The Neema Neighbors Group, based in Kiriba Village, is part of a wider fabric of community initiatives that includes Mnyumbuni, Kiriba Chama and Upendo Kiriba. Like these groups, Neema is rooted in shared values of cooperation, resilience, and mutual support. Members work side by side in farming, run small businesses, and show up for one another in times of need—whether through labour, goods, or care.
An amount of 180 USDC was introduced as shared community liquidity in the Neema community pool. Pool members can access these funds on a rotating basis. What makes this model work is its emphasis on participation. Those who draw from the pool are expected to give back—through labour, services, or goods—ensuring that value continues to circulate within the community. In this way, the pool acts as a living bridge between external funding and local economic activity, strengthening both.
Use of Funds
This round of support demonstrates how pooled funds can respond flexibly to the diverse needs of community members.
One of the members, Elius Sadaka, used his allocation to purchase a shade net to protect the tree seedlings he had recently planted. The shade net will help prevent goats from eating and destroying the young trees, increasing their chances of survival.
Elius Sadaka with the shade net and tree nursery
Elius shares:
“I recently planted tree seedlings, but I was worried because goats could easily destroy them. I used the support to buy a shade net that will protect the seedlings as they grow. The support is helping me care for the trees and secure their future.“
Mbeyu Kobo invested her share in expanding her mandazi business by purchasing additional stock. The extra capital has enabled her to increase production and improve the stability of her business.
Mbeyu Kobo with her mandazi business
Mbeyu says:
“I used the money to buy more stock for my mandazi business. Before this support, the business was struggling because I could not afford enough ingredients. Now I can prepare more mandazi for sale“.
The remaining funds were collectively invested in the group’s shared project of constructing a chicken house. The members agreed to purchase iron sheets using the pooled support, while contributing mud, sticks, and their own labour to build the structure together. This reflects the commitment pooling approach, where external support is combined with community resources to create lasting value.
Photos: Members constructing the chicken house
The group believes the chicken project will become an important community asset, creating opportunities for future income while strengthening cooperation among members.
