A Group That Grows Together: The Bankanu VSLA

In Bankanu community, Kware LGA, Sokoto State, 25 women formed a Village Savings and Loan Association to strengthen their financial resilience. Through weekly savings they mobilised ₦196,000, plus a ₦3,390 social fund, in their first cycle.

Rather than lending to individual members, the group decided to pool resources and invest jointly: they bought three bags of maize, stored safely for resale. The strategy reduces individual risk, builds trust and generates profit that benefits everyone equally.

The Bankanu VSLA shows how empowered women can use savings and solidarity to create shared economic opportunities.

From Cultivating Resilience, Vol. 1.