Benin

In Benin, The Hunger Project exceeded Madame Djaria's expectations when a small loan went a long way towards making her business grow.

Madame Djalla is president of the Kissamey Epicenter's Microfinance Program Committee. As such, she leads 17 women's groups and has developed a monitoring system to ensure that her group members repay their loans on time.

Anagonou Hounzavi started with a dream two years ago, and thanks to planning, hard work, and a training program through THP, he has built a successful chicken farm starting with just six chicks in 2007. He is now expanding into rabbit breeding while supporting his family and proudly continues to train others on chicken farming.

The completion of Bétérou Epicenter was celebrated in an inauguration ceremony in March, while the food banks at all eight Benin epicenters have reached full capacity. Self-reliance is moving ahead with emphasis on diversifying income sources and the use of local, organic fertilizers. Loan repayment rates have achieved 100% at most epicenters.

Through the African Woman Food Farmer Initiative, Mrs. Juliet Ketehoundje of Benin has become a dynamic leader.

Update to the Global Board (October 2008). Amidst the challenge of the world food crisis, most Hunger Project-Benin epicenter food banks are fully stocked to ensure the food security of the communities.

Update to the Global Board (October 2008). Due to unfavorable farming conditions, microfinance partners have faced challenges repaying their loans on time. However, with the help of the epicenter and loan committees, partners have increased their repayment rates by 13 percent.