diff --git "a/content/blog/\"living-half-way\".rst" "b/content/blog/\"living-half-way\".rst" new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6875432 --- /dev/null +++ "b/content/blog/\"living-half-way\".rst" @@ -0,0 +1,218 @@ +:title: "Living Half-Way" Former Sex Worker Speaks out +:author: Esther Achola +:date: Oct 14, 2013 +:slug: living-half-way + +:summary: Where should I start? I was in the industry for years. The main reason myself and most girls start sex work is because of poverty. I was... + + + + +Where should I start? I was in the industry for years. The main reason myself and most girls start sex work is because of poverty. I was an orphan at a young age. I had to drop out of school to support my 5 siblings. When I reached 18 years old, I had no other way. I started working at a salon, but the income was too little. At the end month I would get 1,000 KSH a month. So, I just woke up one day and took a bus to Nairobi. I didn't know what I was going to do. I was young. + + + + + + + +I stayed in a guest house when I got to Nairobi and met a Rwandan girl. She would leave at night and come back the next day at 6am with lots of money. More than I had ever seen. I was wondering where she got this money. And she showed me. + + + + + + + +We just went to a bar in Westlands, a wealthy part of Nairobi. Girls just sat there, every age and type, even university girls. You just sit there, and if someone comes and likes, you start negotiating on a price. It was a very popular place called Bavaraia – owned by a German man. + + + + + + + +This was the only way out of poverty for me. I had no degree, no experience. I was straight from school. So when you sit with other girls, you find a lot of reasons why they are pushed into sex work. There are many paying for university fees day by day through sex work. + + + + + + + +It was very risky. You don't know who you are going with. They buy a few drinks and they often don't want to stay at the guest house to have sex, so you have to go to their place. One girl was taken, and we didn't see her for two days. We didn't know what happened. Was she now rich or dead? After a few days, we found out she was nearly dead. The client, after finishing with her, left her in the forest and she was attacked. + + + + + + + +Many of these girls have STIs like HIV, but can't tell anyone. Sometimes you think you have just one client, but then find a whole house full of men, and they rape you or start using objects inside you. But these girls are desperate. They have sick family members and have no other option. You are living half way. You don't know what can happen tomorrow. + + + + + + + +You can't work on the streets in Nairobi, because you can be taken by the municipal council. They grab you in a small white pickup, and they take your money and force you to have sex with them so you don't go to prison. You have to do what you have to do to save yourself. Once the municipal has had its way with you, you have to start over at anytime of the day and you get more and more desperate. So women gang together in safer places like hostels and brothels that charge you on commission. + + + + + + + +If you get a client in a brothel, the manager takes at least half the money. Clients call in, then come inspect the girls, then pick one. Because of the high commission, most girls seek to do it on their own in more risky situations. + + + +I eventually came back to Mombasa to see my siblings, and I found out I was pregnant. + + + + + +I was forced to stay out of sex work. But as soon as I had the child, I went back to FSW in Mombasa, even before my son was one year old. I had to leave him alone in the house and lock the door. + + + + + + + +That is when I met a rich German man. He just spotted me in a bar. Because I was still breast feeding, he was very attracted to my large breasts. We went to his place. After taking a shower I tried to hide it, but he saw my milk coming out. He asked me, “Do you have a small child?” I said “He is four months.” + + + +Then he just gave me money and didn't do anything to me. He gave me enough money for a month’s worth of food and rent, packed for me some food from his fridge and dropped me off at home and gave me his number and told me to call if I needed anything. + + + + + + + +I paid rent and bought food and stayed with my son for a whole month and didn't go out. That was the longest time I had been with my son. + + + +I lost the number of the German man and he never came back. So, I started going back out. + + + + + + + +This is when I met another white man at a club called Tembo owned by a German. He was a Netherlander, a young boy, 28. When we went back to his hotel he asked me “why are you doing this, you are so beautiful?” and I told him about my son. I told him everything. + + + + + + + +That is when he said he won't pay me for sex, but would help me with my son. But I didn't trust him. I knew he was so drunk, that I could steal what he had. By good luck, he blacked out, but I was afraid to steal the money. I couldn't sleep, so I just waited. When he finally woke up, he gave me some money and asked for my number. I gave him my neighbor’s number because I didn't have a phone. + + + + + + + +That next day he called me in the afternoon. He was in the taxi coming to the place where I was living. I was in a small room in Mtwapa outside Mombasa. He came and he stayed for two weeks in my place. I had nothing but a mattress. He bought for me a stove, plates, cups and other things. So that was it. + + + + + + + +Then he left and promised to take me back to Netherlands. He bought me a phone, but it was lost. And I never heard from him again. + + + +Then I met another German man that was teaching salsa. So I started practicing and dancing at the hotel. He would pay us to do shows at hotels. But the money was too little, and he was forcing us to sleep with him. So I left and went back to sex work. + + + + + + + +But I knew I wanted a way out. A friend tried to recruit me for working with a non-profit NGO called ICRH. But because I was older then than most girls, I was excluded. I gave up, and started doing some work at a cyber-cafe at about one dollar a day. + + + + + + + +But then one day the NGO made an exception and allowed me into their program. + + + + + +We were 150 girls they interviewed. After the interview we were to get a letter if we were accepted. After one week I got my letter. I was excited, but hesitant, feeling like 'let's see what is next?' + + + + + + + +In a few months I was chosen as the group leader of 40 sex workers. I don't know what they saw in me. After that first experience I never stopped. I sought out trainings, more and more: counseling, business, entrepreneurship, computer skills, family planning, STIs (HIV and Malaria prevention), and as a paralegal. + + + + + + + +This changed everything. + + + + + + + +Today: I am supporting my children. I am voice to reckon with. I've been an advocate for hundreds of women. I have gone to court to defend women who have been raped. + + + + + +I've been asked to consult with international organizations. I've mobilized over 420 vulnerable women for counseling, HIV trainings, and reproductive health, sexual violence. + + + + + + + +The Rwandan girl that brought me into sex work died from HIV. I've lost so many friends in the process. Sadly there are few organizations trying to reach the tens of thousands of sex workers in an industry here that is still growing rapidly. There are gaps that need to be filled. While the work being done is wonderful, it is not enough. Hard core sex workers are generally not affected by any of these ongoing programs. + + + + + + + +NGOs are only dealing with younger sex workers. Yet sex work doesn't have an age limit. The older sex workers who have been doing it for 20-40 years are often the ones getting the younger girls into the industry. They know the sex work industry in and out, and targeting them is one of the ways we can really help. + + + + + + + +There is no simple solution. We must understand the reality of what is going on and have real alternatives in place. I don't kid myself that any of this is easy, but this is my life's work to be there to help women just like myself. + + `#femalesexworker `_ + +#femalesexworker + diff --git a/content/blog/100-new.rst b/content/blog/100-new.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..35b584a --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/100-new.rst @@ -0,0 +1,54 @@ +:title: 100+ new Blockchain Wallets in One Day – Fighting Rural Food Insecurity +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Apr 10, 2019 +:slug: 100-new + +:summary: Rural communities are adopting blockchain based community currencies at an astounding pace! 100+ new users in one day represents nearly... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/100-new1.webp + + + +Rural communities are adopting blockchain based community currencies at an astounding pace! 100+ new users in one day represents nearly half the heads of households in one village. Women are the main users and have been leading their communities in using the blockchain as much as 4 times a day for their basic needs – water, food, school and fuel. With nearly 2,000 blockchain wallets created in underserved communities so far in Kenya and over 11,000 transactions using feature phones with no internet - the excitement is tangible. **Something very fundamental about these economies is starting to change.** + + + +The Miyani community, categorized as food insecure for over 10 years has had every development intervention thrown at it by dozens of NGOs including WFP and Red Cross. A group of farmers in Miyani began developing methodology and using Community Currencies in late 2018 and have grown their network to cover their entire village (showing tremendous change to food consumption and collective work for food security) and have spread into all their neighboring villages. + + + + + + + +So far 2 new Community Currencies have started in the nearby regional markets of Mnyenzeni and Mkayeni and as more and more communities adopt these currencies local groups will be able to create their own – creating a decentralized economic network. This is enabling people to trade their goods and services even when there is no National Currency. Farmers are able to get community support for preparing their lands for rains and women are able to send their kids to school and support one another without scarce Kenyan Shillings. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/100-new42.webp + + + + + +In the past, traditional aid organizations and development programs have failed to address the fundamental problems plaguing the economic infrastructure of marginalized communities across the world. Pumping typical aid into these economies often exacerbates unsustainable food systems and market dynamics by reinforcing the existing economic structure. The bulk of the aid flows out of the community too quickly to provide lasting impact and key resources & community members remain largely underutilized. + + + + + + + +These communities have developed a scalable solution based on blockchain enabled community currencies which has been shown to incentivize resilient local markets and promote regional food security. **We are proud to be part of this story and are excited to see where these indigenous solutions lead us!** + + + + + + `#foodsecuity `_ `#development `_ `#communitycurrencies `_ `#aid `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/1st-community.rst b/content/blog/1st-community.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a52251b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/1st-community.rst @@ -0,0 +1,52 @@ +:title: 1st Community Currency Market and More +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Sep 14, 2015 +:slug: 1st-community + +:summary: September 12th Community Currency groups in Mombasa and Nairobi both held simultaneous events. One was a community market and games day... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/1st-community1.webp + + + + + + + +September 12th Community Currency groups in Mombasa and Nairobi both held simultaneous events. One was a community market and games day and the other was a trash collection and feast. + + + + + + + +Nairobi CC Market + + + + + + + +September 12th was our first joint market between two community currency trading networks in Nairobi. We brought together 42 vendors and teachers and students from 10 schools, to trade goods and services and play games. Beyond the nearly 200 trade network members that were invited we also opened the event to the general public by allowing them to enter the market by exchanging their Kenyan Shillings for Community Currency. This was our first such market, but by the reaction of vendors, schools and the public, we will have many more. + + + + + + + +Mombasa CC Clean-Up + + + + + + + +On the other side of Kenya the Ng'ombeni-Pesa (Cow-money) women got together with the Matatu and Conductor Association (of more than 400 Conductors) to clean up Mikindani. The cleanup targeted the areas most afflicted around Trade Network Member shops, and ended with a Swahili-style pilau feat prepared by members of the network. After the feast there was a lively discussion about doing a market day similar to the one in Nairobi and also about helping the members get to know each other better and trade more. + diff --git a/content/blog/2019-data.rst b/content/blog/2019-data.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4edfbcc --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/2019-data.rst @@ -0,0 +1,53 @@ +:title: 2019 Data Release - 92k Kenyan blockchain translations +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 3, 2020 +:slug: 2019-data + +:summary: With every transaction being logged anonymously on a public blockchain we have unprecedented insight into what living below the poverty... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/2019-data1.webp + + + +With every transaction being logged anonymously on a public `blockchain `_ we have unprecedented insight into what living below the poverty line means in rural and urban Kenya. + + + + + + +All the anonymous data from 2019 is freely available on `github `_ : with 92,223 transactions of 7,630 users. Pulling out what represents distribution and redemption of community currencies we are left with roughly 168,000 USD of trade between Sarafu users. The voucher redemption cost was a total of 12,000 USD of Sarafu purchased from local hubs and savings groups by donors and then re-injected into the system. We've been blessed with all walks of researchers this year from anthropology, network science, economics and more - if you know someone interested in helping with research please let them know about this dataset! + + + + + +**What does this mean?** + + + + + + +7,630 people living below the poverty line were each given 400 digital vouchers (~$4 USD) with a variable exchange rate to Kenyan Shillings. With little training - generally word of mouth - all kinds of people used these vouchers as a medium of exchange. Backstopping this trade was savings groups (generally 25 women) who would collect the vouchers as part of their own savings and loan repayment schemes and could cash out a limited supply 50% of their voucher balances per month. This financial guarantee was enough to give the surrounding markets confidence (building a social guarantee) and trade over 5x the entire amount of Sarafu in circulation. + + + + +Giving cash is often more direct and more effective than other types of aid. But with Community Inclusion Currencies like Sarafu we `leverage `_ limited cash donations into variable rate vouchers. Farmers, teachers, fishermen and so on are accepting being paid in Sarafu (which is actually broken into 12 different community specific currencies), not because they would prefer it over Kenyan shillings but rather because there aren't enough Kenyan shillings to go around. Communities are using Sarafu to fill the gap and support each other + + + + +That's not all - in 2019 Grassroots Economics provided phone support and training across Kenya and began planning with Red Cross on disseminating this training to other marginalized areas such in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. We also began working with `sempo.ai `_ on building an open source platform for Community Inclusion Currencies which can be used by anyone. + + + + +`#data `_ `#sataset `_ `#research `_ `#transactiondata `_ `#blockchain `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/2020-kenyan.rst b/content/blog/2020-kenyan.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..57cefc2 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/2020-kenyan.rst @@ -0,0 +1,83 @@ +:title: 2020 Kenyan CICs in Review +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 2 +:slug: 2020-kenyan + +:summary: We’re extremely excited about using CICs for developing support networks for vulnerable communities and households, and especially food syst +:tags: report,goals + + + +.. image:: images/blog/2020-kenyan1.webp + + +Brief Historical Overview +********************************* + + + +Starting in 2010 Grassroots Economics worked with local communities to issue vouchers aka Community Currencies (CCs) as a medium of exchange with the belief that CCs could enable communities to develop a source of local credit based on productive capacity and local values, while creating a monetary system better suited to eradicate poverty and the multiple indicators of deprivation targeted by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. After working with over a dozen communities by 2018 we began to support communities in digitizing their CCs. + + + +2020 Survival Mode +*********************** + + + +Starting in 2020 we embarked on the huge task of developing, refining and modularizing `open source `_ infrastructure that would enable communities to issue and manage their own Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs). CICs are blockchain contracts that enable a community to issue a digital voucher against claims of future production and create a possibility of conversion between that voucher to other similar vouchers. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/2020-kenyan51.webp + + + +With support from DOEN.nl, Innovation Norway and the Red Cross we grew our Kenyan support teams to 12 and our software development team to 5 people. While our teams have worked all year on supporting existing users and developing these systems (to be launched in January), all the existing CCs over the years were replaced with a single Basic Income token called Sarafu as a stop-gap while we continued technology development. + + + +Due to `COVID and Red Cross involvement `_ the usage of Sarafu bloomed from around 1,000 users to reach over 41,700 users and 263 Million Sarafu (roughly 2.5 Million USD equivalent) have traded hands in over 335,000 transactions between users with feature phones (no internet). Sarafu is issued to new users and also recollected as a holding fee each month and redistributed to users. The total supply was based on population projections in targeted areas and has been as a bootstrapping mechanism for introducing the concept of community currency. In 2021 communities will be creating again their own CICs and can choose to use Sarafu as a way to connect their CICs to others. Note that Sarafu and CIC circulation data is anonymous and used to target humanitarian support such as cash transfer programs. Read more about `Sarafu Network `_ and check out the `data dashboard `_ and research `here `_. + + +.. image:: images/blog/2020-kenyan88.webp + + + +Using CCs to support the development and maintenance of communal farms has been one of the core concepts of our work since we started implementing in rural areas in 2014 – where the CC is a promise against future production of the farm and can be used to buy food after each harvest. In 2020 we began integrating Syntropic Agroforestry into demo farms which utilizes, bio-intensive mixed-crop planting, mulching on-site, and successional growth and rotations. These techniques have enabled us enter traditional maize farms and convert them into regenerative agriculture plots. These farms aka Food Forests create productive capacity and a foundation for resilient food systems. The CCs help organize the labor and care for these communal structures. + + + +Overall 2020 has taught us that a free medium of exchange that can be used in vulnerable communities is extremely important especially during times of crisis. ... 2020 We're glad it's over! + + + +2021 Goals + + + +We’re extremely excited about using CICs for developing support networks for vulnerable communities and households, and especially food systems. With hardened software and materials, we’ll be able more and more to support other organizations to develop, copy and use the CIC infrastructure. A few more goals are shown below: + + * Develop Training Materials + * Support Food Forest creation + * Enable communities to create their own interconnected tokens (January) (no connection to Kenyan Shillings) + * Develop web-based non-custodial systems (wallets and token creation interfaces) + * Develop the blockchain contracts for the Sarafu token to act as a type of UBI / Dividend + * Document and enable more interoperability with other protocols, APIs chat bots, market places + * Develop Voting systems for governance and tax redistribution + * Develop Standard Operating Procedures for humanitarian organizations. + * Develop different reserve pools (network tokens (Sarafu), stable tokens, carbon credits). + * Develop parametric triggers for aid injection + * Develop an SDG Impact Index related to CIC transaction data (categories, gender .. ) + + +Keep reading for the brave techies: + + + +.. image:: images/blog/2020-kenyan145.webp + + + +The open-source infrastructure allows for both custodial and non-custodial systems where users can define and write contracts (which act as programmable currencies) onto a blockchain - such as `bloxberg.org `_ - and enable those currencies to interact with each other. + diff --git a/content/blog/2021-mid.rst b/content/blog/2021-mid.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..232e74e --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/2021-mid.rst @@ -0,0 +1,106 @@ +:title: 2021 Mid Year CIC Update +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: May 11 +:slug: 2021-mid + +:summary: We grew from a few thousands users to over 50,000 and have seen roughly 3 Million USD worth of trade between users for basic needs. +:tags: update + + + +Transitions +**************** + + + +Below is a summary for the entire country since 2020 till May 2021. At the end of 2019 we were forced off our old digital platform and onto a temporary one where we could only make one digital currency (Sarafu). We also started air-dropping this currency to anyone with a sim card in Kenya while trying all kinds of ways to connect Sarafu to humanitarian work. We grew from a few thousands users to over 50,000 and have seen roughly 3 Million USD worth of trade between users for basic needs - recorded in nearly 400,000 blockchain transactions. While the system has grown we've strive to return to the community based foundations we came from guided by a new director `Shalia Agha. `_. + + + +Back to Basics +****************** + + + +After over a year of sitting in this technical road stop (with only one currency) - all I can say is how much I miss creating community currencies one village at a time! Hopefully this month we will release a fully open source and modular version of our software and by the middle of the year be able to facilitate communities to develop their own community currencies again. The `application process `_ for creating a CIC we've been working on together with community groups, takes some of our current learning and applies them to our older pre-2020 - programs. The basic idea of for a CIC to be a producer credit - or voucher for the goods and services of a well defined group and for that group to define how they will use these credits in community projects. + + + +Foundations in Regeneration +******************************* + + + +2020 was also the year of `Syntropic Agroforestry `_ - where community groups use it as a basis for their local groups would pool together their Sarafu and use it for maintenance and farm inputs, and after circulation in the community for school fees, haircuts, church tithing, etc. ... people can use it again for food from communal farms. This has grown out to 50 acres of such farming! These types of programs that anchor community currency to communal structures we hope to see grow more and more. + + + +Humanitarian Focus +************************* + + +The Red Cross has just about completed a second pilot of CICs in informal settlements as part of COVID relief and resilience work. GIZ in Cameroon are working on their own CICs and we continue to consult many formal and informal groups on how to setup their own CICs digitally or with paper vouchers. Rather than connecting CICs to cash exchange, which creates an incentive to save them, connecting them to vulnerable assistance community asset development has remained the best practice. + + + +Data +******** + + + +Below is a summary for the entire country since 2020 based on `research data `_: + + +.. image:: images/blog/2021-mid1.webp + + + +Note that while 1 Sarafu is socially pegged to 1 Kenyan Shilling. The actual value of Sarafu compared to the Kenyan shilling will vary based on the user. