15 women in the village of Vorovoro, in Vohitany Commune, have decided to take their future into their own hands. Together, they created a Village Savings and Loans (VSL) Association called “VSL Dera” with the support of ASOTRY, through Land O’Lakes, in February 2016.
“VSL was the first thing we knew about ASOTRY project. We were convinced it could change our life, so we formed this association,” says Claudia, secretary of the VSL.
These women lived in poverty before the project arrived. “Life was very hard. Since we did not have money, we did not dare to go to the health center when a member of the family was sick. We did not have the means to send our children to school. Everyday, we only ate cassava or sweet potatoes in the morning, at noon, and in the evening,” says Irène, member of the VSL.
Members of VSL Dera buy between one to five shares every week. At the end of each cycle, which generally lasts twelve months, the accumulated fund, capital, and interest is shared among the members according to the number of shares purchased. For VSL Dera, the value of one share was 1,000 MGA.
In addition to the shares, members of VSL Dera decided to contribute 600 MGA at each weekly meeting to carry out a joint development project. “At the end of the first cycle in February 2017, we could buy seven goats with the money we could raise from the weekly contribution,” says Claudia.
By the second cycle, VSL Dera members have joined an FFS group – Farmer Field School – to learn how to improve their breeding practice. In addition, the ASOTRY project has donated a goat to each member. Thanks to the techniques they have learned and applied, VSL Dera already has sixty-four goats to date!
Members also bought products like rice, cassava, and peanuts that they stocked and resold when price were high. Rice was stored in a warehouse that the women built themselves. At the end of the second cycle, the association was able to collect and sell 780 kapoaka (can) of rice. With the profit, they bought a cart and built a new meeting room. “We use this new room for our meetings on Tuesdays, but also for all activities related to the ASOTRY Project such as children growth monitoring and various trainings,” explains Claudia.
The cart that the association has bought brings considerable benefit to each member. “If we did not have this cart, we would have to rent, while the price of a single trip costs 3,000 MGA. If we have to make ten trips, we need to pay 30,000 MGA, which is expensive for us. Now, we just need to notify the members when you want to use it. Lately, I used it to sell cassava at the market. At the end of the day, I was able to buy a goat thanks to the profits!” says Mama Hary, member of VSL Dera.
In addition to the common income generating activities, each member has her own venture such as rice, PPN (products of first necessity such as salt, soap, sugar, etc.), vegetables, clothing, or a handicrafts business.
Unity is the strength of VSL Dera. “Either we win together or we fall together! Even if the ASOTRY project comes to an end, we will continue our efforts and we will stay united,” says Claudia.
ASOTRY has brought significant change in each member’s life. “ASOTRY opened my mind. I learned so many things that allowed me to take care of my family. My children are all going to school! I hope they continue their studies in Toliara University, and succeed,” says Mama Hary.
“Today, we no more ask for money from our husbands. We are so proud that even our family can enjoy the money that we earn,” says Claudia.