Vote for Kiva Field Partner Juhudi Kilimo as an Ashoka Changemaker!

Kiva Field Partner Juhudi Kilimo has been nominated by Changemakers and Artemisia as a model of how to build the field of social business. Juhudi qualified as one of 448 entries from 78 countries as an outstanding demonstration of innovation, social impact, and sustainability.

Vote now until August 11 to help them win $5000. The winner will be announced on August 18th.

Juhudi Kilimo is an innovative social enterprise working with small-holder farmers in Kenya. They became a Kiva Field Partner in January 2010 and have already posted over $250,000 in loans on Kiva.

They offer a unique form of asset financing that’s different than traditional microloans. They directly finance dairy cows and goats, chickens, and agricultural equipment that are specifically chosen to create immediate cash flow. The asset then also acts as an alternative source of collateral, along with a solidarity group guarantee. They further support farmers with both insurance for many of the assets, medical aid for their families, and financial and agricultural training to create a truly sustainable business.

With six small branches across Kenya, Juhudi is still growing and expanding their reach. Help call global attention to their work by making them one of three finalists to gain this incredible recognition.

Rachel Brooks was a Kiva Fellow at Juhudi Kilimo (KF10) and Faulu Kenya (KF9).