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Our Impact Between September 2005 and November 2006, we conducted a longitudinal study to assess the impact we’ve had on program participants and their families and communities. Our field interns conducted 284 interviews with business owners, each of whom had at least 2 to 5 years of operating experience. We measured changes in standard of living using locally relevant indicators. Here’s what we discovered:
School enrollments increased from 68% to 95% as parents gained the means to pay for uniforms, school supplies and lunches. The value of chickens and livestock (rural Africa’s form of savings) rose 161% in Kenya, 571% in Tanzania and 627% in Uganda. Land ownership rose 16% in Kenya, 37% in Tanzania and 20% in Uganda. Among land owners, land under cultivation rose 41% in Kenya, 7% in Tanzania and 29% in Uganda. Home improvements made living quarters more comfortable, sanitary and durable.
Eighty-four percent of women report significant improvements in one or more of the following: relationships with spouses, equity within their households, participation in community life, public image and a sense of independence and empowerment.
Training, seed capital and mentorship transform desolate villages into vibrant centers of commerce. Through June 2008, we’ve helped start 16,430 small businesses. Eighty-eighty percent continue beyond 1 year and 75% are still going after 4 years. A third of our entrepreneurs start additional businesses. From small seeds sprout a cornucopia of skills that extend across communities and generations.
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The average number of meals consumed per day increased from 1.9 to 2.5.
The positive impact of our microenterprise development program demonstrates the importance of grants in the world of microfinance. They are life-changing resources for impoverished yet industrious people who have little or no business experience and no access to credit.