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/2021-mid82.webp + + + +The above graphic shows COVID starting in April 2020 with increased Sarafu usage, eventually ebbing off by October 2020 - leading toward a more steady state by January 2021. While registrations continue to grow currently via airdropping Sarafu- without strong community anchors that growth isn't sustainable. + + + +Kisauni +************ + + + +Zooming in on `Kisauni which started with Red Cross volunteers `_ early 2021 + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/2021-mid112.webp + + + +.. image:: images/blog/2021-mid123.webp + + + +Note. Ignore the last data point for the morning the data was sampled. + + + +Working in Kisauni started with the Kenyan Red Cross Cash Transfer Program (CTP)team going through and identifying the vulnerable households along with local leaders and community health volunteers. These 1,500 vulnerable householders were given cash transfers monthly while also being enrolled in CIC (Sarafu) along with their neighbors. Overall over 5,000 people in Kisauni joined the network and have traded basic needs with among each other over 13,000 times over roughly 4 months. These users are currently forming community groups that will support the program long term and also being supported by local industry partners. This is an example of airdropping 100 Sarafu onto vulnerable people in COVID crisis and working with them to form groups. 1,500 vulnerable households received cash aid (with no connection to Sarafu at all) . This cash aid helps but doesn't stay circulating in the community like CIC does. The, over 5000, users in the area form a resilient trade network that is growing daily and will continue supporting the vulnerable long term. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/2021-mid144.webp + + + +Above are the 1,396 CTP users that signed up for CIC so far and how much Sarafu they have spent in various categories. CIC seems to be helping them longer term than we would expect the cash transfer to and it is connecting them into a larger community of support and stable markets. + + + +Despite many doubts, this trial of running a cash transfer program in parallel with airdropped CIC has created significant impacts and continues to grow through the adoption of local stakeholders and community groups. + diff --git a/content/blog/2614-blockchain.rst b/content/blog/2614-blockchain.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8226e80 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/2614-blockchain.rst @@ -0,0 +1,46 @@ +:title: 2614 Blockchain Transactions for Basic Needs +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 23, 2019 +:slug: 2614-blockchain + +:summary: In our journey over the last few months building tools for community currencies on the blockchain to support healthy economies, a network... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/2614-blockchain1.webp + + + +In our journey over the last few months building tools for community currencies on the blockchain to support healthy economies, a network of 550 mothers, teachers, clinics, shop keepers and more have reached 2,614 trades among themselves to support each other while living below the poverty line. Over 10,900 USD worth of goods and services have been traded so far representing a significant increase to local trade at a time when Kenyan Shillings are scarce. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/2614-blockchain32.webp + + + +550 users is a relatively small number of businesses, so far, piloting the currencies. As the networks grow we expect to seem much more trade as the year progresses and these networks fill out. Fundamentally this community currency trade shows that the existing fiat based economy only enables a small fraction of the full capacity of people. + + + +Of these transactions we see primarily food being traded. This is only the very beginning, as more and more schools and clinics as well as environmental organizations enroll we expect to see these proportions change. This data is updated live for every single blockchain transaction on `http://www.sarafu.cc `_ + + + +Our formula, *so far* ,for Blockchain Based Community Currencies: + +* Bancor Protocol built into the smart contracts enables each community currency to be connected to each other +* The POA blockchain allows us to to cheaply and quickly write transactions to the blockchain +* The `USSD systems via Africastalking `_ allow us to make these tokens available to a huge population without smart phones or internet +* Creating an initial supply of tokens relative to the population's daily consumption of food and airdropping it into micro and small businesses, schools and clinics that back the token's value. +* Demurrage or negative interest rates - where if a user is not using their tokens for a period of time a percentage of their balance is automatically sent to a community fund - which redistributes the tokens as a basic income and supports community programs +* Community ambassadors that train and enroll community members and braid them together into trading networks. + + +As we learn from community usage of these tools - we update and improve these systems and hope all best practices we gather are useful for other organizations and communities seeking to develop healthy economies. Please contact us if you would like to share your experiences, help or know more. + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/300-bob.rst b/content/blog/300-bob.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d730ea9 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/300-bob.rst @@ -0,0 +1,95 @@ +:title: 300 Bob - a money story +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Feb 10, 2019 +:slug: 300-bob + +:summary: This is a story I often tell to being to discuss what money is and what it could be. It is derived from a German tale. One day a Mama... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/300-bob1.webp + + +*This is a story I often tell to being to discuss what money is and what it could be. It is derived from a German tale.* +`German tale `_ + + + + + +One day a Mama Songa, a woman selling vegetables, is packing up her unsold tomatoes and finds that someone has placed a *300 Bob (Bob is the short form for ‘Shillings’ in Kenya) note.* She has never seen such a note, but it looks legit. (There are only paper notes in denominations of 50,100,200,500,1000 in Kenya). + + +She decides to take it to her child’s schools where she is late on fees. The headmaster looks at the 300 Bob note and is shocked but finally accepts it as he trusts that he could return it for tomatoes later. He doesn’t need tomatoes through, and instead uses it to purchase some flour for the school lunch. + +The flour shop owner then realizes he needs tomatoes for dinner the next day and visits Mama Songa to buy 300 Bob of tomatoes. Mama Songa is pleased to see the 300 Bob return to her and decides she should save some money in the bank. + + +The banker takes one look at the money and rips in half and throws it in the dust bin. + + + +Mama Songa is shocked, “But that 300 Bob bought school fees, flour and tomatoes! It enabled 900 Bob of trade”. + + + + + + + +“That is not official money” the banker says in disgust. + + + + + + + +Mama Songa shakes her head and realizes that in the end she was at least able to pay for school fees and only lost some tomatoes that were going bad. + + + + + + *I generally flavor this story with the various goods and services of the community I am working in and finally introduce the idea of a circulating voucher and ask the following questions?* + *What if Mama Songa could create a voucher for her tomatoes that could also be accepted for school fees and flour? What would the rules need to be for printing and distributing such vouchers? How much trade could be unlocked with these in circulation?* + + + + + *I often bring up the joke of the construction worker who didn’t finish his job and gives the excuse that he ran out of centimeters. If money, in the case of a circulating voucher, is just a record of who owes whom how much, then why should we ever have to run out? Perhaps the paper is expensive to print – enter digital vouchers and blockchain security.* + + + + + *Finally, I revisit the story’s banker;* + + + + + + +Once Mama Songa leaves, the Banker grabs the two halves of the 300 Bob and uses some clear tape to stick them back together and walks over to go buy some flour. + + + + + + *Where exactly do our shillings come from? What is money? What is official money?* + + + + + + +What is wrong with our society if people don't send their kids to school or eat an evening meal because they are missing pieces of paper? + + *What is wrong with our society if people don't send their kids to school or eat an evening meal because they are missing pieces of paper?* + + + + +`#justsostories `_ `#stories `_ `#story `_ `#whatismoney `_ `#voucher `_ + + diff --git a/content/blog/5-kenyan.rst b/content/blog/5-kenyan.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b13ab82 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/5-kenyan.rst @@ -0,0 +1,44 @@ +:title: 5 Kenyan Community Currencies Meet +:author: Ruth Mwangi +:date: Jul 1, 2015 +:slug: 5-kenyan + +:summary: Saturday, 27th June will remain a day to remember for various Business Networks in Kenya. A total of five Business Networks united by a... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/5-kenyan1.webp + + + + + + + +Saturday, 27th June will remain a day to remember for various Business Networks in Kenya. + + + + + + + +A total of five Business Networks united by a Community Currency (CC) were represented at a single meeting in Mombasa, hosted by the Bangladesh Business Network. Community Currencies give business communities a way to create their own mutual-credit-clearing (barter exchange) system to build economic resilience and self-fund community development programs. + + + + + + + +Present, were committee members of the existing community Currencies in Nairobi (Kangemi-Pesa, launched 3 months ago and Gatina-Pesa, launched 9 months ago) along with 2 of their volunteers; members of the committees about to launch new currencies in Nairobi (Lindi-Pesa) and Mombasa (Ng’ombeni-Pesa). And of course, the committee, volunteers and members of the Bangladesh Business Network from Mombasa (Bangla-Pesa, launched in 2013) and the founder of Grassroots Economics – GE (in charge of the implementation of the CC networks in Africa). + + + + + + + +The main objective of this meeting was to share ideas in an interactive setting and come up with ways to enhance trade in the existing businesses on a day-to-day basis. Faulu Kenya, a Micro-finance institution that offers a variety of financial solutions catering to both Retail and SME segments, was also in attendance to explain the terms and conditions of group and Chama loans. These loans would help small business owners within the GE networks expand their businesses. Other activities that took place during these meetings were entertainment from the Bangla-Pesa Volleyball team – a youth group that provides garbage collection services to the Bangladesh community - sponsored by the Bangla-Pesa community fund of Bangladesh Business Network. Members of the Gatina and Kangemi-Pesa also got a chance to be part of the planning meeting for the upcoming Ng’ombeni-Pesa launch which is set to take place in the month August. + diff --git a/content/blog/715-members.rst b/content/blog/715-members.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..df88963 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/715-members.rst @@ -0,0 +1,64 @@ +:title: 715 Members and Growing Fast +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: May 7, 2016 +:slug: 715-members + +:summary: Sarafu-Credit users in five locations around Kenya have increased by over 83% since January 1st. Our Super Markets and Credit Clearing... + + + +.. image:: images/blog/715-members1.webp + + + +Sarafu-Credit users in five locations around Kenya have increased by over 83% since January 1st. Our Super Markets and Credit Clearing Offices in five locations are beginning to develop a strong local presence but it is our users that do the most to grow these networks by simply showing how much their trade is increasing. Below are some recent examples of Sarafu-Credit users in Nairobi and Mombasa: + + + + **Key Examples in Nairobi - by Daniel Mukosia our Nairobi Coordinator** + + +.. image:: images/blog/715-members54.webp + + + +Dickson Mutashe has been a member of Gatina Business Organization for the last two years. He owns a computer training center at 56 Kawangware. He says he has been using Sarafu-Credit and so far he has been able to buy goods and services from other members who offer different services from his, such as paying tuition for his children. He also offers web surfing, printing, photocopy and playing computer games. He also uses Sarafu-Credit as change to his regular customers who also use the Sarafu-Credit to purchase food stuff such as Mama Mboga. "The circulation of Sarafu-Credit has enabled me to get more customers and increase daily sales." - Dickson Mutashe + + + +.. image:: images/blog/715-members71.webp + + + +Mary Akothe (Mama Mboga) located at Gatina Check point started using Sarafu-Credit early this year. She noticed Sarafu-Credit after realizing that the credit has enabled most of the businesses around her to be able to save the money. She has been actively trading with Sarafu-Credit and says "My business has been improving on a daily basis by increasing sales due to increase of daily customers who have been using Sarafu-Credit backing up the Kenyan shilling to purchase goods and services within the network." She has also been contributing towards chama savings and will be in a position to get loans to expand her business. She has been able to purchase more stock using Sarafu-Credit and this has enabled her business to grow and she is active in recruiting more and more members along her entire supply chain. + + + **Key Examples in Mombasa - by Lydia Anyango our Mombasa Coordinator** + + +.. image:: images/blog/715-members95.webp + + + +Kennedy Ongweko of Bangladesh community near Mombasa owns a kinyozi (barber shop) and he has many Sarafu-Credit customers. "I never used to have a lot of children customers but ever since I registered to be in the Business + + + +Network all the mamas in the market bring their children to my knyozi because I accept Sarafu-Credit," he says. In return Kennedy uses Sarafu-Credit to buy food from the market and also pays for repairs with it. + + + +Francisca Ayieko or ‘Teclar’ as known by many people in Bangladesh community as Teclar uses Sarafu-Credit on a daily basis to sell fresh water. A 20litre gallon of water goes for 5/= and she accepts the full value in 5 Sarafu-Credit (in the form of Bangla-Pesa). She was one of the first traders of BP starting in 2013 and has been active ever since. "Sarafu-Credit (Bangla-Pesa) has been of great help to me because I receive a lot of customers fetching my water," she says. "I also sell a lot of my fish. Sometimes I accept only Sarafu-Credit when one does not have the Kenya shillings at all instead of accepting debts that I have to wait to get repaid", she adds. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/715-members118.webp + + + + + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/a-new.rst b/content/blog/a-new.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a337321 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/a-new.rst @@ -0,0 +1,48 @@ +:title: A New Kind of Cash +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jun 12, 2014 +:slug: a-new + +:summary: “Cash is the enemy of the poor,” wrote Rodger Voorhies, director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s program aimed at improving... + + + +“Cash is the enemy of the poor,” wrote Rodger Voorhies, director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s program aimed at improving financial services to the poor. + + + +While, I have a soft spot for technology - targeting cashas the enemy of the poor is sadly short sighted and self serving coming from the big money behind the Gates foundation. + + + +If all the poor in the world could suddenly switch to using debit cards, or mobile phone money transfer - would we really see a change to current level of inequality? Or would we just see a those who sell the services and hardware making a killing in profits? Turning that concept on 'developed' nations is equally ridiculous - Is cash the problem in Greece or Detroit causing economic devastation? + + + +Whatever the motives for pushing more and more tech solutions, the fundamental problem is definitely not cash, nor is it simply lack of cash - The problem is rooted in failing monetary system that gives private banks `the power to create money in-order to profit off peoples' debt `_ in-order to profit off peoples' debt. What this means on the ground in places like slums in Kenya, is that to get money to grow your business you have to go into debt - which is likely to land you in a lot of trouble at usurious interest rates. People that do end up raising above unstable markets and horrible conditions have little trouble at all accessing financial services for their money. + + + + +Promoting savings is the icing on the cake - the financial services promoted by tech giants are really of one main variety, like M-Pesa, they offer money transfer services with middle men raking in huge profits. The financial service that no one seems interested in providing is currency issuance, not transfer. Mainly because it involves empowering communities and less profits rising up the pyramid. + + + +Articles `like this one `_ tout Bitcoin for could work for the poor. Yet Bitcoin has shown the same flaw in `mirroring the inequality of our current failing `_ system. Who gets to mine Bitcoins? Who gets to issue credit? Certainly not the poor - unless we change that. + + + +This key financial service can be provided to communities at little cost and doesn't need mobile technology. + + + +With minuscule cost to develop or implement - and zero cost to run and transact Bangla-Pesa, a community currency, has hundreds of 'poor' people trading more than 10,000 shillings of paper/cash Bangla-Pesa daily. This is a currency issued and back by a local community with their own goods and services. It isn't purchased. It isn't mined. It is issued and guaranteed by a local business network and starting to be adopted areas across Kenya. + + + +Perhaps down the road services like Bangla-Pesa could be offered via mobile phone (this really depends on the cost to users) - but the tech aspect is secondary to the innovation of giving communities the key financial service they lack - the ability to issue their own credit not tied to debts in national currency. + + + +Each year we see big businesses and big money trying to push the new tech revolution on the poor - are they simply pushing technology or are they actually interested in ending poverty? + diff --git a/content/blog/a-wonderful.rst b/content/blog/a-wonderful.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a1ea6c8 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/a-wonderful.rst @@ -0,0 +1,69 @@ +:title: A Wonderful Experience in Miyani +:author: Marion Cauvet +:date: Jan 16, 2018 +:slug: a-wonderful + +:summary: I am a French researcher involved in an MSc Agricultural Development at the University of Copenhagen. I am very interested in Community... + + +.. image:: images/blog/a-wonderful1.webp + + + +I am a French researcher involved in an MSc Agricultural Development at the University of Copenhagen. I am very interested in Community Currency, especially regarding their potential to foster sustainable agriculture, food security and endogenous development in developing countries. + + + +In this context, I am currently doing amazing fieldwork in the rural area of Miyani (near Mombasa, Kenya) where a community currency -the Miyani-Pesa (MP) (part of the Sarafu-Credit system)- has been launched last August. Grassroots Economics has, indeed, supported a local agricultural cooperative in (1) investing in a posho mill; (2) launching the MP (which is backed by the milling service) and an inital network of 40 local smallholders. + + + +Objective: The main objective of my research was to examine the current and potential impacts of MP on the agricultural cooperative development, food security and local farmers livelihoods. Methods: (1) transect walk and mapping of the area (territorial resources analysis); (2) semi-structured interviews with 36 MP users regarding users’ characteristics; MP use, perceived benefits and challenges of the MP); (3) distribution of one hundred food consumption booklets among non-members and members (control and treatment) of the MP (comparison in terms of daily meals and daily food purchases); (4) semi-structured interviews with key informants (Red Cross, Green World Campaign, officials (interests, needs, challenges; perceptions about MP); (5) Workshops with members of the agricultural cooperative (objectives, operations, activities, history, partnerships, benefits and challenges); (6) Workshop and participatory training with the MP members (networking, further actions); (7) direct observation by living fifteen days with a local family and by participating to some activities at the cooperative. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/a-wonderful47.webp + + + +Although the MP is still at an early development stage, 14 out of 36 interviewees mentioned that MP helps them on their daily food purchases by allowing them to buy food or mill their maize even when they experience a lack of Kenyan shillings. More astonishing, 60% of users noticed that they could already buy more diverse food thanks to the MP. Inital analysis of the food consumption booklets shows that in average, the non-users spend 23 Ksh per day per household member for food while the Miyani-pesa users spend 41 Ksh.This is an astonishing difference after only a few months! + + + + +Besides, 60% of interviewees also underlined that, by using MP, they could increase their savings in Kenyan Shillings. They would use the savings for paying the school fees, developing their farm and/or increasing their business stocks. For instance, one of the respondents underlined that he saved 300 Ksh (more than a weeks wage for him) since September and could, therefore, invest on his farm by buying one chicken. + + + +Jacob, 44 years and father of 7 children, is both a farmer and a fisherman. Cooperative’s committee member, Jacob has been employed at the posho mill since February 2017. In addition of earning 100/150 Kenyan Shillingsper working day, he has daily received 50 MP (equal to 50 Kenyan Shillings) since last September. Jacob expressed his enthusiasm regarding MP (Sarafu-credit). At first, he mentioned that he could make more savings by using Sarafu-credit for his daily purchases. He would use the savings for paying for school fees while using the sarafu-credit for buying more food. He also underlined that he could buy more diverse food thanks to the Sarafu-credit. For instance, he buys more often wheat flour for making “chapatis” or rice and therefore, eats more than three times a week chapatis compared to once per week before; more than three times per week rice compared to twice per week before: + + + +“I DON’T HAVE TO EAT UGALI EVERY DAY NOW. I COULD BUY MORE OFTEN RICE, BEANS, WHEAT FLOUR ETC.” + + + +Besides, he underlined that his business as a fisherman has been supported: before, he received 2500 Ksh in a good day; now it earns 3700 Ksh in a good day because of more MP clients. Jacob finally underlined that he expects these benefits to be multiplied when there will be more users, as the program is only a few months old. + + + +It is expected that these impacts would be fostered by scaling up the network of users. + + + +On the other hand, while the MP orientates the local consumption of milling services toward the agricultural cooperative, the latter uses the received MP to support its operational costs by partially remunerating two of its employees at the posho mill in MP. The cooperative has also organized a tree planting event along which the participants were partially paid in MP. In the future, it is expected that the cooperative better systemizes the use of the MP by paying community services such as waste collection, tree planting, water-pound digging etc. + + + +Finally, while the local use of MP is still challenged by it being so new and the size of the users’ network, there is a strong potential for fostering the local food security, the farmers’ living standards and the agricultural cooperative. + + + +To conclude, I would like to point out that my fieldwork in Miyani is more than a research project: it is an incredible human experience. I could meet wonderful people who have so openly and nicely welcomed me, as if I was one of them. They allowed me to participate to their daily activities such as cooking, farming or fetching water; are always willing to help me for my research activities; and, the most important it is that we laugh and have fun together although we do not speak the same language! Besides, it is amazing for me that Grassroots Economics has put my research into actions and encouraged me express my theories and ideas for further development. More than that, GE has provided me with the keys to design and implement successful and innovative community currency schemes which have such a potential in terms of food security and sustainable endogenous development. I am now eager and ready to spread this model and thus, participate in “prospering economies built by thriving communities”! + + + +`#miyani `_ `#agriculture `_ `#maize `_ `#research `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/accolades-for.rst b/content/blog/accolades-for.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9f9092a --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/accolades-for.rst @@ -0,0 +1,58 @@ +:title: Accolades for Kenyan Community Currencies +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jun 30, 2016 +:slug: accolades-for + +:summary: Community Currencies in Kenya have gotten a lot of lime light this month! Ruth Mwangi our Program Director has been honored to visit the... + +.. raw:: html + + + + +Community Currencies in Kenya have gotten a lot of lime light this month! + + + +Ruth Mwangi our Program Director has been honored to visit the US ambassador in Kenya and has received a Mandela Washington Fellowship for her work! We're very proud of her and expect her to lead us with newfound ideas and energy. