Edmond Rakotonirina is a farmer in Ankiliabo, a member of the Soamiaradia Farmers’ organisation since 2008. He grows rice (1.5 ha) and brèdes (O.5 ha).

Is this the first time you’ve asked for a storage credit?

I’ve been part of the base PO since 2008, mainly to get the storage credit. I applied for a storage credit in 2008, 2009 and 2010: 778kg in 2008, 1012 kg in 2009.

How do you use the proceeds from the harvest? The money from the credit, and that from sale of the stock?

Ninety per cent goes to the storage credit and 10% to feeding the family.

The money from the credit went for 80% to buy Boran cattle, 10% to savings, 5% to health care and 5% to essentials, like soap or gasoline.

The money from the stock is used to prepare for the next season. I never had any trouble paying back the credit.

What changed access to credit for you?

Thanks to the storage credit, I no longer have any money problems. The credit kept me from selling at a low price at harvest time.  I was able to buy a plot of land to build my home on, and I also bought a parcel of land.

What is the role of the basis farmers’ organisation in these storage credit procedures?

The BPO gives the farmers access to technical skills, know-how, training, storage credit and the development of a professional plan. The basis farmers’ organisation helps with the harvest and then checks the products before they are bagged. The president makes the connection with the micro-finance institution.

Soamaradia's members

How does the support process work?

The credit committee meets once a season to review the files. Payment is made a few days after storage. We use logs to keep track of the stocks, with support from the MDP technicians. This support should be increased to enable the basis farmers’ organisation to better advise its members.