The ripple effects of increasing the income of African women Sponsored by myAgroFarms
Program models serving members of marginalized communities must be tailored to their unique challenges and needs. In Senegal, Tanzania, and Mali—where myAgro currently operates—there are three persistent barriers that keep women farmers disconnected from agri-business, which contributes to the vicious cycle of poverty that farmers in Africa face.In general, farmers have their strongest cash flow at harvest time.
At myAgro, we support women in their efforts because we have seen firsthand the ripple effect a woman’s financial opportunity and economic stability can have on families and communities. When companies–both for-profit and nonprofit–operate with their target community in mind, it means success for those they serve. The proof is in the impact. MyAgro farmers growincrease in annual income per farmer.
Before working with myAgro, Awa said that it was difficult to get fertilizer because she could never afford it. By paying little by little on layaway, Awa says she doesn’t feel the stress of having to save and pay for her inputs all at once. Awa even chose to reinvest in another package with myAgro this year because she sees the benefits.
When asked how she would explain myAgro to a farmer who has never heard of it, she said: “I don’t have words. Come and see my field, and you will see how different it is.”is a farmer from Ndouf, Senegal who has been working with myAgro for 4 years. myAgro has helped her increase her income and has given her the financial security to invest in a goat and sheep. The income she earns from her livestock supports her children’s education.