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). President Obama launched YALI in 2010 to support young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa. + + + +We are often asked what the benefits of these programs are and as usage continues to grow we like to use current examples to demonstrate the impacts: + + + +Siprosa - a Teacher using Sarafu-Credit in Nairobi - interviewed by Daniel Musioka our Nairobi Coordinator + + + +Siprosa Odanga is a Teacher at Sifa Children’s Centre in Nairobi. She says "Sarafu-Credit has enabled the children in the community to get education and that is promoting education. Children pay their tuition using the Kshs and fill in the missing money with Sarafu-credit." She also receives part of the Salary in Sarafu-Credit. She uses SC to purchase food such as Chips from Rebba Muyeshi who is an Active member. She also purchases goods (Products) from the GBO shop. She says that SC has enabled the children in the community to get education if they lack enough KSHS to pay for tuition. More than 25 parents use SC as part of their tuition fees. 10 teachers use the SC as part of their salaries and to buy food stuff and shop. Sifa Children's Centre receives roughly 1600 SC a month. + + + +Caren and Margaret - Chapati Business Women using Sarafu-Credit in Mombasa - interviewed by Lydia Anyango our Mombasa Coordinator + + + +.. image:: images/blog/accolades-for1.webp + + + +Caren Otaya (left) and Margaret Odera (right) are both members of the Bangladesh Business Network outside Mombasa since 2013. They are both happy with the local Sarafu-Credit (SC) (Bangla-pesa). Caren says, “I am glad that there are a lot of SC users in the community now because we get a lot of customers coming to eat from us. We have thus increased our sales and stock.”. “Also nearly all the people selling at the market and school children come to eat from us. This has made others who sell chapatti and beans like us to register in the network so that they get customers”, says Margaret. Their business has increased by over 50% since joining the network! + + + + +What's happening here? + + + + +The women above join a local group of schools and businesses that are trying to support each other by co-guaranteeing vouchers that rotate among all the members. Each member joins the network and receive a private credit line from the other members in Sarafu-Credit that is only usable within the network. With over 1000 businesses in these networks, these credits enable a vast amount of underutilized trade to take place by allowing people to back a credit with their goods and services. + + + + +`#sarafu `_ `#obama `_ + + diff --git a/content/blog/african-community.rst b/content/blog/african-community.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..08fc39d --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/african-community.rst @@ -0,0 +1,45 @@ +:title: African Community Currencies Update +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jul 23, 2015 +:slug: african-community + +:summary: Kenyan Community Currencies Nairobi Gatina-Pesa – The Gatina Business Network's members have been saving their Kenyan Shilings together... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/african-community1.webp + + +Kenyan Community Currencies + + + +Nairobi + + +* Gatina-Pesa – The Gatina Business Network's members have been saving their Kenyan Shilings together since there launch last October and are using it as collateral to self-issue small loans to members. Sub-groups within the Network are also applying for micro-finance loans from SMEP-Oikeo. Information booths about the program are beginning to go up this weekend around Kawangware. +* Kangemi-Pesa – The Kangemi Business Network did their first community community Clean-Up with the support of several schools in the area that use the currency. +* Gatina and Kangemi groups are planning a shared market day where people will be invited to temporarily exchange their Kenyan shillings for community currency and shop at a special market for members only. In addition Robin Gerbaux has developed a Directory for both networks to help members find eachother. +* Lindi-Pesa – The Lindi Business Network is prepared to launch August 8th in Kibera. With well over 150 businesses already pre-registered, this looks to be the largest launch so far. The currency was printed in Germany with the help of our German partners Nyendo-lernen, and Chiemgauer. + + +Mombasa + + * Bangla-Pesa – The Bangladesh Business Network is currently undergoing research from the University of Lyon. They have planned their weekend clean-up and Volleyball match as well as an annual reassessment of membership and issuance of Bangla-Pesa with expiry dates in late August. + * Ng'ombeni-Pesa – Prepared to launch August 15th! They are preparing a fashion show as well as a new Mkokoteni trash collection group. Women and youth have been trained by the group as tailors and will showcase their goods at the launch. This currency was also printed in Germany with the help of our German partners Nyendo-lernen, and Chiemgauer. + + + +South African Community Currencies + + * Bergrivier - The Brand or Bergrivier-Rand has had it's first month of trading. + * Kokstad - The K'Mali or Kokstad-Rand launched on Mandela's birthday July 18th. + + + + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/bangla-committee.rst b/content/blog/bangla-committee.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6e89493 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bangla-committee.rst @@ -0,0 +1,23 @@ +:title: Bangla Committee Meeting +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Mar 16, 2013 +:slug: bangla-committee + +:summary: Koru Kenya is working to capacity build the the Bangladesh Business Network (BBN) to create it's own complementary currency. The... + + + + +Koru Kenya is working to capacity build the the Bangladesh Business Network (BBN) to create it's own complementary currency. The committee of the met today to work on it's draft constitution, membership registration process and next general meeting. + + +The meeting was held at St Mary's Secondary school with the attendance of: James Ochieng (Treasurer) representing Mens' Business, Sylvia Osodo (Vice Chairperson) representing Elders' Business, Alfred Sigo (Chairperson) representing Youths' Business, Emma Onyongo (Vice Secretary) representing Womens' Business, Rose Oloo (Secretary) representing Community Health Workers' Business. + + + +After corrections and translations to kiswahili the comittee will meet again on the 23rd to begin work on registration, targeting 200 business. The Committee also decided on a second community for control group data collection to compare to their own called Gana Hola roughly 30 minutes away by foot. + +`#bangla `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/bangla-pesa-anticipating.rst b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-anticipating.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..06e780a --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-anticipating.rst @@ -0,0 +1,28 @@ +:title: Bangla-Pesa Anticipating November +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Oct 20, 2013 +:slug: bangla-pesa-anticipating + +:summary: On May 29th 2013 we were arrested and charged with forgery. On August 23rd 2013 the case against Bangla-Pesa was dropped. A month after... + + + +.. raw:: html + + + + + +On May 29th 2013 we were arrested and charged with forgery. On August 23rd 2013 the case against Bangla-Pesa was dropped. A month after acquittal, the Central Bank of Kenya's Currency Department had finally made contact with us to ask us for information about the program (which they received). After nearly two months of misplaced court files, this last week of October we were finally given an `official copy `_ of the court order to drop the case against us. Receiving this court order signifies the end to prosecution and continuing the program under the guidance, if any, from local authorities and the Central Bank. + + + +When the government decided Bangla-Pesa was illegal, with no prior investigation, they raided our one room office with over 20 police officers. The items taken from our office by police included Bangla-Pesa vouchers and identification stickers for businesses. These items are still being held by the police 5 months later! Given there is no case against us and the matter was investigated by the Director of Public Prosecution holding program materials makes no sense. + + + +The police under OC Banking Fraud Investigations insists that they have the right to continue holding any materials as long as there is still an investigation. These investigations, which resulted in the case being dropped, may still never end we are told. Contrary to the police, the local administrative government officials have been very supportive and as of October there is no authority local, national or police telling us not to relaunch the program. + + +It seems doubtful that we'll ever receive the Bangla-Pesa and other materials taken from us by police, so, in order for the Bangladesh community to relaunch the program, they are working on a new design for the vouchers, which should be ready by our prospective launch date November 23rd. We look forward to support from many local stakeholders! + diff --git a/content/blog/bangla-pesa-charges.rst b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-charges.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9a59485 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-charges.rst @@ -0,0 +1,47 @@ +:title: Bangla-Pesa Charges Dropped! +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Aug 23, 2013 +:slug: bangla-pesa-charges + +:summary: THE CASE IS OVER! Today the Director of Public Prosecutions announced that all charges against Bangla-Pesa are hereby dropped! This is a... + + + + +THE CASE IS OVER! Today the Director of Public Prosecutions `announced `_ that all charges against Bangla-Pesa are hereby dropped! This is a huge success for Bangladesh and for poverty reduction programs in Kenya. We are incredibly grateful for the huge amount of support in Kenya and around the world. Without it, this program could have easily been forgotten and the accused held in prison. There is no doubt that we are part of an International Complementary Currency movement that is growing daily! + + + +.. image:: images/blog/bangla-pesa-charges1.webp + + +**What does this mean for Bangla-Pesa?** + +* That there are no laws in Kenya that have been broken by this program. +* Before re-launching the program we are waiting on two things: confiscated Bangla-Pesa to be returned from the Central Bank, and official government recognition of the program. +* Community Meetings will commence next week to get begin the process of putting Bangla-Pesa back to use. +* We are asking for continued support of these programs, as communities around Kenya and East Africa wish to duplicate the successes of Bangladesh. +* With the support raised so far via Indiegogo we hope to finalize all legal matters and relaunch the program with detailed monitoring and evaluation over the coming years. + + +Why is Bangla-Pesa so important? As a poverty reduction program, Bangla-Pesa points in a new direction for community development by fundamentally re-thinking our means of exchange and how it issued. It gives those living in dire conditions the ability to create their own means of exchange and stabilize their own economy. + + +.. image:: images/blog/bangla-pesa-charges64.webp + + + +`Watch News coverage on YouTube `_ + +`Read in English News `_ + +`Read in Swahili News `_ + +`Read the letter from the DPP. `_ + + + +`#complementary currencies `_ `#bangla `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/bangla-pesa-launch.rst b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-launch.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ae33edb --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-launch.rst @@ -0,0 +1,31 @@ +:title: Bangla-Pesa Launch +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: May 11, 2013 +:slug: bangla-pesa-launch + +:summary: Today's launch of Bangla-Pesa was a great start to an empowering community process! 137 local business owners attended. Of the 137 local... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/bangla-pesa-launch1.webp + + +Today's launch of Bangla-Pesa was a great start to an empowering community process! + +137 local business owners attended. Of the 137 local business owners that attended, 56 members completed their registration and backing process and created 400 credits each. At least 150 pending registrations will be completed in the next week. + + + +Prior to the launch, members of the business network processed through Bangladesh, led in song by the Bangladesh Business Network (BBN) Committee, and following the Bangla-Pesa basket, which was escorted by local security officials. + + + +During the launch, the Alpha and Omega youth group performed a drama detailing the uses of Bangla-Pesa and debunking community concerns about this relatively novel approach to community development. The dramas left people laughing, clapping, and better informed. Afterwards Will Ruddick presented the some results of the baseline data collection, helping members of the Bangla Business Network understand the size, seasonal and weekly fluctuations, and gender inequalities in the economy. Members also listened to speeches by the Committee Chairman and Josephat Kioko, who talked about the benefits of a Eco-Pesa, the predecessor to Bangla-Pesa used in Kongowea, Kenya. Then, the Bangladesh Businesses Network's constitution was read and discussed in detail. Members of the Network asked pointed questions about issues like voting rules, tribal equity in leadership, clearly communicating their understanding and investment in the Network. + + +Finally, members possessing completed registration forms, with 4 co-signers and the approval of the BBN's committee, received 400 Bangla-Pesa and a marketing sticker for their shops. 200 Bangla-Pesa was returned by each member as their registration fee. This registration fee will go toward community activities such as trash collection and health care, after an initial three month period to first strengthen the network's use of Bangla-Pesa. + + +The meeting ended with a hearty meal and a strong commitment to and excitement about using Bangla-Pesa. Koru-Kenya's monitoring and evaluation team, led by Morgan Richards, will perform surveys over the next weeks and months to determine the extent of Bangla-Pesa used, any problems that need addressing, and how the community has benefited from the use of Bangla-Pesa. And, in 3 months, the Business Network will have their next General Meeting to discuss further changes to their operating rules. + diff --git a/content/blog/bangla-pesa-market.rst b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-market.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f173214 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-market.rst @@ -0,0 +1,47 @@ +:title: Bangla-Pesa Market, Shoes and Permaculture +:author: Lydia Anyango +:date: Dec 8, 2015 +:slug: bangla-pesa-market + +:summary: Finally! The Bangladesh Business Network Market Day was a big success. Bangla-Pesa members gathered together to sell their goods and... + + + +.. image:: images/blog/bangla-pesa-market1.webp + +Finally! The Bangladesh Business Network Market Day was a big success. Bangla-Pesa members gathered together to sell their goods and invited the general public to take part. At first people were hesitant to bring their goods but after realizing that clients were coming, vendors went back to add more goods as what they had brought had all been sold out. The Master of Ceremony at the event did a great job by ensuring that the event remains fun and active. There were 27 buyers who attended the market event and bought from more than one person. All the goods sold on this day were worth 3,310 BP and was paid back with the equivalent amount in Kenyan Shillings. Some of the Band Pesa used by buyers were earned through emerging as winners in the competitions held during the event. + + + +Nthoki Ndindu one of the vendors says, “I hope this continues every month because I have met new customers and they have said that they will be coming to buy things from my ‘kibanda’. This day has given me the opportunity to advertise my business.” + + + +Frank Goya one of the market clients says, “I have never had the opportunity to buy something with Bangla Pesa but today I have. I feel happy about this and at least I now know that it is just like Kenyan shillings”. + + +All went well on the event apart from one thing that I noted; It is important to have a first aid kit just in any case minor accidents occur like when one is peeling a fruit using a knife. Also ‘in every market there is a mad man’. Some people just have to create conflicts out of nothing so it is advisable to have security around. I had to assign 3 youths from the community to help maintain peace in the event. + + + +This is Francis Odengeya. He is a cobbler in Bangladesh and a member of the Bangla Business Network. He registered as a member in 2013 and has not stopped using Bangla Pesa ever since. His customers bring him Bangla Pesa for him to repair their shoes. His common price for shoe repair is Khs. 10. For this he accepts 5 Bangla-Pesa and 5 Kenyan Shillings. “I take this amount because I don’t need to buy stock often, I mostly use materials that I get from old ‘scrape’ shoes to repair shoes,” he says. “I eat chapatis and buy omena with the Bangla Pesa I collect from my customers.” + + + +Permaculture report from Caroline Dama + + +Our work to help create food gardens around schools using Bangla-Pesa is still in progress. With the swales done the schools have been concentrating on adding dry grass and manure to have some fertile soil ready by January also the dry grass will act as a cover to ensure when it rains the soil stays moist so we could bring in some soil friendly organisms like millipedes, earth worms among others. + + + + + + + +The schools are closing for the holidays so we spent the past week capacity building the children on how to build and maintain a nursery bed, why we need one, how to collect wildings from trees that are already in their environment, seed collection and agroforestry. We envision that by the time the schools open they will be able to hit the ground running. We have not done more as we are worried about the holidays and security especially of sprouting seedlings from nursery beds. Otherwise we are confident that we are laying the foundation through capacity building. + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/bangla-pesa-relaunch.rst b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-relaunch.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7d12cc4 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-relaunch.rst @@ -0,0 +1,26 @@ +:title: Bangla-Pesa Relaunch +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Nov 23, 2013 +:slug: bangla-pesa-relaunch + +:summary: Bangla-Pesa was officially relaunched today in partnership with the Kenyan Government. Represented by Hon. Badi Twalib Minister of... + + + + +Bangla-Pesa was officially relaunched today in partnership with the Kenyan Government. Represented by Hon. Badi Twalib Minister of Parliament, Ward Representatives, the Speaker for the County Assembly, Women's Representative, the Chief of Police (OCS) and the Mombasa County Secretary. Other guests included Human Rights representatives from Muhuri, the artist Carol Opondo and many others. There was a unanimous request from government representatives to replicate these programs to other areas in the County. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/bangla-pesa-relaunch1.webp + + + +After waiting for 6 months since members of the program were arrested, the community danced, sang, performed dramas and and recited poetry. The team is extremely happy about the turn of events. On the Matatu home from the event I was happy to overhear some women talking about the program as a means of poverty reduction and it's complementary nature to the Kenyan Shilling to create local stability. Traditional Peke Dancing.Chief of Police (OCS) that once arrested us - now endorsing the Bangla-Pesa.Registration for the program will being afresh next week. Thanks for everyone's help making this event happen! + + + + +`#bangla `_ `#relaunch `_ `#complementarycurrencies `_ + + diff --git a/content/blog/bangla-pesa-reloaded.rst b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-reloaded.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3b3b5d6 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-reloaded.rst @@ -0,0 +1,32 @@ +:title: Bangla-Pesa Reloaded +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 10, 2013 +:slug: bangla-pesa-reloaded + +:summary: We've been waiting since May 29th 2013 for this and it is finally here. Bangla-Pesa is back moving through the community. We've... + + + + +We've been waiting since May 29th 2013 for this and it is finally here. Bangla-Pesa is back moving through the community. We've re-registered from scratch 100 members so far, since the official relaunch. The newly designed Bangla-Pesa just arrived in the mail today (to replace those that the police took and refused to return) - featuring a shiny hologram. Our team has also been working around the clock to reestablish a set of baseline data so we can gauge the programs impact. Registration and allocation of Bangla-Pesa will continue over December and we hope to see a positive shift in January's market stability. + + + + +January is when schools fees are due. These fees generally empty the community of scare national currency - so we hope to see and measure (via our M&E Specialist, Morgan Richards) Bangla-Pesa starting to fill this gap by allowing the business community to trade their underutilized goods and services. + + + + +We're also happy to have the support of several churches that will be accepting tithing in Bangla-Pesa and using it for community services. There is a strong sense of community building and the beginning of something beautiful. + + + + +We are also happy to congratulate Caroline Dama and welcome her back home after representing the team and winning the top innovations in Africa award in Paris last week. + + +`#bangla `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/bangla-pesa-survey.rst b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-survey.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..abffa9e --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-survey.rst @@ -0,0 +1,52 @@ +:title: Bangla-Pesa Survey Results February 2014 +:author: Morgan Richards +:date: Feb 14, 2014 +:slug: bangla-pesa-survey + +:summary: Bangla-Pesa Follow-up Survey - February 2014 Results Two months since our re-launch in late November. Bangla-Pesa Re-IntroducedResilience... + + + +Bangla-Pesa Follow-up Survey - February 2014 Results Two months since our re-launch in late November. Bangla-Pesa Re-IntroducedResilience and ingenuity are trademarks of impoverished communities here in Kenya. When we first introduced Bangla-Pesa it had a few ups and downs, but now it is being used in ways we had never imagined. We recently completed a follow-up survey asking members of the business network who are using Bangla-Pesa about how they are spending it, how they are making sales with it, and how it is impacting their business. The survey data back up the apparent success of case studies like that of Marciana. + + + +What Bangla-Pesa is Doing? + + + +.. image:: images/blog/bangla-pesa-survey1.webp + + + +Currently 123 surveyed businesses conduct on average 7% of their daily trades using Bangla-Pesa. Assuming these sales would not have occurred without the voucher, we can call this a 7% increase in local sales revenue. And, given that members have actually experienced an overall increase in sales revenue in Kenyan shillings compared to baseline data**, we believe these sales in Bangla-Pesa are “new” trades due to the program's ability to utilize excess capacity. Further, overall trade for businesses in the network has increased on average by an astonishing 83% compared to baseline data**. While we don't claim this increase is solely due to the program, based on interviews, we believe greater liquidity and stability of the market created by the complementary currency has helped tremendously, since this survey period covers one of the worst market seasons of the year. With roughly 9,600 KSH ($111 USD) worth of Bangla-Pesa transacted daily, the increase growth in the local economy can surpass the cost of the program implementation in about 3 months! This survey indicates that Bangla-Pesa not only increases overall trade in the community, but also specifically increases the trade in the national currency (Kenyan Shillings). This indicates that the program has measurable benefits for economic development and could subsides services otherwise provided by county governments. This shows that empowering communities to issue their own means of exchange is a simple and effective tool for reducing poverty and creating market stability by providing a way of trading which can be used even during harsh economic conditions and market stagnation. We will continue monitoring the effects of this program over time to see that these benefits hold true. With more than 2 billion people project to be living in slums by 2030 and over a billion people living in dire poverty now, this affects everyone on the planet. Who’s Using Bangla-Pesa? Bangladesh is a community of roughly 20,000 residents. The business network using Bangla-Pesa has a total of 141 small scale businesses as members. The “typical” network member is a 35 year-old mother who identifies herself as the main provider of 2-3 children. She has never gone to secondary school, and supports her family either by selling cooked food like flatbread, pastries, fried potatoes, or through a stand selling fruits and/or vegetables. She earns around 600ksh ($7 USD) a day. Despite long days minding her shop, she also spends 2-3 hours a day on household chores like cooking, cleaning, and childcare. The market in Bangladesh is extremely volatile, with business reporting their average daily sales revenue varying from 200ksh (~$2 USD) during bad periods to 1200ksh (~$14 USD) during good periods, as shown in the volatility graph. + + + +This fluctuation tells us that businesses could meet a much higher demand for goods and services (as demonstrated + + + +.. image:: images/blog/bangla-pesa-survey47.webp + + + +during good times) than they are during bad or even average per + + + +We keep registering businesses! We know there are more than 200 small businesses in Bangladesh which are eligible for inclusion in the network. Given the benefits these initial findings attribute to the Bangla-Pesa, we would like to register all these businesses. Further, just over half of the businesses in the network report that there is not enough Bangla-Pesa in circulation. 