Women start revolving fund to promote development and food security in Nicaragua

Woman tending her garden.

Photo: CEPAD

Council of Evangelical Churches for a Denominational Alliance (CEPAD)
Foods Resource Bank (FRB)

Some 57 women leaders in 19 rural communities are developing three women-headed revolving funds to promote local development and food security initiatives, with the help of Church World Service, Foods Resource Bank, and local partner CEPAD.

Rural Nicaraguan women produce much of the food their families consume. But they have lacked many of the resources available to men, including access to credit, title to land, and technological assistance in improving productivity and diversification. Though this is slowly changing, many women remain in need of training and resources to allow them to improve conditions for their families.

Through the CEPAD project, the women are learning to create and administer revolving funds for project development and to identify, educate, and train at least 50 additional women who will receive loans. The goal is for each fund to be self-sustainable.

The women are also strengthening their participation in local development initiatives and community affairs, and building stronger links with other community-based organizations with similar goals.

Support for Church World Service helps make this program possible.

Updated 7/7/2008

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