Development Ratings

Spreading entrepreneurship: Rural African men and women smallholders are helped to develop small business ideas through training, access to financial services (such as micro-finance, village banks, hire purchase and animal loan schemes), and market links with producer associations and exporters. Income has in some cases doubled, making a significant impact on the lives of families.

Replicable development approach: The rural area local economic development model that Africa Now adopts could be replicated across Africa for greater impact.

Stabilising income: Businesses such as dairy farming and beekeeping help to stabilise income in a way that seasonal arable farming cannot. New activities such as goat rearing become self-sustaining. Surplus from trading is used on food, improved nutrition, school fees and uniforms, shoes and clothing – developmental basics that become within reach of families as a result of income stability.

Impacting working conditions: Ethical audits are having an impact on the labour practices of companies operating in or exporting from Africa. The focus on labour conditions is spurring employers to improve transparency in order to improve competitiveness, trade, sales, and profit margins.

Improving water sources and hygiene: Projects improve health and hygiene knowledge and practice, and have resulted in the development of a local sanitation service industry. Fewer girls drop out of education once they reach puberty. Improved sanitation improves educational achievements and community health. On top of the new service activities, this benefits local economic development.