200BP per business member is kept in a community fund for social services. The community will begin using these funds for health, sanitation, education, or other services, spending the vouchers into the community and providing more opportunities for businesses to trade, grow, and meet their families’ needs. As positive findings and reports continue to flow out of Bangladesh, we hope to one day replicate this program in other vulnerable informal settlements in the area. We also hope that other communities are inspired to take up their own complementary currency programs in Kenya and beyond. What this means for you: + +* NGOs and International Aid Organizations. Communities don't need aid forever! Helping communities tap into their own abundance is cost effective and sustainable, without long term dependence on aid funding. +* Local and National Governments. Empower your people! This is a cost effective tool to increase local economies and help subsidize the need for government funding. +* Communities You can do this yourself! Don't wait for outside resource when you can tap into your own. + + +These findings will be published in more detail in the next few months. Contact us if you would like to be informed when the data is published. Baseline data collection started in November and continues for new members. Data were collected by three trained surveyors using Android phones and Open Data Kit. Report compilation and data analyses was done by Morgan Richards (M.A. Sociology) and Will Ruddick (M.S. Physics). + + + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/bangla-pesa-turmoil.rst b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-turmoil.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d4b4868 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-turmoil.rst @@ -0,0 +1,52 @@ +:title: Bangla-Pesa Turmoil +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jun 3, 2013 +:slug: bangla-pesa-turmoil + +:summary: The Bangla-Pesa, a complementary currency created and backed by a local business network, offers a glimpse of true sustainable... + + + + +The Bangla-Pesa, a complementary currency created and backed by a local business network, offers a glimpse of true sustainable development. After only a week of circulation, Bangla-Pesa was able to help community members tap into an estimated 22% increase in their sales through excess-capacity trading. This is a substantial increase in a community of people living in extreme poverty. We hope to see this program continue to benefit the people of Bangladesh, who have devoted their efforts in its formation. + + + +A network of mico-enterprises coming together to co-own and create their own complementary currency could be considered the next step bringing together cooperatives and micro-finance. While positive results in a short time make complementary currencies like Bangla-Pesa an appealing sustainable development solution in poverty-stricken areas, we also have an immediate need for international support to promote legislation and understanding at national and central banking levels. + + + +Sadly, because of a misunderstanding by local authorities, community members Alfred Sigo, Emma Onyango, Rose Oloo, Paul Omolo, Carolin Dama and Will Ruddick were jailed on suspicion that they were part of a secessionist terrorist group (nothing could be farther from the truth). After this was found to not be the case, and seeing no other reason to keep them in jail, the group of six (including two mothers, a grandmother, and a grandfather) were charged by the Central Bank of Kenya, with forgery for holding a printed voucher. This charge is baseless, and they in fact have a printing receipt from Kenya's top printer (Punchlines Ltd.). They are now out of jail on bail and awaiting trial. + + + +Since this disruptive reaction from local authorities, there has been an outpouring of support. Please keep it coming! Without it, this matter could get stuck in court for years and deny Bangladesh businesses a tool that business networks worldwide use. + + + + + +Thanks so much to all our supporters! And we hope very much that the community of Bangladesh continues to be supported. `Click here if you can help us raise legal fees to keep these six people out of jail. `_ + + + + + +Resources below: + + + +.. image:: images/blog/bangla-pesa-turmoil56.webp + +* `Petition Signed by over 100 delegates at The Hague during a conference on Complementary Currency Systems `_ +* `Read a short letter on the issue by Annette Riggs, President of the IRTA. `_ +* `Note on the program by Hamish Jenkins, of United Nations Non-Governmental Liaison Service. `_ + + + +* For media coverage please see: Kenyan Television Network and also read `Kenyan News. `_. +* For an understanding of Bangladesh and informal settlements `read this piece by Father Gabriel Dolan. `_ +* For more up to date news check Twitter #banglapesa and see our Facebook page: `https://www.facebook.com/KoruKenya `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/bangla-pesa-waste.rst b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-waste.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f40ce3e --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bangla-pesa-waste.rst @@ -0,0 +1,48 @@ +:title: Bangla-Pesa Waste, Volleyball and Nairobi +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jun 8, 2014 +:slug: bangla-pesa-waste + +:summary: Community Waste Collection This weekend the Bangladesh Business Network, the more than 180 people who trade their goods and services with... + + +**Community Waste Collection** + + + +This weekend the Bangladesh Business Network, the more than 180 people who trade their goods and services with Bangla-Pesa, came together to start a regular community cleanup. They swept and collected community waste to a municipal waste collection area. Youth participating in the event were rewarded with Bangla-Pesa from the community fund to which each member contributes. Equipment, like rakes and wheelbarrows, were also rented using Bangla-Pesa. + + + + +After the cleanup, the community celebrated with a volleyball match and much laughter during light afternoon rains. + + + + +**Study** + + + +A major study is nearly completed with interviews of each of the businesses using Bangla-Pesa. In a recent interview with several female business owners, participants reported that each time they used Bangla-Pesa for a purchase, they saved their Kenyan Shillings increasing the funds available to pay their children's school fees. These and other indicators suggest a steady improvement in this large, but marginalized community though the simple, cost effective tool of community currencies. + + + +**Nairobi's Bangla-Pesa** + + +About 8 hours away by bus, three communities from separate sub-locations in the Kangemi and Kawangware slums of Nairobi started their first community discussions on creating their own Bangla-Pesa program. These communities will create business networks similar to the Bangla Business Network in Mombasa County, issue their own community vouchers, and use increased revenue to support tuition costs of children in surrounding schools. + + + + +Alfred Sigo and Will Ruddick did three workshops in Nairobi over the last week and are excited to see the community there taking the program into their own hands. + + + +**Fundraising** + + + +We ended our yearly crowd fundraising, raising nearly $3,000 USD. While this was only a fraction of our goal, we are extremely grateful for the chance to keep going even on a shoe string budget. If you didn't get a chance to donate please visit `http://koru.or.ke/donate `_ + diff --git a/content/blog/bangla-pesa.rst b/content/blog/bangla-pesa.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7cb0076 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bangla-pesa.rst @@ -0,0 +1,32 @@ +:title: Bangla-Pesa - Can we do it again? +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Mar 25, 2014 +:slug: bangla-pesa + +:summary: After winning court battles, relaunching the program, hearing heart breaking stories and finding amazing results the local government... + + + + +After winning court battles, relaunching the program, hearing heart breaking stories and finding amazing results the local government through the Kenya National Assembly Minister of Parliament (Hon. Badi Twalib) as well a County Assembly representative (Hon. Duncan O. Onyango) have expressed their desire that Koru-Kenya focus on replicating the benefits of the Bangla-Pesa program in a nearby informal settlement named Ganahola. + + + +Ganahola is in a dire condition. We talked with 208 small business in Ganahola and found that their sales revenue per day fluctuates between 100 Kenyan shillings per day during bad periods and 700 ksh in good periods. While the community of Bangladesh has seen as much as an 80% increase in sales, Ganahola is in dire straights. + + + +With the introduction of a complementary currency like Bangla-Pesa (for which the community will create their own name for) we are allowing commerce to continue even when Kenyan Shillilngs are scarce. Businesses in Ganahola will be part of a small business network that uses an alternative means of exchange via a voucher that is redeemed for their own goods and services. Based on our results in Bangladesh, we project roughly 10,000 Kenyan shillings of trade to be facilitated daily. This comes to roughly 70 shillings of new trade per day per small business and means the difference between putting good food on the table and going hungry. + + + + + + + +The full impact of allowing hundreds of micro-businesses in Kenya to trade without depending on scarce money, is a revolution in how we think about sustainable development and poverty reduction. People living in slums have a huge untapped capacity for trade and they only need a means of exchange to unlock their economy. Like its predecessor Bangla-Pesa, a similar program in Ganahola will put development in the hands of the people and help stabilize the local economy by allowing people to utilize their untapped capacity. + +`#bangla `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/bangla-pesas-fate.rst b/content/blog/bangla-pesas-fate.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..370bda6 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bangla-pesas-fate.rst @@ -0,0 +1,38 @@ +:title: Bangla-Pesa's Fate in the hands of the DPP +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jul 22, 2013 +:slug: bangla-pesas-fate + +:summary: We are still being charged with forgery under penal code 367(e). For Kenyan Laws see page 121. On July 15th - the Kenyan Dirctor of... + + + + +We are still being charged with forgery under penal code 367(e). For Kenyan Laws see `page 121 `_. + + + + +On July 15th - the Kenyan Dirctor of Public Prosecutions, `Keriako Tobiko `_ recalled our case file and hence the trial was not allowed to proceed. + + + + +Apparently this was due to a large amount of interest in the case and a recent `petition `_ . More in the `news `_ + + + + +So we are currently praying for a positive verdict from Keriako Tobiko so that these programs can continue. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/bangla-pesas-fate1.webp + + + + +`#complementarycurrencies `_ `#bangla `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/banking-on.rst b/content/blog/banking-on.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7269386 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/banking-on.rst @@ -0,0 +1,58 @@ +:title: Banking on the SILC Road +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Sep 11, 2019 +:slug: banking-on + +:summary: Rarely in development work do you see an intervention that sprouts its own two legs and starts running across the country without donor fund + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/banking-on1.webp + + + +Rarely in development work do you see an intervention that sprouts its own two legs and starts running across the country without donor funds. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has done just that with their Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) model. We've been seeing it spreading across Kenya before we even knew CRS was involved - it has grown so viral that many people don't even know where it came from. + + +**What's happening?** CRS has found a way to turn community savings groups into their own banks with several loaning products and sustainable finances. + + +**Here is the CRS 'SILC Field Agent Guide 5.0**: `https://www.crs.org/our-work-overseas/research-publications/silc-field-agent-guide-50 `_ + + +.. image:: images/blog/banking-on51.webp + + +Groups of roughly 25 (mostly women) come together and save weekly and loan out their savings in different forms to each other, and redistribute all the funds (fees and interest) to those same members at the end of each year. They have a great governance model and sharing practices that help train the next community group. + + + +**What's wrong with SILCs? Well nothing** - but there simply isn't enough money to save. What if these groups could issue credit? + + + +.. image:: images/blog/banking-on75.webp + + + +So far 21 SILC groups have taken up Community Currencies as an alternative to saving their SILC funds in a metal box or using expensive bank or MPESA accounts. But more importantly we are learning how they are using Community Currencies as a way to leverage their savings into a local credit. This means that these SILCs which are already like small community 'banks' are actually able to do something that generally only banks can - that is leverage their reserves to create their own credit. + + + + + +Using a variable exchange rate (via Bonding curves) their credit (in their own unique community currency) gains exchange value to the Kenyan shilling the more they save and visa versa, giving them an incentive to maintain the value of their credits and to make something like a bank-run impossible. In essence they are investing in the value of their own local currency which is also backed by local goods and services. The better their economy does the better their investment does. + + + + +These 21 SILC groups using Community Currencies have selected Trainers of Trainers to be trained by CRS to go out and create more SILC groups. We're so appreciative of CRS for bringing this to Kenya and really excited to see how these groups take Community Currencies as a tool in their already thriving kit. + + + + +`#Catholicreliefservices `_ `#CRS `_ `#SILC `_ `#banking `_ `#lending `_ `#savings `_ `#credit `_ `#leverage `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/bbn-meeting.rst b/content/blog/bbn-meeting.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a065b22 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/bbn-meeting.rst @@ -0,0 +1,82 @@ +:title: BBN Meeting +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Feb 15, 2013 +:slug: bbn-meeting + +:summary: After two small business meetings and several focus group sessions, the Bangla Business Network (BBN) had it's first large group meeting... + + + + +After two small business meetings and several focus group sessions, the Bangla Business Network (BBN) had it's first large group meeting on February 9th 2013 at the St. Patrick Hall. + + + +Based on previous meetings 5 facilitators were chosen, representing Community Health Works, Youth, Elders and Men's and Women's businesses. Moblization for this meeting was done by these facilitators. + + + + +The 165 Business that attended the meeting consisted of: + +* Water - 6 +* Transportation - 2 +* Hardware - 1 +* Soap - 1 +* Services - 17 (including tailoring, clobbering, manual laborer, house builders, salons, mechanical and electronic repairs, and porting) +* General Shops - 23 (Selling a variety of local and non-local items) +* Food Services - 49 (Selling cooked or processed food, on the road or in restaurants) +* Raw Food - 21 (Including fish, meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits and grains) +* Farming - 3 +* Energy - 21 (including charcoal and lamp oil) +* Education - 1 (Primary and nursery school) +* Clothes - 4 +* Drinks - 3 (including alcohol, soda and fruit drinks) + + +The Agenda included: + +* Plenary +* Welcome and introductions +* Warm-ups. +* Brief Introduction to the program. +* Reading of an information sheet. (`Here in swahili .pdf `_ ) +* Discussing design of vouchers. +* Open for initial thoughts and questions. + + +Small group demonstrations and discussion + +* People were broken into five groups. Each facilitator described the program and facilitated a demonstration. +* Each demo participant was given 200/= of Bangla Pesa (represented by colors paper 2-5's, 3,-10's, 3,-20's 2,-50's) +* Each demo participant was also given white cards where their goods and services were listed along with the cost. +* 1. They should try to buy and sell as much as possible but stay within trading limits +* 2. When they have less than 200 they should sell more +* 3. When they have more that 400 Banglas they should buy more. + + +Plenary Discussion. + +* Registering the BBN. It was decided that the current 5 facilitators should continue as an interim board and register the network. +* Moving forward. Business registration would start in the next month with a launch after the National Presidential Elections. +* At the launch each business will be given vouchers representing 400/= Bangla Pesa and half of this will be retained as a membership fee. +* Membership fees will facilitate the 5 board members with a monthly allowance. + + +TheBoard of Directors (5 people): 1 Youth Representative, 1 CHW Representative, 3 Business Representatives (1 man 2 women) will perform the following functions: + +* 1. Accounting and Administration +* 2. Networking +* 3. Care Taking + + +* Organizing Community Service Work +* Security printing of the vouchers for businesses will take place in March 2013, and distributed publicly at the Launch event. + + + + +`#complementarycurrencies `_ `#bangla `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/berg-rand.rst b/content/blog/berg-rand.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b710a8b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/berg-rand.rst @@ -0,0 +1,55 @@ +:title: Berg Rand Launches in South Africa +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: May 30, 2015 +:slug: berg-rand + +:summary: The Berg Rand or BRAND - which means 'Fire' Money in Afrikaans, had an amazing launch today! The FlowAfrica team lead by John Ziniades... + + + + +The Berg Rand or BRAND - which means 'Fire' Money in Afrikaans, had an amazing launch today! The FlowAfrica team lead by John Ziniades and Anna Cowen of Meshfield spent over 6 months training local youth in topics of architecture, video creation (see their youtube channel), currency and businesses development. These youth helped mobilize a network of small businesses across 3 different towns in the Bergrivier region. The businesses formed the Bergrivier Exchange Network (BEN) and designed their own medium of exchange. Similar to Bangla-Pesa and the other community currencies in Kenya the members of the BEN must be local prosumers and guaranteed by four other members of the network and must contribute to a community fund with their BRAND for social service programs, like trash collection and alien vegetation clearing. + + + + + + + +The BRAND will flow through the community connecting supply and demand when the National Currency (Rand) are scarce. Beyond the empowerment of the small businesses in the region, the launch of the BRAND was special in Africa as being the first to be met with support from both a National Treasury and local municipality. Right now the monetary system of South Africa does not value 'local' - it values the price of corn in the US more than it does potatoes grown in South Africa and this is a huge problem. The Community Currency movemen + + + + + + + +t takes over where Crypto-Currencies like BitCoin has faltered by building local community and valuing local goods and services and their connection to the environment. Creating community currencies that work in parallel to national currencies is a holistic grassroots economic model. It is built around community trust and backed by local goods and services. This type of money simply makes sense to local businesses by allowing them to trade even when there is not enough national currency. + + + + + + + +What is really exciting about the Flow Program in South Africa is that they have two very different municipalities taking part. Kokstad (KwaZuluNatal) (to launch in July) and Bergrivier (Western Cape). These programs are a new way to empower local businesses to lead the way and walk and in hand with local government. The BRAND launched today Pickterberg with spaza shops, farmers, creches, and more have formed an exchange network for their goods and services. With the levels of both business and governmental support we've seen in South Africa, we expect to see substantial increases in the local economy sales revenues and market stability. See more about the FLOW program at `http://flowafrica.org `_ + + + + +Our hope is that these programs will create a network of interconnected community currencies across Africa - to build a truly grassroots economy. + + + + +.. raw:: html + + + + + + +`#SouthAfrica `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/berkshares-and.rst b/content/blog/berkshares-and.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..55e6bf5 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/berkshares-and.rst @@ -0,0 +1,41 @@ +:title: Berkshares and Bangla-Pesa +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Oct 21, 2017 +:slug: berkshares-and + +:summary: The Schumacher Center for a New Economics has supported us with inspiration and advice since we began with Eco-Pesa in 2010. Before... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/berkshares-and1.webp + + + + +The `Schumacher Center `_ for a New Economics has supported us with inspiration and advice since we began with Eco-Pesa in 2010. Before starting our first currency, Eco-Pesa), I called Susan Witt (the Executive Director of the Schumacher Center) for advise, from one of those little international calling booths they used to have in Mombasa at 70 Kenyan Shillings a minute. The Schumacher Center is a pioneer in developing local currencies with their `BerkShares `_ a historic and leading example of a regional currency in Massachusetts. Susan told me the of the efforts over the years to get BerkShares flowing and that, while successful in so many way, it was continuing to evolve. She made it clear that developing community currencies in Kenya wasn’t going to follow a cookie cutter approach and that grit and hope would be my best companions. + + +Seven years later, The Schumacher Center’s patient advice has paid off. Through hardship and collective action, we have developed Community Currencies in regions around Kenya and trained groups in South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda. We were lucky enough to develop on the lessons of the Schumacher Center and apply those teachings to a Kenyan setting. Now, in turn, groups, NGOs and municipalities are using our programs as a model for resilient community development across Africa. We train communities to develop cooperative businesses that form the foundations of a community currencies and enable communities to develop resilient economies that can withstand seasonal market volatility and more people out of poverty. Since 2010 we’ve worked with over 2000 businesses, community groups, schools and clinics across Africa to develop cooperative businesses and 8 regional community currencies. + + +We believe that communities should be afforded the same privileges as nations and empowered to develop their own prospering economies with the stability of their own currencies. Because of our shared purpose, we are happy to announce that the Schumacher Center has agreed to serve as a sponsor of Grassroots Economics’ work in Africa. Donations are therefore tax-exempt under US law. + + + +We encourage those that are able to support the cause by making a `tax deductible donation `_ donation to the Schumacher Center for a New Economics. To make sure your support reaches our work in Africa please indicate "Community Currencies — Africa." on your check or online payment. + + + + +Support for goes specifically to: + +* Developing cooperative businesses (which back and enable Community Currencies to flow). + +* Training leaders across Africa that communities have an alternative to debt-based finance. + + + + +Please `contact `_ us to tell us about yourself. + diff --git a/content/blog/biz-dev.rst b/content/blog/biz-dev.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4fae838 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/biz-dev.rst @@ -0,0 +1,36 @@ +:title: Biz Dev - Inspired +:author: Steve Okuku +:date: Sep 17, 2017 +:slug: biz-dev + +:summary: Business development using community currency Being a business development coordinator whose main objective is to see communities’ assets... