now preparing to sell them during the
Easter season when demand is high, which will help to maximize her profits.

Beyond poultry farming, Nakazzi used part of her profits to boost her other small business, a side stall where she sells groceries and other essentials. This wise diversification of funds has helped stabilize her income and cushion her against any unforeseen business challenges. Most importantly, she has been able to provide for her children by purchasing scholastic materials, which allows them to stay in school without financial strain.

“This opportunity has allowed me to pay for medical treatment when needed, school fees, and school supplies,” she says. “And I have enough money to invest in another small business I have.”

“If the business continues to go well, I see myself able to save money, buy a piece of land, and build my own house,” she says of her dreams for the future.

Nakazzi’s story is one of many that exemplify how a small loan and a little business guidance can not only secure financial stability for a family, but also set them on a path to sustainable growth. We hope that her success inspires other women in her community to venture into business and leverage new financial opportunities for empowering their families.