As part of the Taimaka Project’s commitment to evidence-based, sustainable interventions, we currently run and monitor a loan and storage program in Gombe State, Nigeria.
Immediately before harvest, we provide farmers with financing and the access necessary to purchase advanced dry-storage bags directly from the distributor, avoiding exploitative middle-men in the Gombe area. These bags allow farmers to store their crops for long periods without having to worry about pests, mold, or any other potential spoilers.
Immediately following harvest, farmers are provided a low-interest rate loan, extending access to credit to otherwise credit-constrained farmers. This loan can then be used by farmers to buy food, pay school fees, and attend to other necessities while they hold on to their crops and wait for prices to rise.
In this way, we tackle the structural issues that lead to the exploitation of the poorest farmers, and get them the financial stability they need to save, plan for the future, and grow.