Aya Roseline – Farmer in Ivory Coast
Today, processing cassava is much less labor-intensive, I can sell my produce more easily, and my income has increased. I am especially proud to be able to send my children to school despite the hardships I have faced. My dream now is to acquire more farming equipment so I can expand my business and ensure a better future for my family.
My name is Aya Roseline Djaha. I am 34 years old and have been living with my partner for over ten years. I am the mother of four children aged 5 to 13. I live in the Gbêkê region, where I work in agriculture to support my family. My childhood was marked by a long illness that lasted nearly ten years and left lasting effects on my right hand. I never had the chance to go to school and had to learn very early on to fend for myself despite my disability. This ordeal strengthened my determination to build a better future for my children.
Growing my business despite the challenges
Today, I grow peanuts, cassava, and pineapples. Before joining the program, my work was particularly difficult. I lacked access to clean water to process the cassava, and it was often hard to find reliable buyers for my produce. Transportation was also a major obstacle. Support that makes my daily life easier.
Support that makes my daily life easier
I have been participating in the program for two years and am part of a G2E group. Thanks to this support, I now have access to clean drinking water through the borehole and solar-powered pumping system installed in the village. I can also use the cassava processing equipment provided and receive training to improve my business. Ekileko has also helped me join a savings and credit group, where members support one another and can access financing when needed. Additionally, connecting me with reliable buyers and providing a tricycle for transportation has made my work much easier. Today, processing cassava is much less of a struggle, I can sell my produce more easily, and my income has increased. I am particularly proud to be able to send my children to school despite the difficulties I have faced. My dream now is to have more agricultural equipment so I can expand my business and ensure a better future for my family.
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