So long as the money economy prevails, it is necessary for people to acquire income. Thus, this rural development program promotes. small scale business for income generation.
For people who have not previously been in need of cash for their daily lives, it is necessary to know the economic system before trying to do business in the money economy. Therefore, before the small scale business was started, we conducted business and fund management training with the people of 30 villages of the project site. There was great enthusiasm that could be seen in the concentration of the participants. They received a greater understanding through practical exercises.
These villagers decided to pursue a goat trading business. It is necessary for them to acquire not only management know-how but also knowledge on raising livestock.
Those who start grain trading receive a ration of beans and corns. They are expected to return the principal money with interest, which would be generated from sales.
A staff of ICA-Kenya who purchases and administrates the materials for
the income generation program. It is a more time-consuming job than just
handing out money.
There are growing demands for tailoring thanks to well construction projects and vitalization of agriculture. It is expected that there would be various small problems with each of the income generating businesses in the future. Strict rules and implementation are necessary on repayment of the loans from the participants as the primary purpose of the project is their self-reliance. It is now under consideration to re-schedule the repayment plan and to promote repayment by substitutes such as agricultural products and livestock for those unable to fulfill the repayment requirements.
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