By Kate Schecter, CEO, World Neighbors
Militants recently struck Mali’s main military base outside the capital of Barmako. This is one of the many attacks by militants and “hooligans” the country has endured for years.
While military force will play a role in stabilizing the country and laying the groundwork for better lives for its citizens, it’s not the entire story. The only long-term solution to poverty and violence—much of it committed by young men seeking a source of income—is economic development.
This includes the kind of low-cost, high-impact community-based programs like those in Sourountouna. Villagers there are taking numerous steps to increase their incomes. An important one is cooperative fishponds.
The village cooperative is raising, harvesting and selling tilapia and catfish. In one recent sale, members sold fish to members of the cooperative and others in the village for a total of $470.00. Of this, $393.00 was gross profit.
That profit and others are deposited in a community-managed savings and credit fund to meet village and individual needs. This includes a pump to supply water for the village; a blackboard and other materials for womens’ literacy training; and contributions to the school’s management committee. Individuals can also take out loans at very low or no interest to invest in agricultural implements, home based businesses and other income-producing ventures.
Capital accumulation and investment in profitable businesses that meet basic needs catalyzes economic and social development. It holds long-term promise to reduce poverty, instability and the fuel for both militant and state violence.
