“AWDF’s support towards CAFENEC has been immense and immeasurable. AWDF’s support has opened more promising avenues to CAFENEC. The impact made by the AWDF funded widowhood rites project, has attracted partners such as GTZ/GIZ and Partnership Transparency Fund to also support CAFENEC’s activities in diverse ways. As a result of AWDF’s support, CAFENEC is now known all over the international circles.” Lyddienne Nkaleu, National President, Committee d’ Assistance a la Femme Necessiteuse du Cameroon (CAFENEC)

 

For many of AWDF’s grantee partners across the continent, AWDF has been their first funder. AWDF’s support to community-based organisations strengthens existing groups which grantees are able to leverage to generate additional resources and support as exemplified by the quote above.

In 2010, AWDF provided CAFENEC with a grant of US$15,000 to support women farmers and traders, many of whom are women are living positively. Out of the grant received, CAFENEC purchased 2 grain grinding mills, 2 vegetable grinding mills, 2 mills for grinding groundnuts and melon seeds, 1 grater for grinding gari, (a derivative of cassava) and 8 spraying machines. Four subsidiary women’s groups (representing 42 women in total) benefited from micro credit loans of CFA 500,000 (approx. US$1000) to CFA 800,000 (approx. US$1600). The credit received has enabled women traders to engage in small-scale businesses, which include catering services and animal husbandry.

Members of CAFENEC report that starting small businesses have also given their self-confidence a boost. Many members who had previously not travelled outside their own villages now visit larger towns to trade. Women farmers are now able to provide themselves and their families with at least one nutritious meal a day. As a result the health of women living positively within the group has improved, members fall sick less often and as a result have seen a reduction in the stigma they faced from family and other members of the community.