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Since initiating activities in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1993 in response to the civil war, IOCC has undertaken a variety of programs including emergency relief, agriculture recovery, civil society development and support of the microcredit sector.
Through a partnership with a local microcredit institution, Zdravo MKD, IOCC continues to offer loans of about $100 - $20,000 to members of economically vulnerable households. In addition, supported by IOCC, a long-standing partner Zdravo MKD has grown into reliable and strong microcredit institution focused in selecting underprivileged and poor clients sharing similar mission and vision with IOCC. By its microcredit program, IOCC makes strong positive impact to business sector as well as to economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
To date, with lending capital worth about $1.46 million, 4,361 loans worth more than $7.6 million have been disbursed to support agriculture (livestock, seeds, fertilizers) services (supplies, tools, machinery), trade (small grocery stores, bookshops, restaurants), and small-scale production (glass making, welding, carpentry, locksmith shops, etc.). Issued loans supported 2400 existing businesses and created 470 new sustainable jobs. Approximately 14,000 family members have been positively affected by the microcredit program. Over 40% of the clients are women.
Programs Prior to 2009:
Civil Society
Developed the professionalism and organizational capacity of local organizations to respond to local needs, influence public policy and take active part in the decisions that affect their communities. More than 570 organizational leaders attended IOCC–sponsored training seminars, developing the skills to improve their organizations. Over 200 grants were awarded to a variety of groups, including civic groups, women's and returnees' associations, farmers' organizations, associations for the disabled, and youth associations.
Microcredit
IOCC offered loans of about $100 – $9,000 to members of economically vulnerable households.
Agriculture
Developed and revitalized the sector to help ensure the return of displaced persons and increased food security and income generation. Achievements include approximately 4,300 beneficiaries served directly through: 631 items of agricultural machinery distributed; 314 greenhouses installed; 1,578 sets of seeds and fertilizers distributed; 288 pregnant heifers distributed; 77 farm structures repaired; 83 fruit orchards established; 57 training seminars and workshops conducted for farmer associations and cooperatives.
Bosnia stories from the archives
For more information about this country email relief@iocc.org.
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