Micro-Credit for Poor Women in Majiacha Village, Gansu, China

The Amity Foundation

In Majiacha village, Gansu Province, southwest China, 304 women are learning skills to help them earn more income and improve their lives and those of their families.

In China, economic growth is concentrated along the east coast, leaving most people in the rest of the country--particularly the far west--living very poor and hard lives. The villagers of Majiacha, for example, earn annual incomes averaging $197, compared to a national average of $1,100. And the women of the village earn even less than the men.

Through the project, the women in Majiacha are expected to increase their annual incomes by an average of $63, as they gain access to loans and training in animal husbandry, crop production, business planning, marketing, and bookkeeping.

The women's new economic empowerment is allowing them opportunities to participate in decision-making at the household and community level.

Support for Church World Service helps make this program possible.

Updated 12/6/2007.

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