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/biz-dev1.webp + + + + + + + +Business development using community currency + + + + + + + +Being a business development coordinator whose main objective is to see communities’ assets put into good use, I do feel motivated and inspired when I see retailers at one of our communities in Gatina, Nairobi seeking consultation from us on how best to use their savings and what type of investments to undertake. Currently, small business traders participating in the Sarafu-Credit community currency program are saving KES 50/week (Merry-go-round) and the lump sum weekly payments being strictly used for business purposes. The traders also under their own accord save an additional KES 200/month that they intend to use for business improvement with the help and training offered by Grassroots Economics. These community currency traders come up with various initiatives to see their businesses thrive and make my work in asset development quite enjoyable as we seek to build thriving communities with absolute support from the community members. + + + + + + + +It’s quite a motivating factor when traders at Gatina, one of our communities participate in programs to increase circulation of Sarafu-Credit as they have noticed that by accepting and using Sarafu-Credit, their volumes of trade get to increase. Just to give an example, a grocery trader called mama Desty who decided to trade using Sarafu-Credit less than a month ago has been excited by the progress she has made in terms of trade volumes - to the point of regretting why she didn’t get to join earlier. This type of excitement from traders, increasing trade volumes and trust among community members have been key reasons why our office at Kawangware has been receiving requests from neighboring communities to have the program expanded to cover them. + diff --git a/content/blog/blockchain-currencies.rst b/content/blog/blockchain-currencies.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1a47344 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/blockchain-currencies.rst @@ -0,0 +1,65 @@ +:title: Blockchain Currencies Fighting COVID-19 - Mukuru, Kenya +:author: Antony Ngoka +:date: Mar 20, 2020 +:slug: blockchain-currencies + +:summary: Giving people a medium of exchange can save lives. With blockchain based Community Inclusion Currencies communities can support... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-currencies1.webp + + + +Giving people a medium of exchange can save lives. With blockchain based Community Inclusion Currencies communities can support themselves in times of crisis. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-currencies32.webp + + + + + + + +Everyone is cautious about the spread of coronavirus in our communities. Here is Faith Mwaka, one of the community health volunteers (CHVs) in Mukuru. She is training her children and those from her neighbors how they can wash their hands regularly to prevent the spread of the virus . She is able to buy water from Irene using Sarafu (a Community Inclusion Currency) when she runs out of Kenyan Shillings. + + + + + + + +Sarah Wambui is selling kerosene to Irene Mutua, who is a mother of two, to prepare lunch for her kids as they are now at home due to school closure. Stella and Irene are active users of community inclusion currencies and they are following safety measures which include using digital payments to make transactions. + + + + +Issac Manu is known for his delicacies in preparing chapati. He is accepting Sarafu rather than cash as one of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of corona virus and also helps people in his community get food. + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-currencies58.webp + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-currencies69.webp + + + +Hygiene is important in every community not only to fight coronavirus but also to fight other diseases like cholera. Grace Wandui sells cereals and she is a team leader in disaster response around the community. She is an advocate for cleanliness in the slums and has been paying people in Sarafu to clean ditches around her cereal shop. Grace has decided to help her community to get cereals using Sarafu even when their Kenya shillings run out. + + + + +Anyone can sign up. To get an account dial 0757628885 or send a sms with your name and what you can sell and what is your nearest town. Example: Eva Songa 07278xxxxx Chapati, Kakamega. While supplies last, new users get 400 Sarafu and Chamas (saving groups) can register to convert a limited amount of Sarafu to Mpesa. If you are in, or know, a chama please let us know. + + + +`#corona `_ `#virus `_ `#covid19 `_ `#CIC `_ `#Mukuru `_ `#RedCross `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/blockchain-in.rst b/content/blog/blockchain-in.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dbbc7d6 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/blockchain-in.rst @@ -0,0 +1,60 @@ +:title: Blockchain in Clinics, Vegetables, Cafes and Shops +:author: Ruth Njau & Antony Ngoka +:date: Jan 18, 2019 +:slug: blockchain-in + +:summary: While the rest of the world wonders how blockchain will impact lives these people are using it daily to bring their community out of poverty + + + + +While the rest of the world wonders how blockchain will impact lives these people are using it daily to bring their community out of poverty. Welcome to 2019. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-in1.webp + + + +Dorothy Nyangara has been using Sarafu for the last one year. She owns a pharmacy and clinic in Lindi, Kibra (Kenya’s largest slum). She uses Sarafu to purchase food for her family at least four times a week. Dorothy accepts sarafu from users who come to purchase medicines for themselves or their children and seek medical checkups. She is happy that Sarafu is helping her save Kenya Shillings which she uses to pay for transport to Nairobi CBD whenever she is going to purchase medicines for her chemist. Her customers see Sarafu as a basic health insurance - they know that as long as they have it they can get the medicines and help they need. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-in38.webp + + + +Ruth Bosibori sells vegetables around Sunday Studio area in Kibra, Lindi Community. She joined Sarafu over 3 years ago has been using paper money until when she received her digital tokens. Ruth is among the people who trade daily using Sarafu in Lindi. She was rewarded by the community in November for being one of the people who had supported the community the most with Sarafu. Ruth uses Sarafu to purchase medicine and food for her family on a daily basis. She is also able to use Sarafu as part of her child’s school fees. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-in52.webp + + + +Edwin Makori is a hotel owner at Gatina in Kawangware. He joined Sarafu early 2018 but he was skeptical about using it because he had not seen its benefits yet. Around June, he started using the digital Sarafu (Community Currency). Edwin has seen the benefits of Sarafu because he can now save some Kenyan shillings when he goes to purchase fuel or food for his cafe. Now he is too excited about Sarafu since more people he trades with him daily also joined the network. Currently Edwin trades at least twice a week when he is missing Kenyan Shillings. He is able to buy raw food and also fuel using Sarafu. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-in69.webp + + + +Isaac Naimbona is a shopkeeper in Gatina. He joined Sarafu early last year through a client that sells fruits using Sarafu. According to him, Sarafu is beneficial to him since he is able to get food he needs for his family. He trades daily either on fruits or vegetables just outside his shop. When asked about his views on Digital blockchain-based system, he said that it is easier for him since he doesn’t have to carry a lot of money in his wallet and he can see his account history. Also, he says that he is able to send the fruit seller or the vegetable vendor money without having to leave his shop. Isaac is excited that last year December the community he trades with gave him a Christmas gift of some stock to boost his business. + + + + + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/blockchain-powered.rst b/content/blog/blockchain-powered.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..93e5e0b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/blockchain-powered.rst @@ -0,0 +1,49 @@ +:title: Blockchain Powered Village Checkers Tournament +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 19, 2020 +:slug: blockchain-powered + +:summary: How do you have a proper checkers tournament when no one can pay the entry fees? Jacob the organizer saw an opportunity. His neighbors in... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-powered1.webp + + + +**How do you have a proper checkers tournament when no one can pay the entry fees?** + + + +Jacob the organizer saw an opportunity. His neighbors in several rural villages are in the worst time of the year because of the scarcity of Kenyan Shillings. Instead of shillings they are using their phones to exchange blockchain tokens (Community Inclusion Currencies) for basic needs. Jacob figured the many checkers (draft/draughts) players (a local tradition) who would be willing to pay an entry fee with those tokens which could be used as a reward for the top three players - and he was right! + + +After dozens of dramatic checkers matches the top three players emerged victorious and won 5000, 3000 and 2000 Sarafu respectively. Their main goal when asked what they would do with their winnings: employ their neighbors to assist in farming their lands and stocking their businesses with local produce like flour, casava, peanuts and coconuts. + + +Everyone wins! Checkers prowess is rewarded, youth are encouraged to learn the game and the winners can employ their neighbors for farming and buy local goods and services with Community Inclusion Currencies. This is one of many community activities, including collective farming, religious gatherings, that are being revitalized using a local medium of exchange and removing money scarcity. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-powered51.webp + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-powered68.webp + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-powered79.webp + + + +That is me loosing horribly to Mr. Chibwara ..... till next time. + + + + +`#checkers `_ `#blockchain `_ `#draft `_ `#draughts `_ `#CIC `_ `#Kenya `_ `#Zerosumgame `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/blockchain-without.rst b/content/blog/blockchain-without.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fd43725 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/blockchain-without.rst @@ -0,0 +1,65 @@ +:title: Blockchain without Internet +:author: Lynda Chalker +:date: Dec 3, 2018 +:slug: blockchain-without + +:summary: We can't print enough paper notes for everyone who needs them. But nearly everyone has a phone (without internet). In order to reach a... + + +.. raw:: html + + + + +We can't print enough paper notes for everyone who needs them. But nearly everyone has a phone (without internet). In order to reach a larger group of people across Kenya, Grassroots Economics has enabled feature phones with no internet, to have access to, trade and convert their blockchain-based tokens (Liquid Community Currencies (LCCs)) using the Bancor Protocol + + + +Community currencies came about as an integrative medium of exchange that would promote revitalization of the local economy and encourage community activities. Through the 1990s to 2000s community currencies emerged worldwide and to date hundreds of community currencies have been listed in the complementary currency `Resource Center Worldwide `_ + + + +According to `research `_ , the trade volume of Sarafu-Credit circulating in Kenya since 2010, covers approximately 12,500 out of 3 million people living in poverty. These (CCs) which reach users by being airdropped to business owners across different regions, have helped establish over 1200 local businesses, schools, farms and co-operatives like Miyani in Kwale county. They have also enabled households who live on less than a 100 shillings daily, afford at least one meal a day. But trading on paper meant that we could only have a limited reach. + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/blockchain-without1.webp + + + +**How it works:** A business owner receives community currencies from field officers (as a voucher for that users goods and services), who monitor and educate the traders on full use of the credits in order to develop their business and community. This creates a network of businesses that rely on each other, increasing circulation of goods and services within the community hence boosting the local economy even when there are no Kenyan Shillings in supply. + + + + +In order to scale and sustain this economic innovation, there needs to be a means of transaction that: + +* Is cost effective without the expense incurred in printing paper vouchers +* does not limit the user geographically, hence encouraging trade among other businesses in neighboring communities (via Bancor Protocol), +* can facilitate an increase in the amount of currency to at least offer 2 meals per day, compared to one as it is readily accessible, +* Is cheap for the user without incurring the large transaction fees +* and most importantly one that is both traceable (to measure SDG impacts) and scalable . + + +Grassroots Economics is pioneering the use of blockchain technology based on the Bancor protocol, which caters for communities at the Bottom-Of-The-Pyramid in Kenya. + + + +Sarafu Network, it is a decentralized liquidity network that provides users with a simple, low cost way to buy and sell tokens directly through their wallets. This platform is the first of its kind to be USSD/SMS oriented which means that it is user friendly as it can be used on any phone without needing internet access. After every carried out transaction an SMS is sent to the user’s phone which acts as a statement of account showing the money sent/received and the balance remaining. The POA.network blockchain - this guarantees fast transactions, enabling users to easily monitor their daily transactions, sales and account information. + + + +Furthermore, Sarafu connects digital currencies to each other across regions, with automated exchange rates based on productive capacity of the community. + + + +The use of digital community currency is aimed at bridging the financial inclusion gap. As an easy method to develop and trade interest free forms of credit, it fosters economic development in marginalized communities, by addressing inflation and currency fluctuation in emerging markets. This curbs chronic poverty and food insecurity the contributing factors towards zero hunger, one of the SDGs enlisted by the UN. + + + + + +`#blockchain `_ `#nointernet `_ `#bottomofthepyramid `_ `#Bancor `_ `#featurephones `_ `#digitalcurrency `_ + + diff --git a/content/blog/borstal-boys.rst b/content/blog/borstal-boys.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b834818 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/borstal-boys.rst @@ -0,0 +1,47 @@ +:title: Borstal Boys: Poi and Life Skills Behind Bars +:author: Morgan Richards +:date: Mar 18, 2014 +:slug: borstal-boys + +:summary: The MotoMoto Program is helping make a difference at the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution which houses 313 boys from all over Kenya.... + + + + +The MotoMoto Program is helping make a difference at the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution which houses 313 boys from all over Kenya. It’s one of only two such institutions in all of Kenya, with teenagers serving sentences for everything from petty theft (of even just a few dollars) to murder. For many, they came to the Borstal following conflicts with family, who then reported them to the police for petty theft or drug use. They would much rather be in the “Approved Schools,” which are also institutions for violent or unmanageable youth, but which offer secondary school services by government teachers. Instead, these boys stay in the Borstal, which does not offer secondary school and where the few years of primary school which are offered are taught by guards rather than teachers. The boys can, however, pursue one vocational skill; tailoring, farming, wiring, carpentry, or masonry, which they chose following their first 2 months in the institution. + + + + + + + +The Borstal boys wake up around 5am every day. They cook their own breakfast (as they do with all other meals), clean the kitchen afterward, clean their rooms, sweep the common areas, and do whatever yard work is necessary for the compound. In the hours when they are not doing chores, they attend their vocational skills classes. At 4pm, they have diner and then return to their rooms, shared among 4 or more boys, for the rest of the evening. + + + + + + + +However, Koru recently introduced a new element to the routine for 20 Borstal Boys, poi performing art and life skills. Since February, our poi and life skills coaches have gone to the Borstal on Fridays for a 1 hour poi lesson and a 1 hour life skills session. They work with boys ages 13-17 in the prison yard, surrounded by fences, barbed wire, and guards at all times. Unsurprisingly, the boys love this distraction, begging both coaches to stay even after the allotted time is finished. + + + + + + + +Antone Karuki is one of our most promising new poi students. Like most of the Borstal residents (less than 5% of whom come from Mombasa), Antone was arrested for smoking marihuana far from Shimo La Tewa, in his home region of Kiambu, north of Nairobi. He was sentenced to 3 years in November, 2013, but will be released on probation after 1 year. After the first poi lesson, Antone made his own poi from grass and flexible sticks, preferring to practice with a highly imperfect instrument, rather than wait for the next lesson. He’s now perfected forward weaves and actively teaches others, who listen because of this natural leadership skills. Antone also actively engages in life skills discussions. He’s learned how to identify and cope with challenges as they arise, as well as learning how to nurture high self-esteem despite these challenges. He’s working on his masonry certification and hopes to go back to secondary school in November, even though his classmates would be years younger than himself. + + + + + + + +Most of the Borstal boys made one or two really bad decisions, which have long term, negative consequences for their lives, interrupting their education, separating them from their families, exposing them to all the indignities and dehumanization which comes from living in a total institution like a prison. Although the prison offers vocations skills, many of these boys will struggle to return to school, which limits their employment opportunities into the future. We hope to fight against the loss of self-esteem and despair which might accompany these setbacks by giving the boys something to be proud of, their poi skills, and providing them with life skills to cope with the heavier challenges of their lives now and in the future. + +`#poi `_ + + diff --git a/content/blog/building-a.rst b/content/blog/building-a.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4325a7b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/building-a.rst @@ -0,0 +1,195 @@ +:title: Building a Public Registry for Community Currencies(DeFi) +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Mar 21, 2020 +:slug: building-a + +:summary: Even when you have no money you are not poor. Building a Public Registry for Community Currencies. + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/building-a1.webp + + + + +Even when you have no money you have resources. I’ve never met a poor woman in rural Kenya. They may have little resources compared to others but they aren’t poor. + + + + +Even when you have no money you have resources. I’ve never met a poor woman in rural Kenya. They may have little resources compared to others but they aren’t poor. + + + + +Even when you have no money you have resources. I’ve never met a poor woman in rural Kenya. They may have little resources compared to others but they aren’t poor. + + + + + +When we do run out of money – and some people surely will and have already - how can we fairly offer and share our resources and time together? + + + +Community Currencies (or Community Inclusion Currencies CICs) are a way for us to value our resources and time. + + + + + + + +The ultimate way to issue them is as a voucher for your own goods and services. The way a supermarket might issue a voucher, you too can do this and those vouchers can circulate as long as people trust that you will redeem them at some point and they will want your goods or services in the future. + + + + + + + +Sates spend currency into existence and accept it back as taxation. Banks and community groups (like the one shown above) in Kenya issue currency and accept it back as loan repayment. Marketing companies issue currency and accept it back as advertising fees. + + + + + + + +A million people printing paper currencies is not going to be feasible. And a million different digital currencies aren't going to be practical either without a way to establish relative pricing and conversion. + + + + + + + +The uniqueness of the blockchain in this situation is that it allows people and organizations to establish tokens that represent their goods and serves AND connect those all together into a decentralized economy. + + + + + + + +If I create 1 Billion Tokens and say they are worth 1 Billion Euros and I will back them with carpentry services – I might have trouble backing up that claim by just working myself. People who don’t know me might not be able to trust these vouchers in exchange for the goods or services they sell. + + + + + + + +But if those tokens are also backed by some real world collateral, then someone knows exactly what they can get out of those vouchers in case no one is accepting them. + + + + + + + +That real world collateral needs to be a guaranteed backer of last resort – like the government, or a major supermarket or a bakery. It could also be a bank account with National Currency as the backing. National Currencies are not perfect in how they are issued or valued, BUT they are a point of common trust we can use to establish our own credit systems. + + + + + + + +Across Europe people have created digital community currency using `Community Forge `_ using a `drupal module `_ module + + + + +In Italy people use `Sardex.net `_. + + + + +In Japan right now elderly Japanese climb local mountains and thin out the dense forest. They use the Yen (National Currency) they get from timber sales and put it in a trust (at a local bank) then they create wooden chips called Enepo. These Enepo (energy points) are accepted by local businesses as a way to support the elderly. They flow around Takayama Japan and create their own small economy. If people want or need Yen they can go to the community bank and cash out their Enepo – which will go back into circulation when more wood is sold. + + + +The core example you will find from Community Currencies working – is some form of dedicated backing and or collateral (be it time, products or services or National Currency). For more on paper currencies see our `MOOC `_. + + + + + +With the blockchain we can have a contract that monitors this collateral or reserve transaction by transaction. The reserve need not be a stable coin based on US dollars – but that is the best reserve we currently have that we can all agree on. + + + + + +**Now I’m going to get a little bit technical:** + + + + + + +What we do is take xDAI a USD backed stable coin and leverage it to make a local credit (`read more here `_). The National Currency forms our collateral but the primary backing is the communities that use and accept the tokens we call Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs). The main example of this right now is called Sarafu in Kenya. We work with over 11k businesses as well as the Red Cross to support marginalized communities to trade with each other in crisis even when they don’t have Kenyan shillings. + + + + +We use collateral to back the currencies from donors so that people STILL have an option to cash out to National Currency. Doing so lowers the exchange value of the CICs but also gives donors and people a cheaper rate to buy more CICs and fill back up the collateral pool. + + + + +In order to make a global CIC network of connected currencies there needs to be an index similar to DNS that allows them to find a path of common reserve between each other. This registry should allow people to write to it address of their tokens and what their reserves are without a centralized owner – i.e. a permissionless set of contracts. + + + +Luckily we have the powerful open source Bancor contracts. Sadly they are very much permissioned, giving full control over minting and network access to whomever deploys the contracts. But this can be changed. + + + + + +There are three key elements of the Bancor suite. + + + + • A Token – which we call a CIC Community Inclusion currency. Bancor calls them liquid tokens. They have the ability to give control over to another contract to mint and destroy them. + + • A converter – which holds some reserve (in our case xDAI) and also holds ownership over the liquid Token or CIC to be able to mint more and destroy them. The converter also holds a set of equations + + • An Index – this records all the tokens on the network and how they can connect with eachother. + +It costs almost nothing to deploy a contract and create a token. On xDAI blockchain the cost is about 0.00001 cents. When you deploy the contract you mint an amount of tokens based on the reserve and the amount of leverage you are looking for. Those tokens belong to the issuer or group of issuers, but the converter once issued should be permissionless – Just because you deploy a contract doesn’t mean you should be able to extract a fee from people forever or manipulate the currency which is what is possible now with the Bancor contracts. Deploying a currency is actually as easy as a few lines of code but putting up the backing is what really counts - don't confuse the two. + + + + +The index also should be permision-less so that people can find your currency without having to buy into or pay a toll bridge and be at the risk of the index contract holder shutting down. +Creating a fully decentralized version of the Bancor suite (a Public Registry for Community Inclusion Currencies) would enable anyone in the world (including the Red Cross) to stake some reserve and create a credit system that can be connected to every other credit system on the planet. Localized reserves can connect regions of currencies while global reserve can connect larger and larger groups of currencies. This mountain range of decentralized currency networks represents and makes fluid and an echo system that can help humanity thrive even when some nations or their currencies fail. + + + + +We can build the infrastructure to enable a decentralized financial system without toll bridges or giving undue power over such core aspects of our lives. + + + + + + + +We're working with the tools we have but can use a lot of support. The Bancor Contracts work well for a single network but need modification to make them more open for everyone without centralized risk (Permission-less converter, Open Indexer/ path registry, and modifications to bonding curves). If you are a programmer you can join `https://t.me/CICBlockchain `_ to help us build up these system. + + +--------------- + + + +If you know someone in Kenya that needs help - please suggest they sign up for a Community Inclusion Currency account on the Sarafu network. Anyone can sign up. To get an account dial 0757628885 or send a sms with your name and what you can sell and what is your nearest town. Example: Eva Songa 07278xxxxx Chapati, Kakamega. While supplies last, new users get 400 Sarafu and Chamas (saving groups) can register to convert a limited amount of Sarafu to Mpesa. If you are in, or know, a chama please let us know. + + +`#decentralized `_ `#defi `_ `#currency `_ `#economics `_ `#covid19 `_ `#corona `_ `#virus `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/celebrating-bernards.rst b/content/blog/celebrating-bernards.