Simukai Trust: Empowering Rural Communities in Zimbabwe

Simukai Trust's Beekeeping Workshop

In rural Chikomba East, Zimbabwe, small-scale farmers struggle with limited access to clean water, healthcare, and education, trapping many in poverty. Poor internet and outdated schools further hinder progress. Yet, Simukai Trust is driving change, and empowering the community through sustainable development.

Founded in 2011, Simukai Trust has evolved from a Women’s Burial Society into a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women through self-sustaining agricultural projects. Rooted in Chikomba East, Zimbabwe, the Trust works closely with smallholder farmers to provide opportunities for economic growth and community development. The name "Simukai," which means "Rise Up" in Shona, perfectly encapsulates the organization’s mission to uplift and strengthen rural communities.

Simukai Trust’s mission is to provide financing and training for community-based services, foster agricultural development, and combat poverty among rural women. The trust has successfully enabled women to sustainably produce crops such as maize, sunflower, sorghum, and honey while securing equitable market access to enhance food security. Over time, its vision has expanded beyond Chikomba East to address inequalities across Zimbabwe, promote sustainable development, and improve economic conditions nationwide.

Initially, Simukai Trust focused on empowering rural women and children in Chikomba East. However, as the organization grows, it is now targeting communities across Zimbabwe, striving to create equal opportunities for both men and women.

Simukai Trust Community Garden

Key Achievements

Simukai Trust has made significant strides in uplifting rural communities:

• 2023 Partnership with Sweet Maungwe Honey Private Limited: This collaboration increased female participation in beekeeping, offering a sustainable livelihood and expanding economic opportunities for rural women.

• 2020 Borehole Project with Turkiye Diyanet Vakfi: By drilling a borehole in the Sadza area, the trust provided clean water for irrigation and sanitation, improving both economic potential and public health.

Simukai Trust is currently spearheading two key initiatives. The first one is the Large-Scale Women's Honey Outgrower Project which aims to empower rural women through beekeeping, enhancing biodiversity and reducing deforestation. This project incorporates beehive fencing to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. Simukai Trust has secured international market access through quality control and certification of the products produced.

Secondly, the Rural Connectivity Projects aims to provide internet access to students by deploying Starlink kits within these communities. This project aims to bridge the digital divide by connecting primary and secondary schools to online learning platforms like ZimEdu Online, strengthening digital literacy and access to education.

Engaging directly with rural communities has been essential to Simukai Trust’s success. The participation of women, students, and local organizations ensures that projects remain relevant and impactful. The trust is actively building new strategic partnerships to enhance its capacity and reach.

Identifying and Addressing Community Needs

Simukai Trust prioritizes projects that foster long-term sustainability. By launching donor-funded initiatives that transition to self-sufficiency, the Trust ensures that communities continue benefiting even after external funding concludes. This approach allows communities to take ownership of their progress while tackling foundational challenges like economic stability and access to education.

The Impact Of Simukai Trust

The effects of Simukai Trust’s work can be seen in the lives of individuals and communities. Women participating in the wild honey pilot program have been able to send their children to school, invest in small businesses, and afford medical care due to the income generated from their beekeeping activities. Additionally, local farms benefit from increased pollination, leading to higher crop yields and reduced food insecurity.

To ensure long-term success, Simukai Trust partners with organizations that provide market access and expert knowledge. These collaborations help refine program strategies and maintain impactful initiatives.

Overcoming Challenges

Like many nonprofits, Simukai Trust has faced financial constraints, which have occasionally forced the organization to pause projects. However, by bringing new trustees on board and forging new partnerships, the trust is strengthening its capacity to pursue sustained growth.

Lessons Learned

One key insight gained from working with rural communities is the power of storytelling. "We’ve learned that it is hard to measure the many ways these projects impact people’s lives. The best way to understand the impact of initiatives is through the oral storytelling happening in those communities. Storytelling is the vehicle by which we will make a record of the impact of future projects", said the founder of Simukai Trust

The Trust has used the power of storytelling to highlight real-life success stories and the transformation brought by the programs.

Get Involved and Make an Impact!

Join us in supporting Simukai Trust and help create a brighter future for vulnerable communities. Here’s how you can take action today:

✅ Donate – Individuals and organisations can contribute through the Trust's GoFundMe page and support with grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships to support their initiatives.  

 ✅ Spread the Word – Share our fundraising video to raise awareness and inspire others to give.