Meet 44-year-old Samkeliso Ncube from Nkalakatha village in Nkayi District. She is now a businesswoman and is able to support her two children and her husband. Through the Jobs Creation Project, she received business management trainings which propelled her to start a poultry business.

In April 2022, Samkeliso joined Zenzele Self Help Group  a seven -member group under the Jobs Creation Project, a Hand in Hand Zimbabwe supported group with funding from Hand in Hand Sweden. The seven-member group received various forms of support, including entrepreneurship training and technical skills in business management.

Inspired by the trainings Samkeliso began her poultry farming venture with just 20 Boschveld Sasso chicks. Overtime, witnessing potential in her business, she borrowed some money from her Self-Help Group (Internal Saving and Lending Scheme) to purchase 10 Boschveld Sasso chicks. Currently, her breeding stock has increased significantly to over 75 chickens. This growth indicates not only her commitment to expanding her business but also her ability to manage resources effectively.

Moreso, Samkeliso supplies eggs primarily to local retailers. She sells at least 45 crates of eggs each month at a price of USD5.00 per crate. She generates a monthly income of $225.00.

Looking ahead, Samkeliso has outlined a growth plan that includes increasing her breeding stock further ,by purchasing an incubator. This strategic move will enable her to hatch and supply day-old chicks to other farmers, thereby diversifying her income sources and contributing more significantly to local agriculture.

By expanding her operations in this manner, she not only enhances her own economic stability but also supports fellow farmers by providing them with quality chicks for their own ventures.

Samkeliso ’s journey reflects the transformative impact of targeted support programs like Jobs Creation Project on women’s empowerment in rural areas. Samkeliso ‘s story illustrates how entrepreneurship can lead to improved livelihoods for individuals and communities.