Help Change the Lives of 104 Rural Women in Dogbo

1. Context and Challenges

Domonhoué, a rural locality in Benin (West Africa), faces significant economic and social challenges. Geographic isolation, lack of infrastructure, and limited economic opportunities hinder the development of this community. Women, who play a crucial role in household stability and prosperity, are particularly affected by these difficulties.

In response to these challenges, the NGO Education and Development (ONGED) launched an initiative aimed at economically empowering the women of Domonhoué. This project is part of a broader strategy to reduce poverty, promote gender equality, and strengthen local economic resilience.

2. Implemented Initiative

As part of this initiative, ONGED created the women’s cooperative “ALLÔLÉ ALLÔMEY”, which means “Together, we live” in the local language. This group serves as a platform for solidarity, experience-sharing, and economic innovation, offering women a tangible opportunity to improve their living conditions.

Thanks to the generous support of Professor Lisa THOMPSON and donors from the GlobalGiving platform, these women received financial assistance that enabled them to start an income-generating activity focused on cassava processing. The project is centered on the production and commercialization of gari, a toasted cassava flour that is widely consumed and highly valued in local markets.

3. Achievements

3.1. Acquisition of Agricultural Resources

Upon receiving the funds, the cooperative members mobilized efforts to identify and purchase cassava fields, ensuring a sustainable supply of raw materials.

3.2. Launch of Production

The women initiated the processing of cassava into gari using traditional techniques, demonstrating their expertise and determination. The process includes several key stages:

• Harvesting and transporting cassava,
• Peeling, washing, and grinding,
• Fermentation and drying,
• Toasting and packaging the final product.

3.3. Social and Economic Impact

This project goes beyond being a simple commercial activity; it serves as a powerful catalyst for social transformation, with notable effects on:

• Financial empowerment: Women can now support their families by covering essential needs such as healthcare, education, and food.
• Women’s leadership: The initiative encourages their active participation in economic decision-making within the community.
• Local economic growth: Increased circulation of resources and gradual creation of employment opportunities.

The beneficiaries have already reported a growing sense of self-confidence and independence, anticipating positive impacts for future generations.

4. Challenges and Limitations

Despite these encouraging developments, several obstacles hinder the project’s expansion:

4.1. Lack of Modern Equipment

The use of rudimentary tools slows production, limits gari quality, and makes the work physically demanding for women.

4.2. Logistical Constraints

Domonhoué’s geographic isolation makes it difficult to transport products to markets, increasing costs and reducing profit margins.

4.3. Need for Technical and Business Training

A comprehensive training program on cassava processing best practices, financial management, and marketing would help women better structure their business and access more competitive markets.

5. Call to Action: Specific Needs

To ensure the sustainability and expansion of this project, we seek the support of partners and donors to address the following needs:

5.1. Acquisition of Modern Equipment

Investing in tools such as grinding and pressing machines, as well as toasting utensils would:

• Increase production capacity,
• Improve gari quality,
• Reduce the physical burden on women.

5.2. Technical and Entrepreneurial Training

A structured training program would be essential to:

• Optimize cassava processing techniques,
• Develop financial management and marketing skills,
• Improve business structuring to ensure profitability.

5.3. Logistical Support

Investing in adapted transportation solutions would facilitate:

• Collection of cassava tubers from the fields to the processing site,
• Delivery of finished products to more accessible and profitable markets.

6. Conclusion

The ALLÔLÉ ALLÔMEY women’s cooperative project is a powerful example of how local initiatives can drive economic and social development in rural communities.

Thanks to the support received so far, these women have made significant progress in transforming their daily lives. However, to sustain and amplify this momentum, continued and increased support is crucial.

We invite you to join us in empowering these courageous women. Together, we can provide them with the resources they need to become key players in sustainable development in Domonhoué, inspiring other communities across Benin and Africa.