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7f8a5b2 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/celebrating-bernards.rst @@ -0,0 +1,46 @@ +:title: Celebrating Bernard's Inspiration +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Feb 4, 2019 +:slug: celebrating-bernards + +:summary: Bernard’s vision of diverse monetary eco-systems that support communities and the environment rather than extract from them, as they... + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/celebrating-bernards1.webp + + + +Bernard’s vision of diverse monetary eco-systems that support communities and the environment rather than extract from them, as they continue to do now, is the spark that moved me from physics in the US into economics in Kenya and is still the vision that motivates me and countless other community currency developers, researchers and activists. His vision preceded crypto currencies by decades. Back then, the only way we could move toward Bernard’s vision was by trial and error – creating currency after currency using paper bills or centralized databases. + + + +I met Bernard Lietaer for the first time while implementing a small paper-based community currency program in three villages near Mombasa. He understood all the heart-wrenching challenges of fighting poverty and embraced me, knowing that the vision was true and we were doing our best with the sticks and stones we had to use. He spoke of Yin and Yang flows of different currencies for spending and savings and much more. The intricate dance and balance of these currencies working together was so tangible to him that you could feel it flowing through his whole being. + + + + +Connecting those early community currencies together into the ecosystem he envisioned wasn’t possible without blockchain. Bernard was convinced that solutions like bonding curves which allowed currencies to communicate with each other through and across blockchains was the key to scaling and viral growth. With Bernard as President of the Bancor Foundation and his ability to cut through the sensationalism of blockchain to its potential to empower humanity to develop sustainable and healthy monetary ecosystems – there was and is no place I would rather be. When asked to direct the foundation’s efforts on community currencies under his guidance, it was a dream come true. It was a great honor to walk in his footsteps and without him it is a great loss to me personally and sadly his dream of what Bancor could be ended. + +.. raw:: html + + + +The world has lost a visionary that inspired and united people to fix fundamental flaws in our monetary systems, which are the root causes of poverty and massive human and environmental strife. As we thank him for opening the doors and dedicate our work toward his vision, let us ensure his message continues to flourish and inspire future generations – that we banish the concept of monetary monoculture and embrace the values that are within each of us as the fundamental units of a diverse ecosystem of currencies that connect us all together in love and allow us to heal our planet and ourselves. + + +Sincerely with Love, Inspiration and Celebration of a life well lived, + + + +Will Ruddick + + +`#Bernard `_ `#Lietaer `_ `#BernardLietaer `_ `#communitycurrency `_ `#communitycurrency `_ + + diff --git a/content/blog/church-offerings.rst b/content/blog/church-offerings.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c551a49 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/church-offerings.rst @@ -0,0 +1,24 @@ +:title: Church Offerings (Sadaka) in Bangla-Pesa +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 15, 2013 +:slug: church-offerings + +:summary: Faith based organizations (FBOs) are beginning to step up their usage of Bangla-Pesa to increase community services. FBOs act as a... + + + + +Faith based organizations (FBOs) are beginning to step up their usage of Bangla-Pesa to increase community services. FBOs act as a conduit for community service when members of the Bangladesh Business Network use their Bangla-Pesa as an offering. The Legio Maria Church in Bangladesh (shown on the left) today took offerings (Sadaka in Swahili) in Bangla-Pesa. These Bangla-Pesa will increase the amounts the church collects on a weekly basis and be used to help feed community members with HIV/AIDS as well as support other community activities. The Legio Maria church puts hundreds of children through school and helps many in the community make ends meets. + + + +After being active again for a few weeks the lists of goods and services members offer for Bangla-Pesa is growing rapidly. The trade of everything from produce and cooked foods, to shoe and TV repair, is increasing as the community becomes more knit together into a barter network. + + +As the community finds more ways to trade with each other, they also find more ways to give. Local faith based organizations struggle to raise funds for many basic programs, like feeding and schooling children. By accepting Bangla-Pesa as offerings they are allowing community members to contribute through their goods and services rather than scarce national currency. Needy community members then receive these offerings from the church, and can then spend it in the business network. This circular flow is one that both strengthens the local economy and provides a means for the community to help meet their own needs. + + + +`#bangla `_ `#church `_ + + diff --git a/content/blog/cic-covid-19.rst b/content/blog/cic-covid-19.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..76c3e76 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/cic-covid-19.rst @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@ +:title: CIC (COVID-19 Crisis) Cash Aid +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Mar 23, 2020 +:slug: cic-covid-19 + +:summary: With unstable food systems and deteriorating markets and supply chains, knowing how to target aid is crucial to providing relief and buildin + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/cic-covid-191.webp + + + + + +**Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) based Aid works as a cash distribution method during a crisis.** + + + +With unstable food systems and deteriorating markets and supply chains, knowing how to target aid is crucial to providing relief and building more resilient communities. + + + +Sarafu, a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) in Kenya, has a rapidly growing distribution network with 11k (mostly very small) businesses in some of the poorest regions. Users form markets to trade goods and services using the vouchers and the data is stored on the blockchain. Using the blockchain transaction data we can target specific health and food related businesses to receive aid based on how connected they are to their community. These businesses can convert their CICs to donor funds using Mpesa with local community groups. + + + + +Farming, Food/Water, Health would be primary targets for CIC Aid. Grassroots Economics, the Sarafu CIC manager, processes data minute by minute on the most important parts of these networks and can focus in a way that can show tangible results - in terms of targeting cash distribution to hubs and promoting specific circulation, supply chains and markets. + + + + +Since 2010 CICs have been used in Kenya and reviewed and deemed an acceptable means of transaction by the Government of Kenya without violating any Kenyan Laws. The system works over USSD so that anyone in Kenya with a sim card can use it - No Internet or Smartphone required. + + + +**Parameters:** + + +* Anyone with a sim card can sign up for Sarafu and receive an initial 400 Sarafu +* The weekly CIC Aid amount is determined by the amount of available aid funds and crisis projections. +* CIC recipients will get additional CICs proportionally to how many people they trade over 20 Sarafu to on a weekly basis. +* Users in specific business categories (Farming, Food/Water, Health) and deemed as hubs will receive double the Sarafu aid. +* Users can refer other users for an additional 100 Sarafu. +* Anyone can use Mpesa to buy Sarafu at a discount rate (based on how much Aid fund there is in total) and the current supply of Sarafu in circulation. We are giving out 2x the Mpesa sent to us in Sarafu for the next 90 days. + + + + +**Outcomes:** + + +* Aid funds are distributed and targeting fairly using verifiable parametric triggers based on need, market centrality and business type. +* CIC circulation – not being cashed out is ~10x times larger than the Aid funds being used. +* CIC Circulation data helps identify: +* current and future targets for aid +* avenues for trade, sharing and social cohesion +* Reporting and Dashboarding: +* GE provides weekly reports on targets, distribution and impact measurements. +* A public dashboard shows the various effects. + + + + +**Next Steps:** + + +* Begin on data analysis and targeting +* Inform existing key hubs +* Begin larger test distributions +* Monitor results: +* Expected increased trade frequencies and volumes +* Expected increased market size and density +* Surveys: +* User Feedback collected +* User Stories + + +**Needs:** + +* Mobilization +* Using Sarafu now in Kenya: + +If you know someone in Kenya that needs help - please suggest they sign up for a Community Inclusion Currency account on the Sarafu network. Anyone can sign up. To get an account dial 0757628885 or send a sms with your name and what you can sell and what is your nearest town. Example: Eva Songa 07278xxxxx Chapati, Kakamega. While supplies last, new users get 400 Sarafu and Chamas (saving groups) can register to convert a limited amount of Sarafu to Mpesa. If you are in, or know, a chama please let us know. + +**Current Statistics: (pre COVID-19)** + + +In January this year we tracked in one month roughly 18 Million Shillings worth of transactions among over 10,000 Sarafu users in what would normally have been the hardest month of the year. + + +**Frequently asked Questions can be found** `here `_ + + + +`#covid18 `_ `#corona `_ `#virus `_ `#cashaid `_ `#aid `_ `#Kenya `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/cic-indices.rst b/content/blog/cic-indices.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7bac6af --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/cic-indices.rst @@ -0,0 +1,50 @@ +:title: CIC Indices for SDGs +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Nov 17, 2020 +:slug: cic-indices + +:summary: By encouraging circular trade within communities humanitarian aid can build basic circulatory systems for support and resilience. +:tags: SDGs,Humanitarian,Aid,Index,CIC Index + + + +.. image:: images/blog/cic-indices1.webp + + + +The Kenyan `Sarafu `_ (a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC)) is distributed through an initial allocation to new users and continuous reward system – which is fed by a holding fee on CIC balances. + + +In a typical community dependent on injections of national currency – trade will often just slow to a crawl and stop due to lack of national currency as commodity prices increase. As we’ve seen in Kenya where Sarafu has been distributed to over 40,000 people, in communities with a Community Inclusion Currency trade can continue; The less national currency available, the more CIC will be used. + + + +We posit that national currency unavailability can be evidenced in an increase of CIC volume per capita. Beyond that, CIC circulation meta data (the goods and services being bought and sold) tells us what commodities are in need due to the lack of National Currency in circulation. According to `studies `_, CIC usage also shows people interacting by trading their goods and services when National Currency is not available, builds trust and local resilience. In the `CIC Whitepaper `_ section 4.2.1 Proof of Impact for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) there are ways to add information to nearly all the SDGs using this `data `_. + + +Based on this evidence of need (increased CIC trade volumes per capita ~ lack of national currency) as well as specific usages (commodities) as well as networking (centrality and clustering), gender equality, and so on. We can derive various CIC indicies based on all that is possible to measure using CIC trade data. + + + +Consider a typical CIC user: a woman in her 30’s providing for a family of 3 children by buying and reselling vegetables. She begins to accept a CIC for payment – because her clients, also mothers like herself, simply don’t have enough Kenyan Shillings. If she can spend this back at the shops of those other women, and they can then spend it back at her shop, there is a virtuous circle created that makes this network stronger than others not using CIC in the face of economic downturns. + + + +This behavior is not only commendable, it is measurable and worthy of reward. The fact that a network of traders is using CIC is evidence for their lack of National Currency – and as well their ability to support each other without it. + + + +What if this CIC Index could help us monitor and know how often, when and where to inject limited amounts of aid (and specifically cash transfer funding)? How best should aid be distributed? In cash transfer programming recipients are based on need assessments via surveys which are good at establishing needed recipients as well as a minimum expenditure baskets (MEBs) or basic allotments, but how can CIC data augment this? + + + +.. image:: images/blog/cic-indices82.webp + + + +If we have 2 aid recipient populations that were equally qualified via survey work – and there was an opportunity to invest more aid (given they both receive a basic allotment) into one of these groups – our work suggests that the investment is much better placed with the one that accepts CIC from others to support their community (or chama as in the photo) and spends it to support their families. Such aid support could as well be given to vendors or specific productive capacity grants (like developing syntropic agroforestry (food forest) plots) where it can be tracked that they received CIC from such surveyed and in-need recipients. + + + +By encouraging circular trade within communities (and even between communities by connecting CICs together) – humanitarian aid can help build and leave in place a basic circulatory system for community support and resilience. CICs could increase or decrease in usage relative to need and aid organizations as well as governments could monitor them and react surgically to support optimal market health. + diff --git a/content/blog/cic-pilot.rst b/content/blog/cic-pilot.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1496cba --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/cic-pilot.rst @@ -0,0 +1,68 @@ +:title: CIC Pilot Impacts and Plans +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Mar 1, 2020 +:slug: cic-pilot + +:summary: In the last 30 days we have had 3015 users making at least 1 trade. For a volume of 2,336,655 Tokens (~23k USD equivalent of goods and... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/cic-pilot1.webp + + + + + + +In the last 30 days we have had 3015 users making at least 1 trade. For a volume of 2,336,655 Tokens (~23k USD equivalent of goods and services traded) … those 3015 users are holding 1,514,155 Tokens (~15k USD). That would be a monthly velocity of ~1.54 (CIC Supply/Trade) (that is 3x higher! than current M2 USD velocity `https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/M2V `_ reported quarterly) + + + +.. image:: images/blog/cic-pilot42.webp + + + +Note that currently no one can cash out their reserve yet (still building the software) – instead Grassroots Economics (GE) is buying tokens off the Groups accounts (groups of about 25 women who all run businesses and save together). In that same period we have bought 387,715 Tokens (~3.8k USD) + + + +* Currently → Trade / Cash-out-Cost = (~23k usd) / (~3.8k USD) is about 6x impact (as measured by increased purchasing power compared to Kenyan shillings). + + + +Again note that currently users can’t create their own CICs by adding reserve to their particular group’s CIC reserve nor can they cash out that reserve. In the next stage we are no longer buying off CICs (but rather users can cash out from their own reserves) and anyone (like a GE as a donor) can also add more reserve to mint CICs. We can then talk both amounts cashed out and cashed in (from/to reserves). + + + +So in the (we hope very near) future there is an initial seed fund of USD (DAI) going into reserve (which creates ~4x (leverage to) the number of CIC tokens to reserve based on risk/ size of reserve) – then cashing out from that (burning CICs) and adding back to it (minting CICs). See equations here: https://www.grassrootseconomics.org/single-post/Enabling-Leverage + + +* Near Target → Trade / Cost = (~23k usd) / (~1.1k USD Cashed our minus cashed in) is about 20x impact. + + + +For a fully resilient CIC the Cashing-out and Cashing-in are equal over a time period (given adequate market size) – hence the cashing-out ‘cost’ here goes to zero. Leaving the cost to support the initial seed fund as well as maintain customer support/systems (Fixed costs of staff and services). + + +* Future Target → Continuous Trade / (Once time cost + minimal support cost) = +100x + + + +* Preliminary studies (https://www.grassrootseconomics.org/single-post/eMoney-vs-CIC) using eMoney suggest that if you compare 15k USD worth of CICs entering the network of ~3000 traders vs 15k USD worth of eMoney (MPESA) injected you get comparable trade volume (23k USD). The distinction is that with eMoney over 90% of it ends up outside the network in the same time period while with CICs it stays in local circulation – only 25% (3.8k/15k) was turned into Mpesa (through GE purchases) and quickly leaves the community. Also important to note there that the 15k of CIC tokens were created with only 3.7k USD of collateral / reserve. + + + +Hence, currently we are able to get the same volume of trade as Mpesa with roughly 50% of the cost (3.7+3.8=7.6k USD) of injecting Mpesa directly, while also assuring that the trade will be at least 75% in the network. More effort to track cash and eMoney in these networks is needed to properly compare. This would double the trade volume / impact, based on the same donations given out of organizations like Give Directly that do cash transfer (and ideally much more than double in future iterations with more direct access to reserve). + + + +Finally note that our method of initial distribution of CICs, in lieu ofand eventually in addition to not yet being able to allow people to create their own, is to give each new user 400 (~$4USD roughly the cost of feeding a family of 5 for one day. Other distribution methods being developed include redistributing a collective tax chosen by a community, using a users connectivity to the network in different trade categories (I.e.. supporting social services with democratic participatory budgeting). + + +Trade data can now be found here: http://grassecon.org/research Please bear with us. We are working on a new dashboard and faster live updates! + + +`#pilot `_ `#reserve `_ `#donation `_ `#impact `_ + + diff --git a/content/blog/cic-training.rst b/content/blog/cic-training.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5cc5f8f --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/cic-training.rst @@ -0,0 +1,87 @@ +:title: CIC Training from Response to Recovery +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jul 11, 2020 +:slug: cic-training +:modified: Jul 13, 2020 +:summary: The end effect is that communities have a way to create their own credit systems for supporting themselves responsibly with both social and + + +**Response:** + + +.. image:: images/blog/cic-training1.webp + + + +As support to vulnerable communities humanitarian organizations start by airdropping tokens to needy people in coordination with local authorities and village groups and elders, and facilitating periodic buy backs in Kenyan shillings (KSH) from those community groups. We also reward people with tokens for referring others and based on trading in network. The Sarafu token in Kenya is one such an aid-based Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) which is meant to bootstrap the creation of local CICs to be used toward recovery. Let’s call such an bootstrapping CIC (like Sarafu) ‘CIC_a’. + + + +An aid program in Kenya has developed 16 Million Sarafu tokens in Kenya collateralize by 4 Million Kenyan Shillings ($40,000 USD) of a digital asset (DAI). (Note that CIC_a is collateralized by being bonded to a digital asset (DAI) using donor funds on a public blockchain – which can be extracted and used to create community based CIC, which we will discuss below. ) + + + +In vulnerable communities across Kenya anyone joining the network receives 400 Sarafu as well as additional Sarafu based on trade and referrals. Community groups receive additional donor funds for a limited amount of Sarafu (CIC_a) collected. + + + +Note that using this technique alone in Kenya has produced more than 80 Million KSH ($800,000 USD) worth of trade in these communities so far. (the photo above is from Sarafu usage in Nairobi read more about it `here `_.) + + +.. image:: images/blog/cic-training55.webp + +**Recovery:** + + +The community group is `trained `_ to use the digital assets bonded to CIC_a to create their own Community Inclusion Currency (CIC). They come up with a name, (Let’s call this new CIC, ‘CIC_b’) a vision and goals as well as community projects to be funded by their CIC_b. Note that there can be many community groups creating their own CICs (CIC_c ... d ... e, etc) depending on the scale of the CIC_a distribution. In Kenya the Sarafu distribution has reached over 27,000 household in dozens of communities so we expect many CICs to be created, while pulling out the digital assets from Sarafu. (the Photo on the left show a community discussion on projects tehy could fund with their own CIC) + + + +The members of the community group pull the digital asset (valued in Kenyan Shillings) out of their CIC_a (destroying CIC_a) and place it into a new contract for CIC_b. + + + +For each $1 Kenyan Shillings (KSH) (worth of digital assets pulled out of their CIC_a) placed in the new CIC_b contract, 4 CIC_b’s will be created. (Note that we require a minimum amount of collateral and a collateral to CIC_a ratio of 25% to start a CIC). + + + +The community group then comes up with audited commitments to accept their payment for goods and services for CIC_b with 1:1 value to Kenyan shillings. They also develop rules for managing those commitments and local arbitration. i.e. one community member will agree to accepting 100 CIC_b a day for 100 KSH worth of day care for toddlers. