OCTOBER 2001

Update on the African Woman Food Farmer Initiative in Benin

Dr. Fitigu Tadesse, Africa Regional Director

Report on AWFFI-Benin

During the 3rd quarter of 2001, AWFFI-Benin has expanded its activities in partnership with other local NGOs under the leadership of Mrs. Karim Rafiatou, National Coordinator. The new regions arc: Oueme, Atlantique, Zou, and Mono. In these four regions, AWFFI-Benin has distributed small loans to 920 women in the third quarter alone. The total number of women to receive micro-credit loans since the inception of AWFFI-Benin is over 6,000. The annual interest rate is 10% and the reimbursement rate to date is 100%.

In addition to the loans, AWFFI-Benin has provided training to over 2,000 women in adult literacy, management, accounting, health and nutrition. In partnership with THP-Benin, several VCA workshops were held for the 2,000 women from the four regions to enhance their self-esteem and support the leadership of women in the many partner villages. Women animators selected from the women attending VCA workshops are currently working closely with the village leadership to support them in their various income generating activities.

The National Coordinator has reported that these credits have tremendously helped the women to increase their food production, strengthen their food banks, diversify and increase their income generating activities. These improvements have enabled them to become increasingly financially independent of their husbands and to feel proud of their achievements.