Income generation by rural women: creating an integrated system to support self-managed labour intensive production projects

Abstract

This document describes the methodology used in the Dominican Republic with initial funding from PACT (Private Agencies Collaborating Together) and the Dominican Government. The programme began in 1977 with a loan to a pilot project in El Rio, Constanza, for a group of 8 women to diversify their sewn products. Eight years later, Annual Reports indicate that over 100 loans have been made in the following areas of productions: agriculture, livestock rearing, handicraft, food-processing and rural services. In addition, over 750 training sessions in rural organization, production techniques and business skills have been held for over 2000 women.