Before the Intervention: Financial Dependence
Alphonsine Nyinawumuntu, from Kigarama Village in Bukomeye Cell, lived in complete financial dependence on her husband. With no capital, business skills, or income-generating opportunities, she relied entirely on him to meet household needs. Her role was limited to unpaid domestic work, and she had no voice in financial decisions.
Catalyst for Change
In 2024, Alphonsine participated in community mapping facilitated by Volunteer Iradukunda Violette through CorpsAfrica. Through a youth savings initiative supported with matched seed funding, Alphonsine received 30,000 RWF as revolving capital. She invested it in vegetable trading, earning approximately 1,500 RWF per day. Within four months, she grew her capital to 120,000 RWF, repaid the initial 30,000 RWF, and retained 90,000 RWF in profit.
Strategic Diversification and Growth
She reinvested 60,000 RWF in a breeding pig and maintained 30,000 RWF in her vegetable business. Within four months, the sow produced six piglets, which she sold for 240,000 RWF while retaining the mother pig (now valued at approximately $400).
Recognizing her potential, CorpsAfrica facilitated access to a 180,000 RWF VUP loan through her local SACCO. With expanded capital, she improved pig housing and purchased a second sow. Subsequent litters (13 piglets total) generated 650,000 RWF in sales. Pig farming alone now produces approximately 107,000 RWF in monthly profit.
Current Status: Multi-Enterprise Entrepreneur
Today, Alphonsine manages three income streams:
- Pig farming: ~107,000 RWF monthly profit
- Vegetable trading: Ongoing daily cash flow
- Beverage business: ~150,000 RWF monthly profit
Her total net monthly income is approximately 237,000 RWF, and her livestock assets are valued at roughly $800.
| Step | Revenue (RWF) | Profit / Asset Outcome (RWF / USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Seed Funding | 30,000 | Enabled the first business activity |
| Vegetable Investment | ~1,500/day | Initial capital turnover |
| Capital Growth & Repayment | 120,000 (total in 4 months) | Repaid 30,000; retained 90,000 |
| Reinvestment — Pig Farming | 240,000 (from 6 piglets) | Retained sow (~$400) |
| Maintained Vegetable Business | Ongoing daily cash flow | Continued vegetable profit |
| Expanded Pig Production | 650,000 (from 13 piglets) | ~107,000 monthly profit |
| Multi-Enterprise Revenue | Combined streams | ~237,000 monthly net + livestock assets (~$800) |
Future Plans and Community Impact
Alphonsine plans to scale her pig production, strengthen infrastructure, formalize savings, and expand her beverage business. As a member of the Ahazaza Heza Youth Association (69 members, 47 females and 22 males), she mentors other women and promotes economic empowerment in her community. She prioritizes children’s education, improved housing, and long-term asset building.
Impact
Alphonsine’s journey demonstrates how targeted seed funding, access to capital through microfinance institutions and locally available financial resources (including savings groups and SACCO loans), and ecosystem-based support can catalyze sustainable women-led economic growth.
Her transformation reflects not only increased income and asset accumulation but also strengthened financial inclusion, improved household resilience, and a multiplier effect on family welfare and community development.