Project Duration: September 2024 – October 2027
Country: Côte d’Ivoire
Key Objective: Enable households in cocoa-growing communities to generate more income and improve children’s well-being through Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs).
Background
Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest cocoa and cashew producer and the third-largest coffee producer in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite this, smallholder farmers remain vulnerable due to low incomes, limited financial inclusion, and minimal influence over farmgate prices. Poverty rates remain high, with only 7% of rural farmers earning a living income. Gender inequality and child labour are significant problems. Women contribute 70% of agricultural labour but receive only 20% of household income and children are still found in child labour rather than school.
Financial Inclusion
EmpowHer leverages Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) to enhance financial access for smallholder farmers, particularly women. The project has two phases. In the assessment phase, 112 VSLAs expressing interest will undergo financial and organisational evaluation to determine their creditworthiness and level of technical support needed. Advans will conduct a thorough credit assessment to identify the necessary financial interventions. Based on these findings, the implementation phase will link VSLAs to financial institutions, enabling them to access tailored financial products. Technical support will also be provided to ensure loans are used to increase household income and improve child welfare.
Building Stability
EmpowHer aims to increase household income by providing greater financial stability and opportunities for diversifying incomes and entrepreneurial investment. By supporting rural families, the project seeks to reduce child labour and improve children’s access to education and healthcare. A key focus is empowering women, strengthening their role in financial decision-making and economic participation within their communities.
VSLAs are a key part of our sustainability work as they serve as a crucial stepping stone to formal financial services. By formalising VSLAs and expanding member’s access to credit, the project will also help reduce economic vulnerability and enhance financial inclusion. In the second phase, capacity-building support will be provided to strengthen the operational and financial literacy skills of VSLA members.
Expected Outcomes:
- Increased Household Income: Greater financial stability and diversified incomes.
- Improved Child Well-being: Reduced child labour and enhanced access to education and healthcare.
- Financial Inclusion: Formalised access to credit and financial products for VSLAs.
- Empowerment of Women: Strengthened financial decision-making and economic participation among female farmers.
Measuring Progress
KIT Institute will conduct a baseline and endline study to quantify the project’s socio-economic impact. They will evaluate the impact by measuring changes in household income and financial security, as well as assessing the reduction in child labour prevalence and severity.
Insights from the project will inform decision-making on how to scale to other countries, ensuring broader financial inclusion and economic empowerment for even more smallholder farmers.
Download the EmpowHER overview brochure here.
Partners:
