Department of Community Development has courted men in Mzuzu Community Savings and Investment Promotion (Comsip) groups to reduce poverty and save for the rainy day.
The department made the appeal on Tuesday when Comsip held a nutrition and health fair for Chilimika Comsip Cooperative in Mzuzu for people to appreciate what it does and how its members have benefited from the programme.
businesses at the fair
Mzimba North community development officer Charles Matatilo said Mzuzu has four cooperatives and 16 clusters, but noted that in all the groups men’s participation is low.
He said Comsip has helped to improve lives of many communities financially. He asked men to join and promote such groups.
“Men have a problem. They want instant results. In contrast, women are patient. But with time, men will learn how cooperatives work and they will eventually appreciate the benefits,” said Matatilo
Chilimika Cooperative chairperson Idah Phiri said there are some tasks that need the hand of men and if more joined, women would be motivated.
Comsip nutrition and health officer Judith Chisye said the initiative is having an impact on lives of communities in terms of nutrition, health and self-reliance.
