Podor: The DER/FJ mobilizes 76.8 million FCFA and enrolls 104 groups

The Podor department has received 76,831,200 FCFA in funding from the General Delegation for Rapid Entrepreneurship for Women and Youth (DER/FJ). A total of 104 groups, representing 2,600 people, are involved in the microcredit program. A field mission led by the General Delegate, Dr. Abdoulaye Niane, provided an opportunity to discuss the needs and access to funding with local stakeholders.

During this meeting, the deputy prefect of Podor, Ousmane Sidibè, praised the approach as "inclusive and participatory." He particularly emphasized the importance of DER/FJ officials going into the field to directly gather the concerns of the local population, rather than relying solely on information transmitted from Dakar.

The representative of the administrative authority also highlighted the dynamism of the local population, particularly women, young people, and those involved in the agriculture and livestock sectors. Despite their commitment to income-generating activities, they continue to face difficulties accessing financial resources.

The funding granted to the 104 groups thus represents a lever for supporting local economic initiatives. The deputy prefect, however, emphasized the need for beneficiaries to honor their commitments and repay the loans on time. This requirement, he believes, will help preserve the financing mechanisms and allow other entrepreneurs to benefit.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of DER/FJ, Dr. Abdoulaye Niane, reiterated that the organization's intervention is based on three pillars: training, funding, and formalization. He urged the beneficiaries to demonstrate responsibility in managing the resources made available to them.

The microcredit program is expected to reach 2,600 people in the department, grouped into 104 participating communities. The announced budget is 76,831,200 FCFA. Horticulturalists, rice farmers, and livestock farmers are among the sectors to which the DER/FJ intends to pay particular attention.

This field mission also served to highlight the challenges related to supporting local entrepreneurs, particularly in terms of access to financing and the sustainability of economic activities in the department of Podor.