KENYA - $5,225
Cereal Marketing
Project Director - Grace Laisa

22 members of the group, from Elgon East Yearly Meeting are participating in this one-year project. The members propose to open a store for buying cereals and grains.

Their proposal stated, “in most cases during the harvesting seasons, prices are extremely low. Some farmers are forced to sell farm produce at little or no profit. It is this dilemma that has led to the proposal [of] buying and selling cereals in bulk. The goal is to stockpile the cereals until later in the year when the prices are at their highest, and then sell for maximum profits.” Participants will be in groups of five to guarantee each other for loan security, effective management, transparency and accountability. MWG will hire a staff person skilled in small business management to help with running the project and will also seek technical assistance from other NGOs in the area and Common Ground Program [past RSWR partner].

During the harvesting season each group will generate an income of $375 per month ($75 per member). At the end of the peak season each group will have additional 300 bags of maize to be sold when prices are higher, generating an additional income of $2,070 ($415 per member). After grains are sold the group will repay loans at 10% annual interest.

Project Completed: December 31, 2008