Programs Rural Graduation Model

In order for Opportunity’s AgFinance program to be successful, we must actively prioritize those experiencing extreme poverty, currently defined as living on less than $2.15 a day. For individuals in ultra- poverty, those who eat below 80% of their daily nutrition requirements, especially rural women and children, basic needs and services are often unattainable. Struggling with severe food insecurity, limited education, and unsafe living conditions, these individuals, who predominantly spend most of their income on food, find themselves overlooked by traditional poverty alleviation programs, lacking a safety net.

To address these harsh conditions, we adopt the Graduation path, initially developed by BRAC in 2002, and tailored it to the needs of families grappling with extreme poverty. A 2015 study published in “Science” affirmed the cost-effectiveness of this approach, showcasing statistically significant and sustainable improvements in economic and social outcomes for ultra-poor households.

RGM Participant, Stella and her family, Malawi

Through this program, previously unreachable clients and families receive assets, such as livestock or startup products for a small shop, that help to foster income  generation. We also provide training and coaching to empower these farmers with skills and confidence over time.

Building on this success, we have expanded the program to urban Cartagena, Colombia, and rural villages in Malawi. These initiatives aim to uplift mothers facing extreme poverty by ensuring they can feed their families, secure a steady income, send their children to school, provide safe shelter, save for the future, boost self-esteem, and foster stronger community connections.

The Opportunity approach is uniquely enhanced by financial inclusion through the implementation of Community Based Financial Organizations (CBFOs). It sets ambitious goals, striving to improve livelihoods by adding income sources and balancing expenditures. promote gender equity in decision-making, improve food security and nutrition, and foster positive behavior change, social inclusion, and community involvement. Currently serving less than 1% of AgFinance’s client base, there is immense potential to scale this impactful initiative to reach 5% of our clients.