An association to restore hope

Baya Christine, a resident of Sapouy, recounts her journey from unemployed woman to dynamic entrepreneur thanks to the support of the Association Promo Monde Rural (APMR). It all began when Christine was introduced to Village Savings and Credit Associations (VSCAs) by APMR. This training enabled her to join a local AVEC, where she was able to obtain a loan of 200,000 CFA francs, the starting point of her entrepreneurial adventure.

Decisive financing for a boutique

With this loan, Christine opened a small boutique where she sells traditional loincloths, soap and various other items. This business represents a turning point for her, enabling her to support herself and take a new place in her community. “Today, I’m financially independent and I’m able to make my contribution to the community,” she says.

Livestock farming: a promising sector for empowerment

In addition to her store, Christine also started raising small ruminants, beginning with just two head. Within a year, she had eight. Her success was also confirmed in pig and poultry breeding. Christine started with three head and soon saw her herd grow to twenty, many of which she sold for an income of 150,000 CFA francs. This choice to diversify her activities offers her new prospects for economic growth and self-sufficiency.

Ongoing support for lasting success

APMR didn’t stop at simply providing financial support: it also facilitated Christine’s contacts with other capacity-building projects. Thanks to these initiatives, she has been able to deepen her entrepreneurial skills and develop her business more effectively.

Persistent challenges for livestock farming

Despite the successes she has achieved, Christine encounters difficulties related to health and quality feed for her animals, which sometimes affect her livestock. She hopes that APMR will continue to support her in overcoming these challenges by providing additional resources and technical support.

A role model for the women of Sapouy

Baya Christine’s journey inspires many women in her community who, like her, want to achieve financial independence and play an active role in local economic development. Thanks to APMR, Christine has become a concrete example of the power of microcredit initiatives for the economic emancipation of women in rural areas.