Moussodiè Kone is a mother of four and a VE (Village Entrepreneur) in Nafadji, Bancoumana, Mali, with an inspiring story.
Moussodiè has been a myAgro farmer since 2018. Her motivation to join myAgro was fueled by her desire to be financially independent. “For my personal needs, I had to always rely on my husband or ask my brothers for money. It was not easy!” She says.
Moussodoè’s previous experience as a myAgro farmer influenced her decision to apply for the role of a VE. “Because we had easy access to inputs and seeds thanks to myAgro,” she says, “when I was told they were looking for a VE, I applied.”
Since joining myAgro, Moussodiè has grown tremendously. Developing her public speaking skills has given her great confidence. “Being a VE with myAgro has positively changed my life. It has taught me new skills that have provided me with many new opportunities,” she exclaimed. “The training we get at the office has helped me a lot to have confidence in myself and to know how to explain things well to people. Now I can speak in public without any stress.”
myAgro aims to provide VEs and their families with a stable source of income. The impact myAgro has on Moussodiè’s life goes beyond increased confidence. Having achieved financial independence and stability as a VE, Moussodiè is a prime example of this.
“Working as a VE has allowed me to become an independent and respected woman,” she says. “The sale of the cards enabled me to purchase a freezer and a solar panel in my second year. My younger sister is in charge of selling ice cream in the village and surrounding villages on my behalf. She can sometimes sell up to 6000 or 7000 FCFA per day. It depends on whether or not it’s hot. I give my sister some of the money and keep the rest for myself. I no longer wait for my husband to pay for my small needs. I even lend him money now and then!” Moussodiè explained.
For Moussodiè, being a VE is more than just personal success. She recognizes that her role benefits her community, providing good seeds and inputs that enable farmers to get a good harvest. “What motivates me as a VE is that I know, that every year, the farmers in my village will have easy access to inputs and high-quality seeds. They can plant early and confidently and reap abundant harvests. Thinking about this gives me more courage.”
The story of Moussodiè exemplifies the power of empowering women and communities through sustainable agriculture. Moussodiè has transformed her life with the support of myAgro and is now transforming the lives of those around her.
Moussodiè’s ultimate goal for this year is to buy a motorbike to facilitate her mobility in the village where she works.