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/cic-training96.webp + + + +For each 1 CIC_b created there must be a commitment from the groups members to accepting 1 KSH worth of goods or services. Hence each CIC_b is 100% backed by commitments of local goods and services. + + + +Eg. So for 400,000 CIC_b created, there is full backing in commitments by the community group as well as 100,000 KSH (~1,000 USD) worth of collateral. Based on community discussion, generally half of these 400,000 CIC_b’s go to the contributing members and the other half goes to voted-on community projects managed by agreed on community project managers. (the photo on the right shows Ruth Njau teaching trainers on the usage of a hatch board, recording commitments). + + + +.. image:: images/blog/cic-training121.webp + + + +The photo here shows Roy Awaho from Kenya Red Cross and comunity members learning about Bonding Curves - which explains the diminishing returns from pulling out of their collateral fund - explained below and more in depth in our `training materials `_. + + +**Basic Usage:** + + +Now that members of the community group have created their own CIC (CIC_b), they are now able to liquidate (cash out) their CIC_b against the collateral fund and receive Kenyan Shillings (via Mpesa eMoney). Each time they pull out of their collateral out it takes more CIC_b to pull out the same amount. For instance 1004 CIC_b (destroyed/liquidated) will pull out roughly 1000 KSH out of the collateral. After that it will take 1012 CIC_b to pull out 1000 KSH. After that it will take 1020 CIC_b to bull out 1000 KSH and so on. + + + +This gives businesses some assurance that they can get Kenyan shillings when needed. As the amount of CIC_b to pull out KSH increases – there is an opportunity to add KSH back into the collateral pool. 1000 KSH in our last example added to the collateral would create 1020 CIC_b’s and as long as the community group is holding their commitments there is an advantage to doing so – in order to buy local products. This market effect stabilizes the exchange value. + + + +Impact investors and aid organizations can also support communities by adding to the collateral pool and minting CIC_b’s. Just by doing so they increase the exchange value of CIC_b. This is like an investment into the economy of CIC_b users. The CIC_b’s created in the process can be donated to needy community members as well. + + + +Giving humanitarian organizations a way to respond to crisis and seed resilient economies is at the heart of CICs. The end effect is that communities have a way to create their own credit systems for supporting themselves responsibly with both social and hard collateral. + diff --git a/content/blog/claims-currencies.rst b/content/blog/claims-currencies.rst index 77d3766..752d39a 100644 --- a/content/blog/claims-currencies.rst +++ b/content/blog/claims-currencies.rst @@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ :date: Jun 22 :slug: claims-currencies :modified: Jun 29 +:summary: We need frameworks and protocols for various types of endorsed claims that can be held self-sovereignty by individuals and groups. :tags: impact claims,data,CIC,claim @@ -23,11 +24,11 @@ Issuers, who are not nations or banks, with their own claims and tokens have pop -Canadian Tire Money are simple vouchers denominated in Canadian dollars and have been in circulation since the 1950's with only one business as the backing. Because their supply and circulation (liquidity) is low compared to the size of the community they operate in, they don’t operate effectively as a medium of exchange - but for a village in Kenya or Cameroon they could, or when combined with producer credits from many other businesses they could span a market. +`Canadian Tire Money `_ are simple vouchers denominated in Canadian dollars and have been in circulation since the 1950's with only one business as the backing. Because their supply and circulation (liquidity) is low compared to the size of the community they operate in, they don’t operate effectively as a medium of exchange - but for a village in Kenya or Cameroon they could, or when combined with producer credits from many other businesses they could span a market. - `Canadian Tire Money `_ -.. image:: images/blog/claims-currencies51.webp + +.. image:: images/blog/claims-currencies1.webp @@ -35,50 +36,32 @@ In a credit system like Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs) we have an issuer -The idea of taking such Producer Credits and combining them together into networks of CICs to build resilience in vulnerable communities, works well as long as there are strong foundational issuers and strong endorsements, such as groups of businesses and leaders. Towns issuing their own script (currency) were immensely effective at supporting local economies during depression eras. Had these depression era systems been taxable/integrate-able by larger states they might still be in use today. Now days, we have programmable tokens which can be taxed automatically (via demurrage/ holding taxes ). We also have systems that can network together servers to create censor resistant and secure ledgers. Decentralized economic systems could really change dynamics in areas with chronic shortage of money. Generally, brute force airdropping currency on a population doesn't create local ownership or stakeholders for good reason – because such a token is missing both: fundamental claims against redemption and endorsements. +The idea of taking such Producer Credits and combining them together into networks of CICs to build resilience in vulnerable communities, works well as long as there are strong foundational issuers and strong endorsements, such as groups of businesses and leaders. `Towns issuing their own script `_ (currency) were immensely effective at supporting local economies during depression eras. Had these depression era systems been taxable/integrate-able by larger states they might still be in use today. Now days, we have programmable tokens which can be taxed automatically (via demurrage/ holding taxes ). We also have systems that can network together servers to create censor resistant and secure ledgers. Decentralized economic systems could really change dynamics in areas with chronic shortage of money. Generally, brute force airdropping currency on a population doesn't create local ownership or stakeholders for good reason – because such a token is missing both: fundamental claims against redemption and endorsements. -The idea of taking such Producer Credits and combining them together into networks of CICs to build resilience in vulnerable communities, works well as long as there are strong foundational issuers and strong endorsements, such as groups of businesses and leaders. Towns issuing their own script (currency) were immensely effective at supporting local economies during depression eras. Had these depression era systems been taxable/integrate-able by larger states they might still be in use today. Now days, we have programmable tokens which can be taxed automatically (via demurrage/ holding taxes ). We also have systems that can network together servers to create censor resistant and secure ledgers. Decentralized economic systems could really change dynamics in areas with chronic shortage of money. Generally, brute force airdropping currency on a population doesn't create local ownership or stakeholders for good reason – because such a token is missing both: fundamental claims against redemption and endorsements. - - - -The idea of taking such Producer Credits and combining them together into networks of CICs to build resilience in vulnerable communities, works well as long as there are strong foundational issuers and strong endorsements, such as groups of businesses and leaders. Towns issuing their own script (currency) were immensely effective at supporting local economies during depression eras. Had these depression era systems been taxable/integrate-able by larger states they might still be in use today. Now days, we have programmable tokens which can be taxed automatically (via demurrage/ holding taxes ). We also have systems that can network together servers to create censor resistant and secure ledgers. Decentralized economic systems could really change dynamics in areas with chronic shortage of money. Generally, brute force airdropping currency on a population doesn't create local ownership or stakeholders for good reason – because such a token is missing both: fundamental claims against redemption and endorsements. - - `Towns issuing their own script `_ `demurrage `_ - Cryptographically Endorsing Claims +************************************** -How do we trust claims as well as tokens issued against them? If we think of a digitized claim as a declaration held by an entity/issuer and endorsed with an encrypted signature (private key) – we can treat that data object like a non-editable and encrypted file on a computer (or decentralized ledger system / non-fungible token) that only the owner can choose to show to others. That claim could declare anything, such as what a currency is being issued and redeemed for and it could be co-signed as an endorsement using the private keys of people and institutions that believe that claim. The number of tokens created against that claim could be determined by the endorsements (in a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) or old-school paper contract that is later scanned) as could the various parameters like demurrage and where the initial supply could go and linkages to other tokens or collateral. Finally, as someone looking to accept these tokens, I could look at the claim they are issued against as well as the entire supply and circulation history of those tokens on a ledger – as a form of peer to peer endorsement. These tokens could also be held in liquidity pools connecting them to other tokens and claims, meaning that even if the token issuer fails to redeem them there are other avenues for spending the tokens. We can even look at how these tokens circulate to get a lot of information about how they are distributed, how quickly are they redeemed and redistributed and so on. This gives us a way to de-risk and trust community currencies not issued by governments or banks by inspecting claims as well as endorsements and associated data. +How do we trust claims as well as tokens issued against them? If we think of a digitized claim as a declaration held by an entity/issuer and endorsed with an encrypted signature (private key) – we can treat that data object like a non-editable and encrypted file on a computer (or decentralized ledger system / `non-fungible token `_ ) that only the owner can choose to show to others. That claim could declare anything, such as what a currency is being issued and redeemed for and it could be co-signed as an endorsement using the private keys of people and institutions that believe that claim. The number of tokens created against that claim could be determined by the endorsements (in a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) or `old-school paper contract `_ that is later scanned) as could the various parameters like demurrage and where the initial supply could go and linkages to other tokens or collateral. Finally, as someone looking to accept these tokens, I could look at the claim they are issued against as well as the entire supply and circulation history of those tokens on a ledger – as a form of peer to peer endorsement. These tokens could also be held in `liquidity pools `_ connecting them to other tokens and claims, meaning that even if the token issuer fails to redeem them there are other avenues for spending the tokens. We can even look at how these tokens circulate to get a lot of information about how they are distributed, how quickly are they redeemed and redistributed and so on. This gives us a way to de-risk and trust community currencies not issued by governments or banks by inspecting claims as well as endorsements and associated data. -How do we trust claims as well as tokens issued against them? If we think of a digitized claim as a declaration held by an entity/issuer and endorsed with an encrypted signature (private key) – we can treat that data object like a non-editable and encrypted file on a computer (or decentralized ledger system / non-fungible token) that only the owner can choose to show to others. That claim could declare anything, such as what a currency is being issued and redeemed for and it could be co-signed as an endorsement using the private keys of people and institutions that believe that claim. The number of tokens created against that claim could be determined by the endorsements (in a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) or old-school paper contract that is later scanned) as could the various parameters like demurrage and where the initial supply could go and linkages to other tokens or collateral. Finally, as someone looking to accept these tokens, I could look at the claim they are issued against as well as the entire supply and circulation history of those tokens on a ledger – as a form of peer to peer endorsement. These tokens could also be held in liquidity pools connecting them to other tokens and claims, meaning that even if the token issuer fails to redeem them there are other avenues for spending the tokens. We can even look at how these tokens circulate to get a lot of information about how they are distributed, how quickly are they redeemed and redistributed and so on. This gives us a way to de-risk and trust community currencies not issued by governments or banks by inspecting claims as well as endorsements and associated data. - - - -How do we trust claims as well as tokens issued against them? If we think of a digitized claim as a declaration held by an entity/issuer and endorsed with an encrypted signature (private key) – we can treat that data object like a non-editable and encrypted file on a computer (or decentralized ledger system / non-fungible token) that only the owner can choose to show to others. That claim could declare anything, such as what a currency is being issued and redeemed for and it could be co-signed as an endorsement using the private keys of people and institutions that believe that claim. The number of tokens created against that claim could be determined by the endorsements (in a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) or old-school paper contract that is later scanned) as could the various parameters like demurrage and where the initial supply could go and linkages to other tokens or collateral. Finally, as someone looking to accept these tokens, I could look at the claim they are issued against as well as the entire supply and circulation history of those tokens on a ledger – as a form of peer to peer endorsement. These tokens could also be held in liquidity pools connecting them to other tokens and claims, meaning that even if the token issuer fails to redeem them there are other avenues for spending the tokens. We can even look at how these tokens circulate to get a lot of information about how they are distributed, how quickly are they redeemed and redistributed and so on. This gives us a way to de-risk and trust community currencies not issued by governments or banks by inspecting claims as well as endorsements and associated data. - - - -How do we trust claims as well as tokens issued against them? If we think of a digitized claim as a declaration held by an entity/issuer and endorsed with an encrypted signature (private key) – we can treat that data object like a non-editable and encrypted file on a computer (or decentralized ledger system / non-fungible token) that only the owner can choose to show to others. That claim could declare anything, such as what a currency is being issued and redeemed for and it could be co-signed as an endorsement using the private keys of people and institutions that believe that claim. The number of tokens created against that claim could be determined by the endorsements (in a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) or old-school paper contract that is later scanned) as could the various parameters like demurrage and where the initial supply could go and linkages to other tokens or collateral. Finally, as someone looking to accept these tokens, I could look at the claim they are issued against as well as the entire supply and circulation history of those tokens on a ledger – as a form of peer to peer endorsement. These tokens could also be held in liquidity pools connecting them to other tokens and claims, meaning that even if the token issuer fails to redeem them there are other avenues for spending the tokens. We can even look at how these tokens circulate to get a lot of information about how they are distributed, how quickly are they redeemed and redistributed and so on. This gives us a way to de-risk and trust community currencies not issued by governments or banks by inspecting claims as well as endorsements and associated data. - - `non-fungible token `_ `old-school paper contract `_ `liquidity pools `_ - While we can look at currency through the lens of cryptographically endorsed claims, we can also look at all sorts of claims, i.e. I claim I live in Kenya, founded a non-profit foundation and have a daughter. Just like a claim against redemption, that claim can be digitized and endorsed directly by co-signers and as well by secondary data. Community Currencies when combined with other types of claims offer a huge amount of secondary data to support various claims about impacts and even identity. Various claims can be supported using community currency data along with other survey or IoT data such as: - * Product offerings: How many people are buying those products and giving ratings on them. - * Organic supply chains: Following the purchases from farm to plate for specific foods. - * Currency risk: How circular is the economy, velocity of the tokens, distribution of the token supply, connection to other currencies +* Product offerings: How many people are buying those products and giving ratings on them. +* Organic supply chains: Following the purchases from farm to plate for specific foods. +* Currency risk: How circular is the economy, velocity of the tokens, distribution of the token supply, connection to other currencies -Rewarding Verified Claims +Rewarding Verified Claims +******************************** @@ -90,30 +73,9 @@ Frameworks and protocols for various types of endorsed claims that can be held s -Consumers of endorsed claims (organization that need trustworthy data) could include the UNICEF supporting SDGs, carbon offset purchasers, impact investors, loan and insurance providers and so on. Rewards or payment related to such claims also need to support the system of endorsements, (such as peer endorsements, web of trust and surveys), as well as the ledger systems that are holding those claims and providing data integrity and security. Such a claim market and reward system would promote people, institutions and even impact investors to seek out verified impacts. The same could also give people positive incentives for running servers (nodes) in order to validate data in order to mine impact rewards. - - - -Consumers of endorsed claims (organization that need trustworthy data) could include the UNICEF supporting SDGs, carbon offset purchasers, impact investors, loan and insurance providers and so on. Rewards or payment related to such claims also need to support the system of endorsements, (such as peer endorsements, web of trust and surveys), as well as the ledger systems that are holding those claims and providing data integrity and security. Such a claim market and reward system would promote people, institutions and even impact investors to seek out verified impacts. The same could also give people positive incentives for running servers (nodes) in order to validate data in order to mine impact rewards. - - - -Consumers of endorsed claims (organization that need trustworthy data) could include the UNICEF supporting SDGs, carbon offset purchasers, impact investors, loan and insurance providers and so on. Rewards or payment related to such claims also need to support the system of endorsements, (such as peer endorsements, web of trust and surveys), as well as the ledger systems that are holding those claims and providing data integrity and security. Such a claim market and reward system would promote people, institutions and even impact investors to seek out verified impacts. The same could also give people positive incentives for running servers (nodes) in order to validate data in order to mine impact rewards. +Consumers of endorsed claims (organization that need trustworthy data) could include the `UNICEF `_ supporting `SDGs `_ , carbon offset purchasers, impact investors, loan and insurance providers and so on. Rewards or payment related to such claims also need to support the system of endorsements, (such as peer endorsements, web of trust and surveys), as well as the ledger systems that are holding those claims and providing data integrity and security. Such a claim market and reward system would promote people, institutions and even impact investors to seek out verified impacts. The same could also give people positive incentives for running servers (nodes) in order to validate data in order to mine impact rewards. `UNICEF `_ `SDGs `_ -While Grassroots Economics is working to implement these concepts, the creation of open source frameworks and protocols for claim endorsement and rewards, is a vision held by many people and organizations. We’re proud to join the ranks of inspiring humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, UNICEF, World Food Program and GIZ who want to enable local resilience and measure and reward impact, as well as technical groups like IXO.world and Regen.network who are building open source application specific systems on Cosmos meant to give humanity the infrastructure we need to solve real problems and live in harmony while navigating a world of claims. +While Grassroots Economics is working to implement these concepts, the creation of open source frameworks and protocols for claim endorsement and rewards, is a vision held by many people and organizations. We’re proud to join the ranks of inspiring humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, UNICEF, World Food Program and GIZ who want to enable local resilience and measure and reward impact, as well as technical groups like `IXO.world `_ and `Regen.network `_ who are building open source application specific systems on `Cosmos `_ meant to give humanity the infrastructure we need to solve real problems and live in harmony while navigating a world of claims. - - -While Grassroots Economics is working to implement these concepts, the creation of open source frameworks and protocols for claim endorsement and rewards, is a vision held by many people and organizations. We’re proud to join the ranks of inspiring humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, UNICEF, World Food Program and GIZ who want to enable local resilience and measure and reward impact, as well as technical groups like IXO.world and Regen.network who are building open source application specific systems on Cosmos meant to give humanity the infrastructure we need to solve real problems and live in harmony while navigating a world of claims. - - - -While Grassroots Economics is working to implement these concepts, the creation of open source frameworks and protocols for claim endorsement and rewards, is a vision held by many people and organizations. We’re proud to join the ranks of inspiring humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, UNICEF, World Food Program and GIZ who want to enable local resilience and measure and reward impact, as well as technical groups like IXO.world and Regen.network who are building open source application specific systems on Cosmos meant to give humanity the infrastructure we need to solve real problems and live in harmony while navigating a world of claims. - - - -While Grassroots Economics is working to implement these concepts, the creation of open source frameworks and protocols for claim endorsement and rewards, is a vision held by many people and organizations. We’re proud to join the ranks of inspiring humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, UNICEF, World Food Program and GIZ who want to enable local resilience and measure and reward impact, as well as technical groups like IXO.world and Regen.network who are building open source application specific systems on Cosmos meant to give humanity the infrastructure we need to solve real problems and live in harmony while navigating a world of claims. - - `IXO.world `_ `Regen.network `_ `Cosmos `_ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/collateral-bonded.rst b/content/blog/collateral-bonded.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ec5ca84 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/collateral-bonded.rst @@ -0,0 +1,72 @@ +:title: Collateral Bonded Gas for Block Validation +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jun 14, 2020 +:slug: collateral-bonded + +:summary: In order to spread adoption of a new economic models that heal economic trauma and use blockchain as a source of truth that connects us... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/collateral-bonded1.webp + + + +We are co-creating an eco-system of connected blockchain based tokens across Kenya to help communities build their own economies in times of crisis and recovery – and we need an entire technical blockchain eco-system to do it. + + + +A Community Inclusion Currency (`CIC `_) is a financial instrument that allows for the issuance of a token that is backed by goods or services to also have a bonded collateral. We use the Bancor contract suite and basic bonding curves created by Eyal Hertzog, Yudi Levi and team. + + + + +For the CICs we use now and will be empowering communities and aid organizations to create, they have a pool with only one token (right now) in reserve (soon to be DAI (bridged to xDAI as the reserve) ) + + + +The CICs are backed by goods and services of the creator as well as bonded collateral. In the case of Grassroots Economics and Red Cross that is donor funds and donated items, phone and field support, training. There is also a (soon to be bonded $40k in reserve) + + + + +A core idea behind CICs is that anyone should be able to create a medium of excahnge based on what they value. A group of businesses in Kenya should be able to make a token against the promise to redeem it for their tomatoes, school fees, and so on. These credits need some collateral behind them, so that we can de-risk our trust in their tokens and so we can safely value them against other such CICs and national currency. + + + +The interoperability of these tokens between each other and national currency make them viable for real people and businesses and organization – not just tech bubbles. What if this interoperability was extended into the blockchain network and entire tech eco system? + + + + + +**What if validation nodes backed a CIC with block validation (GAS) costs and bonded that gas to a stable coin? Could there be a Gas CIC?