Abakundana’s Path to Growth Through a VSLA
Facing Challenges with Determination
Adelphine and her fellow farmers in the Kagano Sector of Rwanda were no strangers to hard work. Day after day, they tended to their farms, determined to provide for their families. But despite their efforts, they faced immense challenges - limited access to quality seeds and fertilizers, unpredictable markets, and the struggle to transport their produce. Financial literacy and savings were out of reach, making it difficult to invest in growth. They were doing everything they could with the resources they had, but they knew that with the right support and a united front, they could build something even stronger.
That’s when Abakundana was born.
Adelphine began by rallying nearby farmers, sharing her vision of pooling efforts and resources. One by one, they joined, realizing they faced the same challenges. Together, they could do more than just survive; they could build a thriving, sustainable future.
Financial Training and Growth
Under the guidance of Marie Claire, their Farmer Support Agent (FSA), they learned how to strengthen their group dynamics. Through training, they mastered the importance of record-keeping, good leadership, and a signed group constitution. They no longer saw themselves as vulnerable individuals but as a powerful collective with a shared goal. This training also led them to open a bank account at Inkunga Finance, a critical step toward financial inclusion. Their weekly savings grew, giving them the foundation to apply for a loan, which served as an opportunity to expand their vegetable farms and invest in other off-farm businesses.
With their group lending system, members began borrowing from their pooled savings, reinvesting in their farms and small businesses. But they knew this was just the beginning. To truly transform their livelihoods, they needed a larger loan from Inkunga Finance.
With this funding, Abakundana plans to expand their vegetable farming operations by cultivating more land, achieving economies of scale, and improving the quality of their produce with better seeds and fertilizers. Additionally, they aim to invest in off-farm businesses, securing stable incomes that will allow them to support their families, pay school fees, afford health insurance, and save for the future.
But Abakundana isn’t stopping here.
Their ultimate dream is to become the leading vegetable producers in Nyamasheke District. They want to not only grow more but also control how their produce reaches the market. Their biggest ambition is to acquire a vehicle: one that will transport their produce efficiently and support other farmers in their community.
Their journey is a testament to the power of VSLAs (Village Savings and Loan Associations). What started as a small group of struggling farmers is now a growing force in the local economy. They no longer wait for opportunities; they create them.
Abakundana is just one of 894 farmer groups under the FSA Network at Inkunga Finance, operating across many districts. Their success is proof that with the right knowledge, collective effort, and access to financial services, smallholder farmers can rewrite their future.
For Abakundana, the future is bright. And for other farmers in Rwanda, their story is an inspiration - a reminder that transformation begins when people come together, invest in themselves, and take bold steps toward economic empowerment.