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Empowering Microenterprise Projects In Chad
Chad lies in north central Africa, land locked. This trapped feeling is what some people of the world's fifth poorest nation go though every day when trying to provide basic food and shelter for their families. A glimmer of hope can be seen along Chad's horizon as rural southern communities gather together in doing something about the agricultural and health needs of their families and neighbors.
Surviving day by day is the way of most living in areas such as Pala, Gounougaya, and Ke'lo. The average life expectancy is 46.5 years and couples have 5 to 7 children, making it impossible to get financially ahead. Banks are scarce and getting a loan from the rich will have a 50-100% interest rate tacked on! This is why OBI is working with local groups to provide short-term loans for people to put it towards farm machinery, seed, soap making, drip irrigation kits for family gardens, as well as other community wide field projects.
In just over a year's time, 118 women's community granaries have sprung up. This is helping reduce off season famine in the event of disaster. Communal funds are made up of membership fees and in-kind contributions. In turn it is possible to help members during the off season by lending communal millet, with or without interest, depending on the situation. Members then sell their stock and buy cereals in order to renew their stock. It also is helping to teach rural women management and democratic leadership skills.
Other agricultural projects also include the Decentralized Agricultural Loan Fund which is in ten different areas. Because poor farmers have difficulty in buying machinery, they contribute to a community fund made up of membership fees and produce from community fields. When a farmer requires a plough, he provides half of the needed money and then the communal funds supply the other half. Loan payments are made over the next two years with a 25% interest rate going to group funds.
These opportunities offer business education to communities where often times over 50% of the men have no formal school education. "Operation Blessing is continually looking for unique ways to encourage economic growth in poor rural communities around the world," comments Programs Manager Curtis Williams.
Please help OBI in continuing to sponsor microenterprise projects such as this one in Chad!
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