Mission Statement
Iringa Hope works among the villages of rural Iringa, Tanzania to alleviate poverty. We establish micro finance through village based cooperatives. These make small loans to farmers and shop keepers and gives them access to the things they need to earn a living. We also form village based agricultural co-ops to provide access to agricultural inputs and help with training and marketing. Our work includes training, education, organization assistance, and the capital to get started. The members of the village co-ops learn how to plan and manage their finances, improve their farming practices, increase their incomes, and improve their lives.
Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
At the end of 2016, Iringa Hope has 29 registered SACCOS; 3 more have temporary registration with the government and 2 are working on their applications at the end of 2016. Loan capital in IHJS was increased by about 176,000,000 TZS. Loans to IHJS were explored but not completed. Total membership in the SACCOS is 2,485, an increase of 266 from the end of 2015. These SACCOS made 1,579 loans in 2016 with a repayment rate of 98%. The typical loan application amount was $450; the average amount borrowed was $324. Average member profit on their loan was $490 (after loan repayment). Estimated total of all member profits was $850,000. An estimated 2,610 children were sent to secondary schools by members using their profits.
The Joint AMCOS was registered in 2016. Ten local AMCOS are registered at the end of 2016 with 5 more in the application process with 1,480 members. These were profitable in 2016 and working on improving their profitability through better margins and increased sales of seeds and other products. The Joint AMCOS authorized the signing of a marketing agreement for crop sales with Ruaha Milling Company.
One Integrated Development Center was completed for joint offices of SACCOS and AMCOS at Ipogolo. Funding for 6 more has been secured and construction is underway at the end of 2016.
Current Goals
I. For our SACCOS Network
1. Complete and support the existing network of villages numbering 35 locations by year end with any new locations funded 100% by the village and their partner.
2. Support includes 2 training sessions, at least 2 local visits, and our radio show
3. Increase the loan capital in IHJS by at least $200,000 USD
4. Work towards initial loans to IHJS from Kiva or other sources
5. Add at least 500 new members to the existing SACCOS over the 2015 levels
6. Upgrade the Treasurer’s training and competency
7. Improve the leader’s training sessions with additional topics/sessions
II. For our AMCOS Network
1. Develop the Joint AMCOS (IHJA) to be self-sustaining with a long term budget
2. Define and implement funding sources such as profits from sales of inputs; marketing commissions; fees and dues.
3. Begin work at at least 4 more locations. Complete registration for 16 locations and have them join IHJA
4. Develop training program
5. Develop 4 integrated development lime demonstration plots in villages
6. Develop and implement agriculture training sessions for spring/fall
7. Develop radio program & visitation programs
Expand vendor base & marketing base for product sales and input purchases
III. General goals
1. Complete the current 7 Integrated Development Centers for the AMCOS & SACCOS and start 6 more.
2. Plan for and acquire land for future development by Iringa Hope near Iringa
3. Dispose of excess Institute of Ag. property and deposit funds into the Development account
Community or Constituency Served
Farmers and shop owners in the Iringa Region of southern Tanzania,
Geographic Area Served
Iringa region, Tanzania
