Overview of Africa Fund Projects October 2008

Background
This report is based on the feedback given at the recent Africa Fund forum in Moshi, Tanzania 5-7th Sept and meetings with the Shiners Group in Kisumu 12th Sept 2008.

Uganda: Honey Project
Henry Chandia reported that there had been some challenges but that they were still pressing on with the project. A development board had been set up in Congo as suggested, and the Arua Board was planning a trip to Congo to meet with them.

  • The man who had been buying the honey & wax off them in Arua has left; now a local woman dealer is finding new markets for them.
  • Some of the hives in the original apiary have fallen into disrepair, but they have acquired some more land for another apiary.
  • They were still keen to pursue the timber business, but needed funds to register the company and get the necessary licence. They still had the money in hand that was given for a mechanical saw.

He gave a typed report; more details were requested to show a clearer balance sheet. However, he explained that much of the income from the honey had had to go in various taxes, registration, rent, hives production and transport. They still had 128kg wax to sell, but were low on capital for purchasing honey in 2009.

Uganda: Soroti Development Board
Robert Ewangu and Job Eliru were present. Anne Emuron, the treasurer, has had difficulties, including much ill-health.  Robert has sent a report to Simon Hodge, on the Reference Group, who can update more fully, but in summary;

  • The Goats project was progressing well. 400 goats had been distributed to families, about 16 He-goats of improved stock located in the project areas and a further 16 bicycles for the ‘animators’ provided (for monitoring ands training work). The project has reached an exciting stage in which goats are now being passed on to other families, enabling the benefit to spread.
  • Robert said they would seek to develop other rural schemes, in consultation with the villagers, and asked permission to come to us with more proposals.
  • A new proposal for the Carpentry Project is being put to Simon.

Kenya: Shiners Group revolving fund, Kisumu
George Mcomwanda noted the town had been very disrupted by the Election Crisis Dec-Feb, which had affected the Shiners too. He presented a copy of the updated constitution produced by the Shiners, which now allowed for a hardship loan to help those who had suffered major loss or ill health.

In Kisumu David attended a meeting of the Shiners presided over by Dalmas. He said there had originally been 5 people who started the Shiners, now there were 24 members. Total loans so far 430,200 Kenyan Shillings (£3645), repayments  were 132,370 (£1122). He updated on some key people;

  • Fred was able to set up a taxi business in Dec 06 with his loan, and later acquired a tuk-tuk. Both vehicles were damaged in the violence, the tuk-tuk very badly (now sold). From Jan-Jun 08 there was no business, but since then things are slowly recovering.
  • Elizabeth was loaned 10000/= (her shares in Shiners were 3500/=) to set up a stall selling second hand clothes. Her stock disappeared during the violence, and she needed whatever money was left to eat. Because she has proved such a faithful member, she was offered a ‘top up’ loan of 15000. Her business is now thriving again, and she goes to Nairobi to get clothes for resale (see photo right).
  • Ben had used his loan to move from a stall to a duka in the market and then to a better location in the town centre. He lost his entire electrical goods shop in the troubles. He was now operating from a stall in the main street again.
  • Thomas had used a loan to set up a business providing battery and phone charging. He had a major problem when his landlord was overcharging him. He now has a new home with a sub meter.

Kenya: Water Projects

  • Oyude well has been functioning well and a reduction in water borne diseases has been recorded. The area has now also had a supply of lake water piped by the Italian Govt. but apparently people still use the well for drinking water.
  • A dispute has arisen at Madiany over the rights to the Water Tank erected there. George had a very difficult meeting with the villagers, who had been incited to say he was trying to steal their supply. [He has since gone back to clarify the ownership and a text message suggested that they had come to some resolution]
  • Ukwala well is now being used to irrigate a field for crops.

Kenya: Posho Mills (near Kisumu)

  • Ukwala Mill has broken down due to it being run with an oil leak. Repair required
  • The other mill has now been repaired and is in use. Due to the recent rise in electricity prices, it is now more competitive again.

Kenya: Jira Fids
In Kisumu, Alloys came and gave a verbal report.

  • The two wells were assisting the community and the addition of a ‘Money-maker’ foot pump had enabled crop irrigation throughout the year. He was seeking funding to get another reservoir and pump to extend the irrigation, and fence off the field.
  • During the troubles Jira Fids opened a kiosk for food and also started a small ‘hotel’ and café to assist the IDPs.
  • They are now trying to start a small bakery

Tanzania: Moshi Revolving Fund
Elias noted that although a few people still kept the pigs or chickens that they had started with the loans, the fund had effectively long since come to an end. He said it was not possible now to produce any accounts of payments etc and we agreed to draw that project item to a close.

We spoke about a new Revolving Fund being started based on the Kisumu Shiners model, and George agreed to bring a small team and do some training.

We forwarded £200 and this took place 7-10th Oct, with George, Ben and Daniel (from Oyude). George reports;

“Much thanks for partnership with us. Think seminar and interaction was very enriching to all 13 participants. It was eye opening how many businesses collapse for lack of know-how. We have seen a need to do one to our Shiners on 20th Oct and possibly for Jira Fids group on 27th.

This was very informative; we have a lot to teach before more money could be given out to help. It will be the answer to your concern of reinforcing the repayments, which will increase more saving and critical thinking through business ideas before implementation.” 13.10.08 [English & punctuation edited]

Tanzania: Arusha Revolving Fund
We visited Pastor Luca’s house and saw the chicken run he had made with the loan, and about 40 chicks he was raising. His wife also apparently has a small business selling maize. There are 4 people in total who share the loans. A report was requested; George also spent time with them and confirmed that a report would come.

Tanzania: Mokonoo Village
We visited Mokonoo and took a meeting in the church. Pastor Isaiah confirmed that they had really benefited from the emergency help during the drought in 2006.

David Hewitt 13.10.08