Fifteen women in the village of Vorovoro, in Vohitany Commune, decided to take their future into their own hands. With support from ASOTRY, through Land O’Lakes, they formed a Village Savings and Loans (VSL) Association called “VSL Dera” in February 2016.
“VSL was the first activity we knew from the ASOTRY project. We believed it could change our lives, so we formed this group,” said Claudia, secretary of the VSL.
Before the project, the women faced extreme hardship. “Life was very difficult,” said Irène, a member of the group. “We didn’t have money to go to the health center when someone was sick, and we couldn’t afford to send our children to school. Every day, we ate only cassava or sweet potatoes for all our meals.”
Each week, members of VSL Dera buy between one and five shares. At the end of each cycle, which lasts about 12 months, the total savings and interest are shared based on how many shares each person has purchased. For VSL Dera, one share costs 1,000 MGA.
In addition, members contribute 600 MGA each week to support a shared development project. “At the end of our first cycle in February 2017, we used these contributions to buy seven goats,” Claudia explained.
During the second cycle, members joined a Farmer Field School (FFS) to learn better livestock practices. The ASOTRY project also provided one goat to each member. By applying what they learned, the group has grown their herd to 64 goats.
Members also began buying and storing products like rice, cassava, and peanuts to sell later when prices were higher. They even built their own warehouse to store the rice. By the end of the second cycle, the group had collected and sold 780 kapoaka (cans) of rice. With the profits, they bought a cart and built a new meeting room.
“We use this room for our Tuesday meetings, but also for activities like child growth monitoring and training sessions through the ASOTRY project,” Claudia explained.
The cart has been especially helpful for the group. “Before, we had to rent a cart, and one trip cost 3,000 MGA,” said Mama Hary, a member of VSL Dera. “Ten trips would cost 30,000 MGA, which is a lot for us. Now, we can use our own cart. Recently, I used it to take cassava to the market, and with the profit, I was able to buy a goat.”
Alongside these group activities, each member also runs her own small business, such as selling rice, basic household goods (like salt, soap, and sugar), vegetables, clothing, or handicrafts.
Unity is at the heart of VSL Dera. “We succeed together or fail together,” said Claudia. “Even when the ASOTRY project ends, we will continue working and stay united.”
ASOTRY has brought meaningful change to their lives. “The project opened my mind,” said Mama Hary. “I learned so much that helps me take care of my family. All my children are now in school. I hope they can continue to university in Toliara and succeed.”
“Today, we no longer depend on our husbands for money,” Claudia added. “We are proud to support our families with what we earn.”