In order to generate resources and thus strengthen their businesses, artisanal fishermen of Tumbes received more than S/ 1.1 million through Cofide’s Unions of Credit and Savings (UNICA).
“We were in the midst of a pandemic and with empty pockets; fishermen could not enter the mangrove or the sea. This is where the Regional Irrigation and Integrated Rural Development Program (Prider) falls from the sky, encourages us, and helps us work with our money to generate profits.”, said Hilda León, artisanal fisherwoman of Aguas Verdes and a member of UNICA Manglar de Jesús.
During the months of the pandemic, more than 200 Prider members mobilized more than one million soles in credits in its first 17 months of operation, through six organizations of artisanal fishermen from the Los Manglares de Tumbes National Sanctuary, under the community development approach.
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León pointed out that at the beginning they were allowed to cover their needs and, shortly after, generate resources to strengthen their businesses for the benefit of their families and the development of their communities.
Meanwhile, Manuel Layseca, deputy manager of Financial Inclusion at Cofide, explained that the 12 UNICAs that were formed and operate in this region have mobilized more than S/ 1.1 million through 675 credits. Of all of them, 80% was allocated to productive activities, while 58% was granted to women.
“The UNICAs have become an important instrument for the empowerment of women, since the savings generated allow the associates to increase their labor participation and assume leadership positions: in Tumbes, 67% of managerial positions are held by women”, specified Layseca.
