Empowering women and alleviating poverty: William Schoenl's women-led cooperative microlending project in Ghana 
ISDS, September 2023
​Sustainability Initiatives 
Renowned professor emeritus William Schoenl of Michigan State University has been making waves with his groundbreaking women-led cooperative microlending project in Ghana. In collaboration with the Community Based Nutrition Hub in northern Ghana, Schoenl's initiative is transforming the lives of impoverished rural families and empowering women to lead the way towards a brighter future.
Background
The project, which commenced in April 2020, was conceived in response to the challenging conditions faced by communities in northern Ghana. With a dry season that spans seven to eight months per year and high levels of undernutrition, especially among children under five and women of reproductive age, the region required a sustainable solution to address these pressing issues.
Methodology
Schoenl's approach was two-fold: to partner with a reliable local organization and establish women-led cooperative microlending groups in the region. The key to long-term success lay in the establishment of a revolving loan fund, enabling the project to continue its impactful work well into the future. Dr. Clement Kubuga, a prominent figure in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Development Studies in northern Ghana, directed the project, ensuring its effective implementation.
Results and achievements
Over the course of the project, impressive achievements have been realized:
  • Revolving credit was distributed among six women-led groups in three communities.
  • Each woman received a record card for tracking financial transactions, with group leadership overseeing the process.
  • These groups diversified their activities, focusing on the production of soybeans, peanuts, beans, rice, and shea butter.
  • Access to micronutrient-rich foods improved significantly, with cooperative food banks ensuring women and children have access, particularly during the lean/dry season.
  • The project gained national recognition when it appeared on Ghanaian television in 2021, further boosting its support.
Image by Freepik
Continued support
Following the national recognition, William Schoenl and his wife Linda made an additional donation of $4000 USD to the Revolving Loan Fund, expanding its reach and impact. This additional funding allowed for the inclusion of one or two new communities, bringing the total number of women-led cooperative microlending groups to eight, with approximately 500 women benefiting from this empowering initiative
A brief start in 2022
In January 2022, the project entered its second phase. Two new groups, Nakolo Kasili Women and Bugani Diwojadeni Women, joined the initial six groups. The earlier groups received refresher training, while the new groups were given training on operating the revolving loan fund. The women involved expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for the project's ongoing support
Remarkable achievements in 2023
As of January 30, 2023, the project achieved several key milestones:
  • The creation of a dedicated project account with funds deposited for further expansion.
  • Comprehensive training provided to all eight groups, ensuring they can effectively manage the revolving loan fund.
  • An extraordinary 90% improvement in access to micronutrient-rich vegetables during the lean/dry season.
  • Each of the eight groups contributed 20% of their profits back to their respective communities, supporting community-based school feeding programs and providing aid to the most vulnerable, including disadvantaged children and female child education.
  • A documentary showcasing the project's journey was filmed by Dr. Clement Kubuga and televised nationally in Ghana, highlighting the tremendous impact of this initiative.
Conclusion
The women-led cooperative microlending project in Ghana spearheaded by William Schoenl stands as a shining example of how collaborative efforts can transform communities and alleviate poverty. Access to essential nutrients has significantly improved, education is being promoted, and communities are developing, all thanks to the empowering initiative initiated by Schoenl and his partners
About William Schoenl
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William Schoenl is a professor emeritus at Michigan State University, known for his commitment to social change and community development. His work in Ghana represents a shining example of his dedication to improving the lives of marginalized communities.

For media inquiries, please contact:

William Schoenl Email: schoenl@msu.edu, USA Telephone: 001-517-351-0456​

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