The groups usually meet once a week. Whenever they have a meeting, each member puts a small amount of money in the common savings “pot”, and by the end of 2020 they will have raised over CHF 1000 per group. The members are enthusiastic and motivated to increase their weekly contributions to the savings scheme since the more they have in the pot, the more they will be able to finance new activities. The CABOZ Action staff carry out regular audits to check that the savings and loans are accurately documented and the correct amount of money is in the pot. They also help handle any problems as they arise.

Initially, many were reluctant to borrow from the pot, as indebtedness is culturally viewed unfavourably. In the meantime, however, the 10 groups have selected about 40 Income Generating Activities (IGAs) that they would like to implement individually or collectively with the savings. These IGAs range from selling eggs, cloths, fuel and hygiene products to growing corn or beans, raising pigs, selling food (see photo below) and processing manioc.

From the very beginning, care was taken to include women in the groups, and some of the group activities include raising awareness of gender issues. Selected group members are coached as so-called “change-makers” and serve as role models in their local communities promoting more cooperation between women and men in family decision-making, budgeting and household tasks.

Lydie reports that participation in the training courses has been high and that they have been very well received. Typical comments (glossed) from participants were: “Without these courses there would be no peace and quiet at home” and: “Without these training courses it would be like two blind people leading each other”. Another participant says that he previously considered the daily task of sweeping the yard to be exclusively women’s work, and that he now sometimes sweeps his wife’s yard just to please her. This may make us smile, but considering how traditionally work in these village societies is strictly divided along gender lines, such gestures mean a great deal.Another change-maker reports that he advised his neighbours on how to make ends meet by budgeting and planning their work better.

Problems:

• “The high numbers of maternal and child  deaths  constitute a  major  problem…, and gaps remain … in basic healthcare.” (European Commission, January 2016). 
• Covid 19

CABOZ Action’s approach:

• Provide courses for women in the cocoa villages on health, contraception, hygiene and nutrition.
• Covid 19 prevention campaign: fortunately, the corona virus pandemic has so far had a less devastating impact in Africa than initially feared. But prevention measures are particularly important in countries with few beds in intensive care. For this reason, CABOZ Action, with the support of the Jacobs Foundation, is conducting awareness campaigns in 44 cocoa villages in the partner regions. At the meetings of the 10 YFFS youth groups, participants have been regularly reminded about the prevention measures since the beginning of the pandemic. Now 34 more villages are benefiting from the information and material, such as soap and patterns for masks, we provide. The campaign follows national guidelines and passes on tips compatible with local village customs in our partner regions. These include hygiene rules for washing hands, as well as the correct use of reusable fabric masks, which we help villagers produce locally.