As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon from 2006 to 2009, I worked with microfinance institutions, entrepreneurs, and groups interested in earning more money. This presentation was given at the Peace Corps & Africa 50th Anniversary conference at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on March 25, 2011.

1. How I Encouraged Income – Generating Activities Caroline Anderson Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Cameroon, 2006-2009

2. Small business advisor to network of 23 village banks in the Extreme North for 2 years Technical assistance (auditing, training) for local bank managing committees

3. Publicity Fliers & public meetings to increase membership & savings

4. Training local leaders Improved methods for analyzing loan applications, following up on microprojects, & recovering unpaid loans

5. Business classesWomen’s Center & for groups Instruction in feasibility studies, action plans, basic accounting, budgets, marketing, business plans, and leadership

6. Business Advising Individual advice to entrepreneurs

7. 3rd Year with the United Nations Development Program Regional Office Manager of the Grassroots Poverty Reduction Sub-Program, Soudano-Sahelian Zone

8. Supervisory Visits Monitored & evaluated performance of 35 income-generating projects

9. Planning workshops Assured proper implementation of 28 new income-generating projects

10. Selection of new projects Funding approved for 27 microprojects = 105 million CFA francs (roughly $200,000)

11. Empowerment through IGAs Earning money allows families to send children to school, access health care, and work for a brighter future