Two years after the launch of the project “Strengthening the resilience of ecosystems and communities threatened by climate change in the Macaya Biosphere Reserve” in Haiti, the impact of the methodology known as “Village Savings and Loan Association” (VSLA) is being confirmed in the municipalities of Tiburon, Les Irois, and Moron. VSLAs are one of the key components of this project, more commonly referred to as the Climat II project, implemented by the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) and its partners in southern Haiti.

At the bustling market in Tiburon, Arnotte Souverain watches over her stall. Two years ago, this vendor was struggling to maintain enough stock to feed her family. Her daily life changed in October 2023 when she joined the first VSLA group created as part of the Climate II project. Today, she is no longer alone: more than 2,400 residents across the project’s three target communes are now participating in this community savings initiative, which is restoring hope and opening up sustainable economic prospects.

In just 18 months:

• 100 groups have been formed,
• 2,407 members have joined, 62% of whom are women,
• 22.6 million gourdes have been saved,
• 2,485 loans totaling 20.6 millions gourdes have already been granted.

These figures reflect the economic vitality generated by the VSLA methodology, which offers viable alternatives to rural populations often excluded from formal financial services.

A financial inclusion model serving communities

VSALs are simple, safe and accessible community structures for saving, borrowing and investing. Each group, made up of 20 to 30 people, establishes its own internal rules in a participatory manner, ensuring transparency and fairness. Weekly or monthly savings accumulate in a secure fund, enabling short-term credit to be granted at fair rates for the benefit of all members.

As part of the Climate II project, 22 field agents have been trained since July 2023. Thanks to them, communities benefit not only not only material tools (passbooks, secure cash boxes), but also a methodological framework that guarantees compliance with VSLA principles.

This financial inclusion model takes on particular importance around the Grand Bois National Nature Park, one of the Macaya Biosphere Parks, where communities face economic precariousness that drives them to overuse the park’s natural resources and buffer zones to ensure their survival. VSLA offers a path to resilience by diversifying livelihoods and reducing dependence on the park’s threatened natural resources.

When access to credit transforms lives

While the numbers demonstrate collective success, individual stories best illustrate the impact. Two remarkable stories testify to the transformative potential of VSLAs in southern Haiti.

Arnotte Souverain: from small stocks to commercial stability.

A 45-year-old mother of five and vendor in Tiburon, Madame Souverain had previously lived on limited means, unable to diversify her products on the market. Joining her VSLA group was a turning point. After an initial loan of 40,000 gourdes, she increased her purchases of goods. Two further successive loans (50,000 then 35,000 gourdes) enabled her to stabilize her business, maintain a constant stock and cope even with late payments from her customers.

In addition to her business, the benefits have reached her extended family: in times of insecurity in Tiburon, she has been able to house and feed relatives displaced by the violence of armed groups. Her message is clear: “I ask those who support this initiative to continue to encourage, strengthen and multiply it. It’s a very useful project for our community.”

Désiré Clérissier: bouncing back after losing everything.

At the age of 26, this young merchant from Tiburon saw his hopes dashed when he lost over 150,000 gourdes worth of goods in an armed robbery. Without the support of his VSLA group, he would probably have given up his business. His first loan of 40,000 gourdes changed all that: he relaunched his business by selling gasoline and agricultural produce at the market in Les Cayes. Today, Désiré provides for his fiancée and their baby, inspires other young people to join VSLA and illustrates the power of community resilience.