Kalomo Bwacha Women ICT Club draws on technology to empower women in the agricultural sector. The Club was already marketing produce from the local area - e.g., food stuffs, clothes and crafts - using the internet; with the help of IICD and Step Out, the group introduced ICTs to a group of about 11 women and sensitised them on how their operations would be enhanced with the use of communication facilities such as telephones, computers, a printer, and an internet connection. Apart from email, the digital camera is also being used as a tool for information and publicity.

In order to empower women to face the challenge of using and maintaining the ICT facilities, participants were trained during a basic ICTs and marketing course. In addition, a resource centre was created so that women could meet face-to-face, sharing ideas and marketing their produce physically in one place and through the internet. Members of the general public also have access to the Club's services by paying a small fee.

Agriculture, Women, Economic Development.

As of September 2005, about 32 women groups were affiliated with the Club. Each member of the Club receives 5 kilos of different seeds such as maize, groundnuts, beans and sunflower to plant, after which the seeds are returned in 50 kilo bags (after a good harvest); this serves as a loan system. The produce from the clubs are collected by Bwacha women and sold at the centre; those purchasing it include the World Food Programme, the Catholic church in the area, lodges and hotel owners, and the general public.