By Marie Marthe Saint Cyr | Executive Director
Ox-Plow and Community Credit Fund: Gwoup Fanm Mirak Lafwa Group of Women Miracle of Faith (GWOFAMIL 52 members - 49 women, three men) – wants to allow the beneficiaries in Belvi, members of the organizations to increase their agricultural production and revenue through the establishment of an ox-plow program and a farmer’s credit fund. Tilling the land with ox-plows is much faster than using picks, machetes and hoes, and makes the land more productive.The Ox-plow project will allow members to receive small loans to facilitate access to rent the plow to till the land during the planting period without resorting to high interest through banks and other means. Low-interest (2%) credit funds allow farmers to plant and harvest quickly to produce good crops and increase income.
The Lambi Fund partenered with GWOFAMIL to obtain the oxplows. We provided training in ox-plow management and operation for six operators. Project management training for 30 membersincluded credit fund management, organizational capacity building to strengthen and improve the organizational structures, forage production and conservation. GWOFAMIL members also received training in project management and accountability as it pertains to agricultural and credit projects. provided.
Over 25 members of GWOFAMIL have tilled 5 acres each because they were able to access the loan at a low interest rate. The loans were repaid from the first phase. The fund grew from 187,500 gourdes to 217,500 gourdes (17% growth) and new loans were issued to 29 members on the first cycle and 25 more on the second cycle. Thus far reimbursement has been 100% as expected. The interest remains 2%. As they pay back the loan, other members will access new loans and the interest benefit all of them as the organization grows. The Storm “Sandy” resulted in major lost for the members and the region was damaged. They received support from the emergency response that Lambi Fund executed to assist the victims of Sandy. The delay created by the damage from the storm has resulted in a delay in completing the 20,000 new trees to be planted in the area. This is in progress. GWOFAMIL hired two persons to work in the nursery. The organizations increased its assets in the investment in tools and equipment that are utilized to continue their reforestation effort.
With the organization providing ox-plow at a low cost rental fee and creating access to a low interest credit option, the members have benefitted in two ways:, they have cultivated more land and produce more because of the time effectiveness of the ox-plow during the window of planting season, they have increased their potential for increased revenue, the way out of poverty.
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