Group Formalization into Vicoba Model : A Case of Kimara Women Empowerment Group in Kimara Ward, Kinondoni District, Dar es salaam

The general objective of this community needs assessment is to support the formalization of the informal women groups in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam a case study of Kimara Ward. Specifically, the assessment sought: specifically to assess the community needs of the women in Kimara Ward, Kinondoni District; to prioritize the identified needs of the women in Kimara Ward, Kinondoni District; to address the prioritized needs of the women in Kimara Ward, Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam. The research was a Community Needs Assessment study conducted in Kimara in Kinondoni Municipality. It was a case study of the Kimara Women Empowerment Group. The methods used in this study included: Focus group discussions (FGDs); key informant interview; and community validation workshop. The major findings of the study were the needs of the community as stated: The need of the women groups to formalize their groups; need of the women in the community to train on the Village Community Banks (VICOBA) Model; lack of entrepreneurship skills, lack of organizational management skills, low financial literacy and loan and financial assistance needs. The implemented project prioritized group formalization and awareness of the VICOBA model. The assessment recommended the integration of pending needs in the future project plans, the development of the constitution of the group to guide its activities, opening of a bank account to ensure safety of the members’ contributions, adherence to the proper use of the Credit Kit and establishing a physical location for group meetings, the group needs to take charge of management of their activities as this is a threat to the sustainability of the grou