Perceptions and Expectations of Women Agripreneurs Funded by the Multidisciplinary Support Center for Women's Development "CEMADEF" in Bunia, Ituri / DRC

Abstract

This study follows a survey conducted with 100 women agricultural entrepreneurs in Bunia who received funding from the NGO CEMADEF. The objective was to determine these women's perceptions and expectations after accessing financing granted by this microfinance institution to develop their businesses. At the end of the study, 91% of the women agripreneurs were satisfied with the agricultural microcredit they received from CEMADEF, demonstrating their positive perception after accessing the microcredit. Consequently, they expressed a desire to continue their partnership with this organization for the development of their businesses. The research indicates that they have, on average, 6 to 10 years of experience in agripreneurship; this, combined with their 1 to 10 years of involvement with microcredit, justifies the fact that these women surveyed have a partnership that demonstrates the sustainability of their relationship with the organization's microfinance products/services, which is a guarantee of the economic stability of their entrepreneurial activities.
The vast majority of funds received are allocated to the trade of agricultural products. Women agricultural entrepreneurs, who rely on their long-standing experience with the microfinance products and services offered by CEMADEF, report being completely satisfied and having no further expectations of their funder. They are concerned that the funds will make their businesses more difficult to operate. While the program is inclusive and accessible, improvements are needed to ensure broader and more substantial coverage.