ENIANHEBO Group

ENIANHEBO "Watch Our Steps" is a 30-member VSLA group (13 women, 17 men) from N’da N’Guessankro, established in 2022. Members run small businesses and subsistence farms. The group aims to strengthen livelihoods and improve the wellbeing of their 144 dependents. The group takes its name from a phrase meaning "Let's watch our step" a fitting reminder of the prudence that guides its operations.

Each member runs their own income-generating activity, mainly focused on small trade and subsistence farming. This diversity allows them to spread their income streams and build greater resilience against economic shocks.

At its inception, CARE supported the Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) group with training in financial management, savings, and community credit, laying a solid foundation for collective financial discipline. Later, outreach initiatives by Advans, our local development partner in the region, helped several local associations open accounts and access formal financing. True to its name, the group proceeded with caution, carefully observing before stepping forward after hearing positive feedback from neighbouring groups.

They successfully took their first step by securing a 6-month loan to boost their available funds and meet members' economic needs. That positive initial experience encouraged them to build on their momentum and deepen their relationship with formal financial institutions.

The group is now applying for a loan to channel directly into the individual business activities of all 30 members, tailored to their specific trades:

Kanga, pictured in his cassava field, grows this crop for a living. He will use his share of the loan to buy plant health products and essential farm inputs to improve his harvests.

Yao Christelle sells hair extensions and beauty products. She plans to purchase her inventory wholesale to secure better unit prices and grow her turnover.

Across the entire group, this loan will strengthen working capital, boost business volumes, and improve both production and sales. The resulting rise in household earnings will help members better meet the daily needs of their 144 dependents. Beyond individual households, these strengthened businesses will also benefit the wider community by providing reliable local access to fresh farm produce and daily essentials.

The group will make one bulk repayment at the end of the loan period. This repayment structure allows members to use the loan to support their businesses and generate income before the loan becomes due.

Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) empower communities, especially women, to take control of their finances by saving together and lending to one another. For over 30 years, CARE has championed the life-changing impact of VSLAs as a pathway to financial inclusion. As members’ ambitions grow, partnerships built by Lendwithcare can help connect these groups to formal financial institutions—unlocking access to greater investment, stronger businesses, and brighter futures.