Updates from the Field: Green Loans, Dark Alleys + On-the-Ground Footage of it All

Compiled by Kate Bennett, KF16, Peru

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Want a fresh look at Kiva clients on-the-ground? This week fellows share stories and mixed-media that bring us directly into the cities, homes and pulperías of borrowers. From the marketplace in Bolivia, to the streets of Guayaquil, to the dumps of Kenya, we learn about the challenges of working in developing countries and the strategies loan officers and Fellows can use to mitigate them. Not to mention we can see the work of Kiva fellows and Kiva Field Partners in Cambodia, Honduras and Bolivia in living color. What’s even better than reading a post by a Kiva Fellow? Seeing what we see in the field for yourself!

Making Room for Charity: Gift Giving to the Poorest Clients at CREDIT
Country: Cambodia / Fellow: Dave Weber, KF16

Dave gives us a rare on-the-ground glimpse (and video!) of Kiva Field Partner CREDIT World Relief’s unique Vulnerable Services Unit (VSU) gifts program, which works to support CREDIT’s highest-needs clients with critical household and other items.

What’s Easier Than Getting Robbed in Guayaquil?
Country: Ecuador / Fellow: Emmanuel M. von Arx, KF16

Guayaquil, Ecuador is not a city known for safety. But though Emmanuel, Banco D-Miro loan officers, and even (and often) Kiva clients have been victims of crime in Guayaquil, Emmanuel reminds us that there are still those in the city trying to grow. So what’s easier than getting robbed in Guayaquil? Lending to a client in Guayaquil, and laying a foundation for a less dangerous and less vulnerable future.

Video Blog: ODEF’s First Kiva Borrower
Country: Honduras / Fellow: Sandra Pina, KF16

If you’re a new lender, you might not be familiar with the Kiva borrower profile posting process. But even if you’re an old lender, you’re definitely not familar with ODEF Financiera, S.A.’s borrower profile posting process. Sandra’s video blog brings us along as Kiva’s newest Honduran Field Partner posts its very first loan on Kiva.

Going Green? Overcoming Cultural Barriers to Promote Green Loans (Part 1)
Country: Kenya / Fellow: Claire Markham, KF16

Sustainable environmental management is not often high on the list of Kiva clients’ priorities. Nor is it much of a concern in many of the places around the world where Kiva works. But why? In Part 1 of her discussion of overcoming cultural barriers to promote green loans, Claire explains the obstacles standing in the way of green loans.

Loans Available Here ->
Country: Bolivia / Fellow: Mariela Cedeño, KF16

Microfinance institutions provide entrepreneurs with the tools to start their own micro-enterprises. The trick, however, is expanding access to those that most need it, and letting these clients know it’s available. Mariela describes the strategies that Kiva Field Partner CIDRE employs to reach out to its clients, and shares a video from on-the-ground outreach in the marketplace!

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Kiva-style Microfinance, Reggaeton + a Journey though the Commercial Jungle
Loan Use, Agriculture Loans + Stuff Kiva Fellows Like
Starting Capital, Development Levels + Adventurous Borrower Visits
Going Pilot to Active, Meeting Borrowers + Technology and Social Performance
Costs of Kiva, Donkey Shares + the Law of Diminishing Marginal Returns

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Plus more on-the-ground videos from the past week:

CREDIT Microfinance Institution VSU Program Gift Giving: Takeo Province, Cambodia from David Weber on Vimeo.

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