Savings Group a Lifesaver for Displaced Farmers
After he and his family fled their village due to terrorist attacks, successful program farmer Fimba connected once again with local partner Showing Everyone Love (SEL). He joined a Village Savings and Lending Association in the city and has managed to improve his family’s standard of living again by starting a small business with his savings.
Fimba had been an accomplished farmer and livestock breeder, having incorporated into his practices the sustainable farming techniques he learned as a program participant. He said his life was very good.
Until the terrorist attacks on his village forced people to leave, that is. In the city, he had no land and was unable to use his agricultural skills to support his family. Understandably, he’d become discouraged and pessimistic. SEL continued to work with the displaced farmers, and at a gardening meeting he learned about saving money through a Village Savings and Lending Association. A VSLA participant spoke about how he’d come to save enough money to buy seeds for a kitchen garden and otherwise provide for his family. He explained the weekly meetings, the secure lockbox, the savings minimums, group loans to members, small interest payments, and periodic payouts.
Though city life was very expensive, Fimba still had a little money since he’d only recently moved from the village. He learned about income-generating activities at a VSLA meeting, bought some half-bags of millet and sorghum, and started selling the grain by the bowl. This modest activity provided enough income to pay for food, his children’s schooling, a sheep to raise, and to continue adding to his VSLA savings.
Soon enough he was able to buy four bags of millet, three bags of sorghum, two bags of sesame, three bags of beans, and one bag of peanuts to sell out of a little shop in his shed. Fimba says his wife will join a group next year as well because of the increased opportunities she’ll have access to. He’s infinitely thankful for SEL, his VSLA, and the instruction in income generation.
“It’s important for displaced people to have something to do to meet their needs instead of waiting for distributions from organizations. I continue to raise awareness among my displaced friends in the city that they don’t have to sit idly by,” he said.
West Africa Program
Led by World Renew and Local Partner Showing Everyone Love (SEL)