In Tougouri Commune of Burkina Faso, Safiata Abore’s grandchildren walk 10-15 minutes from their house to collect buckets of water that is used for cooking, drinking, bathing and other chores around the home.

Safiata, 58 years old, is the mother of 9 children and 16 grandchildren. As a widow, she is the primary caretaker for many of them who continue to live in the household.

Farming and selling a portion of her harvest is the primary way Safiata can earn the income necessary to buy food for her family and pay their school fees. Safiata has three plots of land, one of which she received from Catholic Relief Services’ Helping Hands project.

The community has been able to maintain an irrigation system by contributing 15,000 CFA per year, or approximately 5.00. This helps Safiata and more than 120 farmers increase their harvest and income.

CRS trained the women, including Safiata, in how to organize and use Savings and Internal Lending Communities, also known as SILC, to help members pool their money, save over time and borrow to meet pressing needs or to develop business opportunities.