In the field: exploring the potential of Saving for Change groups

Hello Blog,

I'm sorry, I left you alone for a while.
I have been a lot in the field, and internet connections were not exactly "easy".

It all started with a 11 hours trip in a "7-places", from Dakar to Koussanar:

11 hours is actually because the "7-places" only leaves when it's full. So I actually had to wait 3h30.
The vendor (below) was very friendly, but not exactly honest when he said "quick, buy your ticket, we're almost full and leaving soon!"

Fortunately the trip went well!

The next day I started the visits in Saving for Change groups. 7 days, 11 villages visited and 19 groups interviewed... Intense but so insightful!

Oral accountancy in Sinthiou Demba Deme village

The groups constitute an incredibly strong organizational basis, which actually constitutes potential for many other actions.

With Oxfam and our local partner La Lumière, we are studying how these groups could access more credit through MFIs (MicroFinance Institutions), and what could be their interests, capacity and potential for policy advocacy.

Fascinating!

Some answers to come in the next posts...

A bientôt!

Rural Women and Land Reform in Senegal - Mobilization!

As in many countries, land is a key issue for smallholder farmers in Senegal.

It is particularly the case for women, as customary law gives priority to men.

It is not uncommon that women who have invested during several years on a piece of land lose it from one day to the another, because of an arbitrary decision of a local chief.

Senegal is today in the process of revising its legislation on land ownership. And the civil society - and in particular women's organizations - do not want to be absent of the debate!

On July 3 and 4, the "National Network of Rural Women" organized a workshop on Rural Women and Land Reform in Senegal, mobilizing over 200 women leaders from every region of the country, as well as public officials, civil society leaders, researchers and cooperation agencies.

The 2 days were marked by presentations, debates and workshops, which concluded in a common declaration to the Senegalese government. The conference received a large media coverage.

Besides influencing the definition of laws, as strong issue lies in having them respected. In this perspective, the Network and its allies also support rural women in the claim of their rights in the regions.

Still a lot of work ahead, but already great realizations. Congratulations to all, et courage pour la suite!

Mme Tiné Ndoye, President of the National Network of Rural Women

Mme Mariam Sow, Coordinator of ENDA Pronat