Photo©UNCDF
With a loan of 300,000 Malagasy francs each (US$32), Alphonsine Rasoampamonjy (right) and Marie Thérèse Rasoamanambelo invested in a small farm where they grow rice and vegetables to sell in the local markets. Haingonala, the local microfinance institution, also taught them how to grow their produce organically, without harming the local environment. They and 20 other women formed an association that meets once a week with their MFI, to reimburse the loans and to receive training and guidance in running small businesses. “Haingonala did not answer all our dreams by providing us with loans and a place to put our savings,” said Alphonsine. “But they did offer us a way out of our poverty. Our job is to take advantage of that opportunity through hard work and correct choices.”
