From Small Farm to Big Success: Shantale’s Imbeju Story.
“Good things come to those who are prepared to work hard for them,” says Shantale, whose success as a poultry producer has become an inspiration in her community.
Bunju Women Empowerment Group (BWE)
As a member of the Bunju Women Empowerment Group (BWE), she had access to a network of supportive women, but her business needed more than just encouragement—it needed resources.
That’s where the Imbeju Program, supported by the CRDB Bank Foundation, came in. The program offers training and seed capital to women and youth entrepreneurs, aiming to enhance their businesses and promote inclusive economic growth. For Shantale, The Imbeju program was a turning point.
At the time, Shantale ran a small-scale poultry operation on her family farm, but she struggled with limited resources and knowledge of entrepreneurship development. Through the Imbeju Program, she received extensive training that covered everything from financial literacy to business management to marketing strategies. She learned how to streamline her operations and effectively reach her target market. She also benefited from the seed capital facilitated by the CRDB Bank Foundation, which allowed her to improve her infrastructure and acquire high-quality breeds.
With the seed funding of TZS 5,000,000, Shantale was able to improve her farm’s infrastructure, including better housing for the poultry. She increased the numbers of poultry from 3500 to 6760. This improvement enabled her to grow her revenue by 40%, which in turn allowed her to create employment for four more people who now take care of the farm.
“I learned so much about proper poultry business, from the importance of a nutritious diet to creating an ideal environment for the birds,” Shantale explains. “The improved breed and the funds to build better housing have made a huge difference. My chickens are healthier, and the overall quality of my poultry has improved.”
Shantale's success
Shantale’s success has positively impacted her community. Her Son, who assists with the farm proudly shares their success story with others. “I am happy to show people how effective poultry management can be when supported by the right resources,” He says. “Seeing the results of better breeding and animal care motivates others to improve their practices.”
“Building and managing a successful poultry farm takes a lot of hard work, but the benefits are visible to everyone,” Shantale notes. Her journey shows the effectiveness of the Imbeju Program, which, through its focus on empowering women and youth and bringing about economic inclusion, has played a huge role in her achievements.
As Shantale’s business grew, so did her confidence. She became a show of success within the Bunju Women Empowerment Group, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The Imbeju Program, with its focus on empowering women and promoting an inclusive economy, proved to be a transformative force for Shantale and many others in the program.
Through the support of the CRDB Bank Foundation and the Imbeju Program, Shantale has turned her poultry business into a thriving enterprise, showcasing how dedication and the right resources can lead to success. The impact of the seed capital and improved infrastructure is evident in her increased revenue, job creation, and the overall growth of her business.
Over the course of the program, the Imbeju program, through the CRDB Bank Foundation, has reached over 306,376 people through capacity-building, providing knowledge and support. Additionally, it has provided more than 8.25 billion in seed capital to beneficiaries, enabling them to scale their businesses and contribute to their local economies. This success highlights the transformative power of the program in changing individual lives and also strengthening entire communities, ensuring that youth and women entrepreneurs like Shantale can continue to grow and thrive.
