DMDO Stories from the Field: Bi Somoe and her Savings Group

Dear Subscriber First Name,

Please enjoy our latest story from the field. This tells how Bi Somoe retook charge of her life through the savings groups that the DMDO has established in her village of Mnazi Mmoja as part of our WASH+ approach to poverty alleviation in rural Tanzania.

Enjoy the story.

Best wishes,

The DMDO Team

Bi Somoe Athuman Ally: A Family’s Revival

Victor William & Philip Tamba — January 2025

Bi Somoe Athuman Ally, a 47-year-old mother of four from Mnazi Mmoja village, embodies resilience and the transformative power of savings groups. Her journey is a testament to how community-driven initiatives can help families overcome crisis and reclaim hope.

A Family on the Brink

In June 2023, Bi Somoe faced a life-altering challenge when a serious illness drained her family’s finances. To pay for her treatment, they borrowed 300,000 TZS, putting their five-acre cashew nut farm—their main source of livelihood—at risk as collateral. When the 2023 season failed to yield a harvest, the family faced the devastating prospect of losing both their income and food security.

A Lifeline Through Savings

Bi Somoe’s turning point came in December 2023 when she joined a savings group, which had been facilitated by DMDO. She began contributing and purchasing shares in the group, finding renewed hope in collective savings and accessible loans.

By May 2024, Bi Somoe was able to borrow 300,000 TZS from her savings group. This crucial loan allowed her to repay the debt and reclaim her farm. With her family’s support, she prepared the land for a new agricultural season.

Transformation Through Resilience

The efforts bore fruit—literally and figuratively. By the end of the 2024 season, Bi Somoe earned 2,000,000 TZS from her revitalised farm. This income empowered her to:

Purchase a television, creating a welcoming home and boosting her children’s confidence among peers.
Provide for her children’s education, ensuring their future is secure.
Cover household expenses and reinvest in the farm, strengthening her family’s stability.

Bi Some with her children and neighbours resting at home watching television

Inspiring Others to Act

Bi Somoe now encourages other women to join savings groups, sharing how they’ve helped her overcome unexpected challenges and achieve her dreams. “These groups,” she says, “enable us to tackle family financial crises and build better lives.”

A Brighter Future, Together

Bi Somoe’s story underscores the profound impact of savings groups facilitated by DMDO. These groups empower rural communities to fight poverty, rebuild lives, and transform futures.

By supporting initiatives like savings groups, we can unlock opportunities for more families like Bi Somoe’s, ensuring that resilience and determination have the resources they need to thrive.