Calisters Mpofu (55) an entrepreneur from ward 19 in Lupane, has transitioned from indigenous poultry production to grocery retail enterprise. This shift was largely influenced by the challenges she faced while operating her poultry business which include losses due to heat waves and poor business management skills.

In March 2023, Calisters joined Arise and Shine Self-Help Group (SHG) under the Jobs Creation Project, a Hand in Hand Zimbabwe supported group with funding from Hand in Hand Sweden. Under the group, Calisters received business management trainings that empowered her start a grocery retailing business.

Inspired by her training and the support from her peers in the self-help group, Calisters decided to start a grocery retail business. This decision reflects an adaptive strategy to ensure her livelihood remains viable despite environmental challenges.

Currently, Calisters reports monthly sales of $450 from her grocery business. Out of this revenue, she achieves a profit margin of $180 per month. This indicates that she is effectively managing her costs and generating a sustainable income through her new venture.

“I would like to thank HiHZim for their support and trainings, that propelled me to start a grocery enterprise. I had given up, following the losses that l encountered in my previous business. When l joined Arise and Shine SHG, l learnt a lot from how to identify opportunities to bookkeeping. The group also gave me an opportunity to borrow money under Internal Saving and Lending Scheme in order to start my grocery shop, she said.

“From my savings and the money l borrowed from my group, l was able to start a grocery enterprise. Am proud, to say that the business is growing and l have learnt to be accountable through the help of HiHZim staff assisting me in bookkeeping.Through my business l am now able to send my children to school and provide for their upkeep .I am a proud mother, said Calisters.

                                                                             (HiHZim staff monitoring her bookkeeping records)

In addition to her grocery business, Calisters has acquired 20 hectares of land for goat rearing. This diversification strategy not only enhances her income potential but also provides resilience against market fluctuations and environmental factors that may impact one sector of her business.