The African countries in which SOS Faim supports its partners are facing numerous crises. SOS Faim would like to highlight the situation in Mali and its dramatic consequences. The country is ravaged by disastrous security and economic problems. The terrible repercussions for the rural population are numerous: the expropriation of land and livestock from farmers, who are left without resources; restrictions on farmers' access to their plots; the destruction of crops and fields; the closure or relocation of several microfinance institution (MFI) branches; difficulties in obtaining loans from MFIs or banks to finance agricultural activities. The context in which NGOs operate in Mali remains very complex, with different armed groups operating in the same areas. But SOS Faim continues to support its partners.
As the year comes to an end, the NGO is calling on everyone's generosity to support its partner CVECA-ON Ségou, which specialises in microfinance in Mali. For more than 25 years, the CVECA-ON Ségou network has been setting up rural credit unions, self-managed by local communities in 65 villages. These initiatives play a crucial role because microfinance offers rural and vulnerable populations a chance for a better future. By facilitating access to loans and banking services, microfinance enables small farmers and entrepreneurs to develop their agricultural and commercial activities and strengthens their resilience in the face of food insecurity in Mali.
"I remain convinced that microfinance is a valuable tool for stabilising a country like Mali, which is suffering from insecurity, by financing income-generating activities for young people tempted to join armed groups or flee the country. Supporting microfinance means saving lives," says Ali Cisse, director of the CVECA-ON Ségou network.
Microfinance is a financial system that provides credit, savings, and insurance services to low-income groups who are often excluded from traditional financial institutions. It aims to promote economic autonomy and improve living conditions, particularly in developing countries.
Rural microfinance institutions such as CVECA-ON Ségou, supported by SOS Faim, are having a significant impact on the empowerment of women. They make up the majority of the agricultural workforce, but their rights are often violated, particularly as regards to access to land and appropriate financing.
SOS Faim has developed invaluable expertise in facilitating dialogue between farmers' organisations and microfinance institutions, based on in-depth knowledge of both types of actors. SOS Faim supports socially committed financial institutions that innovate to offer financial services adapted to the needs of farmers. This support can take various forms, such as financing seeds, straw, improvements, agricultural equipment, and training farmers in how to access fundings. Your donation to SOS Faim will contribute directly to strengthening microfinance in the fight against hunger in Mali.
Aminata Yatara
"My name is Aminata, I'm a cashier for CVECA in Sakoiba. I'm married, I have three children and I was born in this village. I'm trained in accountancy. I'm delighted to see the progress that has been made in the village of Sakoiba and the surrounding area thanks to the CVECA fund. Many women have benefited from CVECA credit to improve their activities. The microfinance institution is making a major contribution to improving the living conditions of women in our community", Aminata Yatara, cashier at CVECA-ON Ségou.
Mamadou Keïta
"My name is Mamadou Keïta and I'm a beneficiary of a CVECA loan. I live in Sanogola, in the commune of Cinzana Gare. Before CVECA came to our region, I couldn't raise the money I needed to buy a oxen, and my cereal harvest wasn't enough to meet my family's needs. Thanks to the implementation of the fund in our village, we are now able to cultivate around 8 hectares of land, which enables us to guarantee our food security for the year." Mamadou Keïta, farmer in Mali.
Stories like that of Aminata and Mamadou show how microfinance transforms lives and encourages local economic development.
SOS Faim needs your help to continue the fight against hunger.
BECAUSE SOLUTIONS EXIST, WE MUST ACT TOGETHER, DONATE.
Your donation will be multiplied by five thanks to the co-financing mechanism from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
SOS Faim bank account:
POST Luxembourg
IBAN : LU22 1111 0055 5526 0000
BIC / SWIFT : CCPLLULL
