Community Capital: Strengthening bonds and businesses with Juhudi Kilimo
For the women farmers and small business owners in the rural village Kabati, Murang’a County, Kenya, their Juhudi Kilimo loan group has become a foundation for growth and resilience
Here, progress is shared. Members rely on more than just loans—they rely on each other, exchanging experiences, knowledge, and support to create opportunities and build self-reliance.
It’s a system built on mutual trust: each member takes on their own loan, but they collectively guarantee each other’s repayments. If one member faces difficulty, the others step in to support, strengthening the entire group and helping make credit accessible for all.
Patricia, a founding member, shared her perspective on being a part of the loan group. "It has helped me a lot. I can now build my house, support my farm, and even take care of my children’s education," she explained.
Existing members of the group ensure new members meet the group’s expectations and are ready to guarantee each other's loans. "We don’t just allow anyone to join. We get to know them, see what they’re doing, and make sure they are trustworthy," says Patricia. "If someone defaults, the group steps in to help, and that’s been our way of staying together."
The group of women entrepreneurs, many of whom have joined in the past few years, spoke about the camaraderie that comes with their shared journey. Carol, the newest and youngest member shared how Juhudi helped her with her first loan. "I’m grateful for the opportunity," she said. "The loan I received helped me start my small bakery. I’ve already paid my first installment, and I’m looking forward to growing it."
The discussion soon shifted to the agricultural investments many members had made. Some shared how they focused on cultivating staple crops like maize and beans, while others explored cash crops such as coffee and vegetables for higher returns. “I’ve started growing tomatoes,” one member mentioned, “and they’re selling well at the market.”
Jane, a farmer and another long-term member, added that the loans allowed her to improve her farming practices and sell her produce at local outlets. "I started with small loans in 2012, and now my farm has grown, and my children are educated."
Livestock farming was another common theme. Many members described how they bought chickens, goats, and cows with their loans, not only generating income through sales but also improving nutrition in their households. Jane noted, “With the goats, I can sell milk and have a steady income.”
As the meeting continued, members reflected on their growth and aspirations. "What I see now is a great opportunity for vertical farming, like I’ve been doing" member Ruth suggested. "Even with small plots of land, it’s possible to farm. It’s an idea worth exploring, and I’m excited about what we can do together."
Earlier in the day, we went to see Ruth’s farm where she proudly showed us the spinach and kale she grows in her compact, stacked garden system that requires little water—a creative solution for an area hit hard by water shortages.
The members’ experiences, though varied, showed how Juhudi Kilimo has helped them break through barriers, build stronger businesses, and seize new opportunities. The group’s outlook was clear: keep supporting each other to grow.
