Each year over 100 local farmers participate in our microloan program. They each receive small (about $150 USD) interest-free loans that they use to improve their farms, increase their yields and revenue, and ultimately provide a better life for themselves and their families. We are honored to introduce you to Samba Mbaye, who has benefited from this program. He would like to share in his own words what this program means to him, his family, and his larger community.
Samba working in his millet and peanut fields.
My name is Samba Mbaye, I have a wife and six children including three boys and three girls, I am a farmer and at the same time I assume the function of city councilor in Keur Socé.
Personally, I have received micro-loans from Andando. I use these funds to buy fertilizer to enrich my millet and peanut fields because I keep seeds very often. I have been able to fertilize four hectares (approx. 10 acres) of fields thanks to the accompaniment and support of the Andando staff who reinforced my motivation to profit from this unused field perimeter to hope for a good production.
Samba with his wife and children in their home.
The funding had a big impact on me. All of Andando’s actions impact on me. The loans have positively benefitted my family, because after the harvest we manage to preserve food (peanuts and millet) until the next winter. Andando supports us at a very important time in the life of the farmer because at this time it is difficult to access financial assistance.
Farmers at the annual microloan distribution.
Andando's actions impact my community because they really feel his support in many areas because Andando is open to everyone, he has no borders with anyone. It helps all the vulnerable layers of my community (women, children, farmers, etc.).
Eating a family meal around a communal bowl.
The support of farmers has an impact on the community, because after harvest farmers can sell to their community so they have something to eat, this contributes to nutrition, and food security, and has an impact on the economy as well. Andando’s projects have an impact on all communities, because Andando provides service to the whole community.
There are many more farmers like Samba who would benefit from a little boost to improve the quality of life for their families. You can make a difference, donate today.