Microfinance and Technical Support Project

The rural poor people involved in this project have limited access to land in an area affected by extreme yearly flooding. Their vulnerability is increased by dependence on moneylenders, seasonality of income and emergencies caused by illness. In addition, formal government services for rural development at the local level (agriculture, livestock, fisheries) are limited. NGOs are present but mainly provide only savings and credit services. The private sector is growing in importance every year as a result of privatization programmes.

The project focuses on mitigating poor people's vulnerability, improving their access to essential services and resources, and supporting their livelihoods, particularly through livestock.

Focusing on the promotion of high-value products with established marketing chains that do not require large landholdings, the project provides access to savings and credit services.

In line with the draft PRSP, the project is working to improve technical service provision to rural poor people by contracting input supply and service provision through NGOs and the private sector. A programme of skills development is being provided for project participants and NGO staff. To reduce the vulnerability of women, the project enables them to gain access to knowledge and technology, to take control of productive resources, and to acquire leadership and management skills.

Source: IFAD