Following a nutrition education and a cooking demonstration conducted by SIRP at Silalabuwa Irrigation scheme, in Insiza, Matabeleland South Province in September 2021 a group of women opened a bakery which they named Phakama. The bakery was started by a team of 12 ladies. One lady received training in nutrition education sessions and she went on to train the other members. This bakery was funded through club subscriptions of the 12 members. Due to some hardships 6 members dropped out. The money saved was used to buy a four plate gas stove.
The bakery produces bread at least 12 loaves per day and 350 scones which it sells at R1 a scone and 530 plain buns sold at R1 a bun. Sometimes they get orders from bigger shops from surrounding areas. The money they get from the sells has enabled them to buy a fridge and baking trays. The group ensures that every month they save $50 000 RTGS which they deposit in the company savings accounts which they opened with a local bank, Post Office Savings Bank. Through the Bakery, the members said they have been able to do the following;
Pay fees for their children
Purchase uniforms for children
Buying food at home
Buy containers for use in the baker
Pay rentals for their business premise and part payment for the operating licence (USD $300).
The group also manufactures foam bath, dish washing liquid, petroleum jelly, green bars and sanitisers. On the PPE group there are 16 members including two youths. From the PPE sales, the grop has made US$864 and have diversified into poultry. The group has purchased 50 broilers.