Dear readers, dear friends,
Fernand Ousmarou, 22 years old, a newly qualified cotton farmer from the village of Ngong in northern Cameroon, has recently set up his own business, bought land and is now growing cotton, maize and peanuts. This life project would hardly have been possible without the support of his village cooperative bank MUFID Union (Union des Mutuelles Financières de Développement).
Thanks to a loan from this bank, Fernand was able to shape his own future. And he is not the only one: many of the 200,000 cotton farming families in the region dream of similar opportunities. But although the potential of these banks in Cameroon is huge, there are only six of them so far, with a total of around 13,000 members.
Why are these banks so important?
The cooperative banks enable farmers to deposit their harvests safely, obtain loans on fair terms and thus gain a degree of financial independence. These banks protect them from the often unbearable interest rates charged by local money lenders and create prospects – be it for sending children to school, medical emergencies or buying a van.
With your financial support, not only could more banks be created in the future, but sustainable projects such as the financing of small solar systems could also be realized. Currently, 95% of cotton farmers have no access to electricity. A solar system could make a significant contribution – and protect the environment at the same time.
What is the goal?
By the end of 2025:
- Six new cooperative banks are founded in the cotton growing region.
- At least 1,000 loans for solar systems to be granted to farmers.
To do this, we need qualified employees, start-up capital and your support.
What is needed for this?
There are two key challenges for the implementation of the project:
- Qualified employees: Two experienced experts – Francois Tagne and Ousman Daouda – are to organize the farmers, train future bank employees and develop efficient processes for lending. Their annual salary amounts to a total of 10,000 euros, a one-off start-up financing that will later pay for itself through interest income from the new banks.
- Start-up capital: Each new cooperative bank requires around 30,000 euros in start-up capital, including for safes, furniture, computers and special banking software. To ensure that the start is not delayed for years, a grant of 15,000 euros is to be made available as soon as the farmers have raised the first 50% of the capital themselves. This is to be a model project that mobilizes further support from partners such as the Aid by Trade Foundation.
A total of EUR 25,000 is therefore needed to achieve these goals and create sustainable structures in the long term.
How can you provide support?
To realize this vision, I have started a crowdfunding project:
- 25,000 euros are needed to take the first steps.
- Your donation will be forwarded directly and 100% to Cameroon.
- Every euro donated has an enormous leverage effect – and for every 2 euros donated, I add 1 euro from my own pocket on top.
You can simply transfer the donation to:
Kreissparkasse Köln
IBAN: DE 22 3705 0299 1152 1434 16
Recipient: Roger Peltzer
Purpose: MUFID Cameroon
By the way: I have been working with MUFID Union for 25 years and the organization is one of the most reputable and professional microfinance networks in Cameroon. Every donation is documented and I will personally report on the progress of the project here on my blog at the end of 2025. In addition, the MUFID Union auditor’s report confirms that the donation has been properly received and used as planned.
Why now?
The pre-Christmas period is a time for giving and reflection. With your help, we can create a real spark for sustainable development and significantly more financial self-determination for farmers in Cameroon.
Your contribution gives people like Fernand the opportunity to take their lives into their own hands. It’s not about handouts, but about real opportunities.
Thank you very much for your support.
With best regards,
Roger
Cover picture: On the left is Fernand Ousmarou, 22 years old, a newly qualified cotton farmer from Ngong in northern Cameroon. Thanks to a loan from his cooperative bank MUFID, he was able to set up his own business and purchase land on which he now grows cotton, maize and peanuts – a big step towards a better future.
