In 2010, Saro Charo Saro founded Ark Development Initiative CBO (ADI CBO) with a vision to empower low-income communities through innovative financial and development solutions. What began as a small initiative has grown into a transformative force, impacting thousands of lives across Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa, and Taita Taveta counties in Kenya.
The Genesis of ADI CBO
The journey of ADI CBO started with the creation of an informal business hub, financed by members’ contributions. This hub was designed to grow and eventually formalize into regulated entities, providing both financial and non-financial services to its members. Initially operating under Ark Sacco, ADI CBO took over in 2014 to provide more comprehensive services and address the limitations of the Sacco model.
Our Holistic Approach
ADI CBO’s success lies in its holistic approach, which is built around five strategic pillars that are all financed by the members:
- Economic Empowerment: Through Community Financial Services Associations (CFSAs), ADI CBO provides financial services such as microloans, savings accounts, and investment opportunities. These services create a financial base for personal and corporate development, contributing to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Food Security: ADI CBO promotes sustainable food production and supply, ensuring that community members can finance their agricultural needs. Initiatives include setting up Conservation Agriculture and Value Addition Centers, which help improve food security and livelihoods.
- Low-Cost Housing: By providing training on affordable and environmentally friendly housing approaches, ADI CBO aims to offer decent and affordable shelter while conserving nature. This includes the use of interlocking soil blocks and other sustainable building techniques.
- Natural Resources Management: ADI CBO supports the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies like energy-saving cook stoves, solar lanterns, and solar irrigation pumps. These efforts focus on improving quality of life and mitigating climate change. ADI CBO also promotes the planting of fruit trees.
- Socio-Cultural Enhancement and Integration: ADI CBO runs programs that promote respect, dignity, and integration within diverse communities, contributing to social cohesion and peace.
The Impact
Over the years, ADI CBO has made significant strides in transforming the lives of low-income earners. By leveraging community-driven initiatives and local resources, ADI CBO has created a sustainable model that not only addresses immediate needs but also builds a foundation for long-term development. The organization’s efforts have helped reduce the wealth gap, foster regional investment, and promote sustainable development.
Looking Ahead
As ADI CBO continues to grow, its commitment to empowering communities remains steadfast. The organization aims to incubate CFSAs and supporting pillars as seeds of formal regulated organizations, ultimately transforming social capital into real investment capital. With a focus on sustainability and community-driven solutions, ADI CBO is building a brighter future, one community at a time.
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