Ecuador
Please note: Due to the current economic and social instability in Ecuador, the country is experiencing record levels of regional displacement and migration. While this is not a pattern we are seeing across the country, it is worth noting that during this time your loans in Ecuador may be at more risk of delay or non-repayment.
Carmen, aged 52, is married and lives in Palanda with her husband, Claudio. The couple has five children; three of them are adults who have established their own households, while two are still minors, currently attending secondary school and helping with the coffee crop at weekends. One of her sons has a physical disability and remains in the care of his grandparents.
Carmen’s microenterprise focuses on coffee cultivation, an activity she complements with pig rearing. She markets the coffee either as cherries or washed, depending on the season and demand, allocating part of the production to the local market. She began this agricultural activity in 2007, driven by the need to generate income to support her family, and over time she has managed to consolidate a steady and consistent livelihood.
At present, her microenterprise generates a monthly income of £630, with expenses of £350, leaving her a net profit of £280. These resources are the result of hard work and dedication invested in each harvest, although she faces challenges such as crop diseases and market price fluctuations. Despite these difficulties, one of her greatest achievements has been building her concrete house and ensuring the livelihood and education of her children.
Within the household, Carmen supplements the family’s income with £280 from day labour, which, together with the microenterprise, sustains the family finances. Household expenses amount to £140, covering food, basic utilities and transport, reflecting careful management of resources.
The loan she has requested will be allocated specifically to crop maintenance and the purchase of organic fertilisers to strengthen coffee production, contributing to the stability and sustainability of her microenterprise. This financial commitment will be repaid in five quarterly instalments.
Loan added: 22 October 2025
Carmen Cenelia's loan repayment schedule
| Date | Expected repayments | Actual repayments |
|---|---|---|
| £112.23 | ||
| £0.00 | Available | |
| £0.00 | Available | |
| £224.46 | Available | |
| £0.00 | Available | |
| £0.00 | Available | |
| £224.46 | Available |
The above amounts are indicative, based on the exchange rate the day this loan was added to the website. The actual amounts you will receive will be based on an exchange rate at the time the repayment is returned to your account. See our Help Centre for more information.