** `A short primer on Gas `_. + + +Say a blockchain was built with a bonded native token (like we create CICs)call it cicG (CIC Gas). Say a group of block validators measured 4 Million USD in the cost of server fees, devOps and node maintenance for 10 years and issued those tokens to themselves and any contributors in a hatch phase. Say the initial supply of cicG tokens is 4 Million tokens and the validators guarantee that these tokens will be accepted for gas fees (as designed always 1:1 with their reserve). And what if there were 1 Million DAI (bridged to xDAI or some table token) as the bonded collateral (reserve) for these tokens. + + +As validators receive cicG as GAS and liquidate it for DAI – they reduce the exchange value of cicG <> DAI and allow people to add more DAI to reserve and cheaply mint additional cicG in order to pay for gas fees cheaply (filling back the reserve of DAI). This creates a constrained and autonomous market for cicG while allowing validators to pay for maintaining their nodes. The more demand for gas on the blockchain the higher the exchange value for cicG will become – benefiting cicG holders and those building the ecosystem of traders. + + + + +What if communities in Kenya or aid organizations using their own CICs could pay for gas costs themselves by converting their tokens into cicG automatically? Conversion fees between cicG<>DAI could also go into the reserve pool encouraging cicG holders. (All functions already built into the Bancor `contracts `_) + + + +What other services besides, hair cuts, tomato farming and block validation could create interoperable tokens? – Looking inward at our donor funded work here at Grassroots Economics, how about all the services we offer as a non-profit such as small business networking and marketing, phone support, and training? + + + +Let’s not assume that everyone can use ETH or DAI tokens as a medium of exchange right off the bat! Bonding curves give us a way to create credit based on services with trusted collateral and build economics systems that have value right now for people who need it. `Read more about our efforts in Kenya with Red cross. `_. + + + +In order to spread adoption of a new economic models that heal economic trauma and use blockchain as a source of truth that connects us, we need bonded - inter-operable systems at all levels. + + + +For more blockchain based discussion on CICs you can visit https://t.me/CICBlockchain and visit our GitLab https://gitlab.com/grassrootseconomics/cic-docs/-/blob/master/README.md + + diff --git a/content/blog/community-currencies-cash.rst b/content/blog/community-currencies-cash.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d09b04b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/community-currencies-cash.rst @@ -0,0 +1,98 @@ + +:title: Community Currencies: Cash Transfer 2.0 +:author: rebeccamqamelo +:date: May 28, 2019 +:slug: community-currencies-cash + +:summary: A few decades ago, the idea of giving money to poor people instead of food packages and healthcare was almost scandalous. Free money?... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/community-currencies-cash1.webp + + + + + + + +A few decades ago, the idea of giving money to poor people instead of food packages and healthcare was almost scandalous. Free money? With no strings attached? Surely, this was aid gone wrong – a desperate attempt to do things differently that was bound to fail. + + + + + + + +Today, the evidence for cash transfers as an effective form of aid has changed the way we think about giving money to the poor, as well as the methods we use to fight poverty. In December 2018, a number of UN agencies released a statement that identified “cash-based assistance as one of the most significant reforms in humanitarian assistance in recent years”. This is just one example of how innovative approaches to old methods can shift the mentality of an entire industry. + + + + + +At Grassroots Economics, we believe that poverty alleviation and innovation go hand in hand. The UN estimates that the gap in financing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is $2.5 trillion per year in developing countries alone. This creates a real crisis for the humanitarian field. It doesn’t matter how effective new methods are – they need to be financed. So where will the money come from? + + + + + + + +Blockchain-powered community currencies promise to revolutionize how we do aid. Giving people money will only get you so far. Injecting cash into stagnant economies doesn’t change the underlying structure of those cash-strapped, underutilized networks. The real challenge is creating socio-economic value systems that are rooted in vibrant, cohesive and resilient communities. + + + + + + + +In order to do this, communities need to be empowered to turn cash circulation into economic activity. A cash transfer recipient who still has to commute 4 hours to grind their maize is still burdened by the fact that key products and services aren’t available in their area. As a result, most of the money that goes into the community goes straight out again, making no difference to local business growth, employment opportunities or access to resources. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/community-currencies-cash59.webp + + + +The Sarafu network is a community currency system that has existed for nearly a decade in Kenya. We give people the power to define money in their own terms, where value is backed by the productive assets of the community. In other words, instead of giving cash, we enable mutual credit. Using Bancor’s blockchain API, we’ve been able to see the real-time growth of robust economic networks. Token data offers powerful insights on demurrage (negative interest rates), incentive structures and promoting economic resilience and development. When people use Sarafu to trade with each other, pay for school fees, or start a business, they’re making sure that the credit that enters the community stays there. + + + + + + + +.. raw:: html + + + + +*Community currencies create robust local networks:* A snapshot inside the Sarafu network in Lindi. Nodes represent individual traders. + + +.. image:: images/blog/community-currencies-cash91.webp + + + +Bill Gates and Silicon Valley can’t finance the gaps that exist in the developing world. Poor communities don’t lack demand, or labour, or ideas. They lack a medium of exchange to deploy their under-utilized resources. When people are empowered to create that medium of exchange for themselves, they’re able to kickstart stagnant economies and create value where there previously was none. + + + + + +This is how you build prospering economies powered by thriving communities. For more information on our work in Kenya, visit our blog. + + + + + + +`#sarafu `_ `#sustainabledevelopment `_ `#blockchain `_ `#Bancor `_ `#SDG `_ + + + diff --git a/content/blog/community-currencies.rst b/content/blog/community-currencies.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..76c72b9 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/community-currencies.rst @@ -0,0 +1,59 @@ +:title: Community Currencies and DEX Multitudes +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 7 +:slug: community-currencies + +:summary: Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts... +:tags: dex,excahnge,liquidity,community currency + + + +Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts (like Community Inclusion Currencies) for different use cases. Using them opens us up decentralized network topologies that we would never have dreamed of with old fashion stock exchanges and other financial instruments. The best part is that they can be used by anyone in the world with access to internet or even just an inexpensive phone using USSD/SMS. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/community-currencies1.webp + + + +The basic Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) contract (shown above) is a token that holds a real world claim against redemption of goods and services - such as the harvest created by a group of women managing a communal `Food Forest `_ . In 2018 our CIC's were pool tokens that were additionally bonded to a on-chain reserve called Sarafu upon deployment. But connecting a CIC's full supply to be convertible (even on a bonding curve) to a reserve isn't always useful, especially in situations where you want to limit how much of your CIC supply is convertible or join the network after token deployment. + + +.. image:: images/blog/community-currencies33.webp + + + +In that case the open source `Bancor DEX contract's liquidity pools `_ can be used as relays (this is actually the most common way to use these contracts). As such a CIC creator or anyone holding a CIC (or any ERC 20 token) can choose to create a relay or liquidity pool (as shown abovce) to any other token on the network, like Sarafu or another CIC (similar to Uniswap but with the ability to create variable strength bonding curves between pooled tokens). With a liquidity pool anyone can choose to create liquidity (conversion to other tokens) - but with an intrinsic reserve (as we used to have) only the token creator can decide and generally that means 100% of our token supply will be liquid in that one way chosen upon deployment. + + +A network token like Sarafu can still be used to connect to many different tokens - but it isn't needed upon CIC contract deployment. Below shows how Sarafu itself is issued as a kind of basic income token and also serves as a bootstrap network token. + + +.. image:: images/blog/community-currencies56.webp + + + +Hence a chama (women's group) or even a restaurant can create a CIC as a voucher for their future production of goods and services with proof of redemption commitment in physical contract with local authorities - then choose to take a limited amount of their CIC supply and place it in a liquidity pool along with Sarafu and/or some other token(s) such as ETH. This gives the CIC issuer the ability to choose **if, when and how much** they want to connect to other tokens or a whole network of tokens. + + + +Given public infrastructure, this means we have a way of creating a currency as claims against redemption in goods and services and on-board those tokens when their community wants to into a connected network of Community Inclusion Currencies. These CIC holding users in such networks can provide proof of identity and various SDG impacts to direct humanitarian aid as below. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/community-currencies83.webp + + + +Note that this network topology potentially gives humanitarian organizations the ability to directly create and support liquidity pools as well - creating limited conduits for exchange between aid funds (used to purchase ETH for instance) and CICs.. + + + +While our work is focused on specific use cases of this technology in vulnerable populations, Grassroots Economics is a non-profit foundation seeking to connect organizations and groups to the ability to create and manage their own medium of exchange with the option of joining into larger networks to create communities of currencies. All our systems are built on an open source tech stack with interchangeable blockchains, modules and interfaces. We hope this open software design paired with the power of DEX liquidity pools are the building blocks of an emergent decentralized economy. + + + +We hope this open software design paired with the power of DEX liquidity pools are the building blocks of an emergent decentralized economy. + + +.. image:: images/blog/community-currencies105.webp diff --git a/content/blog/community-currency.rst b/content/blog/community-currency.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f5647ce --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/community-currency.rst @@ -0,0 +1,166 @@ +:title: Community Currency Design Course Opening +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 3, 2017 +:slug: community-currency + +:summary: Grassroots Economics has opened up its archives of design and implementation to students world wide through a hands-on, practical course... + + + + + + + + +Grassroots Economics has opened up its archives of design and implementation to students world wide through a hands-on, practical course in Kenya. After having our first round of students this year with great results, we are excited to open up enrollment to students across Africa and abroad. + + + + + + + +Become a certified Community Currency designer. + + + +Become a certified Community Currency designer. + + `certified Community Currency designer `_ + + + + + +After understanding how to tap into the abundance of communities and build resilient thriving local economies you will never look at money in the same way. + + + + + + `Click here to inquire about the course `_ + + + + + +This course will immerse you into the world of Community Currencies as a tool for economic and community development. We will cover why and how Community Currencies have been implemented in marginalized communities as well as their history. In the field you interact with people using Community Currencies in real life settings to understand the social dynamics and economic systems that are needed to make Community Currencies thrive. After completing this course you will be have a strong foundation to design, customize and implement Community Currencies. + + + + + + + +Topical Outline: + + + + + + + +Community Currency Theory:development economics, history of money, financial systems and debt, currency models, goals standards and ethics. + + + + +Preparation & Development: community participation and ownership, system design, voucher creation, communications, partnerships, and legality. + + + + +Preparation & Development: community participation and ownership, system design, voucher creation, communications, partnerships, and legality. + + + + +Preparation & Development: community participation and ownership, system design, voucher creation, communications, partnerships, and legality. + + + + +Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing. + +Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal. + + + + +Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing. + +Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal. + + + + +Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing. + +Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal. + + + + +Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing. + +Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal. + + + + +Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing. + +Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal. + + + + +Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing. + +Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal. + + + + +Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing. + +Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal. + + + + +Management: system maintenance, legal reporting, accounting, currency circulation, administration, data collection, and personnel. + + + + +Management: system maintenance, legal reporting, accounting, currency circulation, administration, data collection, and personnel. + + + + +Management: system maintenance, legal reporting, accounting, currency circulation, administration, data collection, and personnel. + + + + +Fieldwork: on-the-ground survey work and interviews; lessons learned from previous Community Currency models; taking part in community currency events and activities; economic resource mapping. + + + + +Fieldwork: on-the-ground survey work and interviews; lessons learned from previous Community Currency models; taking part in community currency events and activities; economic resource mapping. + + + + +Fieldwork: on-the-ground survey work and interviews; lessons learned from previous Community Currency models; taking part in community currency events and activities; economic resource mapping. + + + + + + + +Schedule: The course covers five days of classroom and field experiences but can be shortened to as little as three days to meet the needs of the students. + diff --git a/content/blog/community-inclusion.rst b/content/blog/community-inclusion.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ea043ed --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/community-inclusion.rst @@ -0,0 +1,123 @@ +:title: Community Inclusion Currencies are Now Open Source +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 27, 2020 +:slug: community-inclusion +:modified: Jan 13 +:summary: These may sound like small improvements, but because of them our current, 8000+ and growing, users will be able to trade and create CICs to + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/community-inclusion18.webp + + + +Today the Grassroots Economics and volunteers spanning 5 countries gathered in Kenya to launch Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) trading on a new open source platform! + + + + + + + +We’ve been waiting for this since 2015 when we first started using USSD to connect simple feature phones to a digital ledger. The dream to be able to use a system we could share freely and build on with others is finally here. This is still just the beginning, but I am so grateful for the Red Cross teams for making this happen. + + + + + + + +This means we can fully customize the system to: + + + +This means we can fully customize the system to: + + + +This means we can fully customize the system to: + + * Use any blockchain, smart contracts or reserve tokens. + * From virtual backing to on-chain collateral for CICs + * Improve speeds and usability: + * Wallet Creation and Registration process: 15 minutes to 2 minutes + * Transaction and Validation Process: 2+ minutes to 5 seconds + * Provide real time support for user challenges + + +These may sound like small improvements, but because of them our current, 8000+ and growing, users will be able to trade and create CICs to support their local communities across Kenya. CICs allow users to easily create shares of pooled funds in national currency as a medium of exchange for local goods and services. We’re so appreciative to stand on the shoulders of giants like Eyal Hertzog (and the Bancor team's open source smart contract), as well as Friedrich Hayek and Bernard Lietear with their vision for multi-currency ecosystems. + + + + + + **What’s left to do?** + + +What’s left to do? + + * Analysis and Modeling: BlockScience and researchers with on the ground pioneer communities + * Improving the platform: Volunteer programmers and teams with security audits while reacting to user feedback + * Dashboarding and Support: Gender, Business types, transaction data, SDG Impacts. How can detailed CIC economic data be used to help marginalized economies become resilient? + * User Guides and Materials: Red Cross and users, translations, localizations, modular systems and local customizations + + + + + + +Finalizing the above list in 2020 will push CICs farther in a year than we’ve been able to move for the last ten years. + + + +Note that we are rebuilding the code base and will not be using Sempo's system in 2021. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/community-inclusion93.webp + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/community-inclusion107.webp + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/community-inclusion121.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +#opensource #RedCross #CIC + + + +#opensource #RedCross #CIC + + `#opensource `_ + +#opensource + + `#RedCross `_ + +#RedCross + + `#CIC `_ + +#CIC + diff --git a/content/blog/comparative-analysis.rst b/content/blog/comparative-analysis.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8b73db4 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/comparative-analysis.rst @@ -0,0 +1,260 @@ +:title: Comparative Analysis of eMoney and Community Currency +:author: Sowelu Avanzo +:date: Feb 7, 2020 +:slug: comparative-analysis + +:summary: This shows us that the presence of Sarafu stabilizes the economic system, working as a buffer in the months when the national currency is sc + + + **Introduction + +Sarafu is a network of interoperable community currencies implemented by Grassroots Economics, aimed at eradicating poverty through the creation of endogenous credit in the marginalized communities (Ruddick et al., 2018). In Kenya the Sarafu network has been implemented in communities living below the poverty threshold in both rural areas and urban slums. One of the most successful cases of such implementation is that of Miyani, part of the Kasameni sub-location, where the community currency spread to more than 4800 users at the time of this study. Sarafu is, however, only the most recent step on the path of financial innovation for the inclusion of marginalized communities in Kenya. As Edwards (Edwards, 2016 p.2016) shows, for instance, mentioning the case of M-Pesa:** + + +Introduction + +Sarafu is a network of interoperable community currencies implemented by Grassroots Economics, aimed at eradicating poverty through the creation of endogenous credit in the marginalized communities (Ruddick et al., 2018). In Kenya the Sarafu network has been implemented in communities living below the poverty threshold in both rural areas and urban slums. One of the most successful cases of such implementation is that of Miyani, part of the Kasameni sub-location, where the community currency spread to more than 4800 users at the time of this study. Sarafu is, however, only the most recent step on the path of financial innovation for the inclusion of marginalized communities in Kenya. As Edwards (Edwards, 2016 p.2016) shows, for instance, mentioning the case of M-Pesa: + + + +Introduction + +Sarafu is a network of interoperable community currencies implemented by Grassroots Economics, aimed at eradicating poverty through the creation of endogenous credit in the marginalized communities (Ruddick et al., 2018). In Kenya the Sarafu network has been implemented in communities living below the poverty threshold in both rural areas and urban slums. One of the most successful cases of such implementation is that of Miyani, part of the Kasameni sub-location, where the community currency spread to more than 4800 users at the time of this study. Sarafu is, however, only the most recent step on the path of financial innovation for the inclusion of marginalized communities in Kenya. As Edwards (Edwards, 2016 p.2016) shows, for instance, mentioning the case of M-Pesa: + + + +Introduction + +Sarafu is a network of interoperable community currencies implemented by Grassroots Economics, aimed at eradicating poverty through the creation of endogenous credit in the marginalized communities (Ruddick et al., 2018). In Kenya the Sarafu network has been implemented in communities living below the poverty threshold in both rural areas and urban slums. One of the most successful cases of such implementation is that of Miyani, part of the Kasameni sub-location, where the community currency spread to more than 4800 users at the time of this study. Sarafu is, however, only the most recent step on the path of financial innovation for the inclusion of marginalized communities in Kenya. As Edwards (Edwards, 2016 p.2016) shows, for instance, mentioning the case of M-Pesa: + + + + + + + +The combination of widespread cellular communication and the ability to transfer money instantly (via eMoney), securely, and inexpensively are together leading to enormous changes in the organization of economic activity, family relations, and risk management and mitigation + + + +The achievement that the Sarafu network brings about is the chance to create and use a complementary currency, helping the communities to overcome the scarcity of national currency, which is accepted 1:1 with the national currency by the local businesses. It has been shown to provide a liquid means of exchange to the members of the communities that effectively incentivizes local production through its circulation, and to have helped the users to increase their savings in Kenya Shillings, as Marion Cauvet has shown (Cauvet, 2018). + + + + +The achievement that the Sarafu network brings about is the chance to create and use a complementary currency, helping the communities to overcome the scarcity of national currency, which is accepted 1:1 with the national currency by the local businesses. It has been shown to provide a liquid means of exchange to the members of the communities that effectively incentivizes local production through its circulation, and to have helped the users to increase their savings in Kenya Shillings, as Marion Cauvet has shown (Cauvet, 2018). + + + + +The achievement that the Sarafu network brings about is the chance to create and use a complementary currency, helping the communities to overcome the scarcity of national currency, which is accepted 1:1 with the national currency by the local businesses. It has been shown to provide a liquid means of exchange to the members of the communities that effectively incentivizes local production through its circulation, and to have helped the users to increase their savings in Kenya Shillings, as Marion Cauvet has shown (Cauvet, 2018). + + + + +In order to provide further evidence for the impact of Sarafu, its circulation will be analysed and compared to that of other eMoney services in Kenya used by the sample group. + +This comparison is also important, because eMoney is one of the few alternative means of exchange to cash in areas such as Miyani, since very few of its inhabitants have a bank account, and, therefore, it is difficult to find reliable data relative to the circulation of national currency. + + + +In order to provide further evidence for the impact of Sarafu, its circulation will be analysed and compared to that of other eMoney services in Kenya used by the sample group. + +This comparison is also important, because eMoney is one of the few alternative means of exchange to cash in areas such as Miyani, since very few of its inhabitants have a bank account, and, therefore, it is difficult to find reliable data relative to the circulation of national currency. + + + +In order to provide further evidence for the impact of Sarafu, its circulation will be analysed and compared to that of other eMoney services in Kenya used by the sample group. + +This comparison is also important, because eMoney is one of the few alternative means of exchange to cash in areas such as Miyani, since very few of its inhabitants have a bank account, and, therefore, it is difficult to find reliable data relative to the circulation of national currency. + + + +In order to provide further evidence for the impact of Sarafu, its circulation will be analysed and compared to that of other eMoney services in Kenya used by the sample group. + +This comparison is also important, because eMoney is one of the few alternative means of exchange to cash in areas such as Miyani, since very few of its inhabitants have a bank account, and, therefore, it is difficult to find reliable data relative to the circulation of national currency. + + + +In order to provide further evidence for the impact of Sarafu, its circulation will be analysed and compared to that of other eMoney services in Kenya used by the sample group. + +This comparison is also important, because eMoney is one of the few alternative means of exchange to cash in areas such as Miyani, since very few of its inhabitants have a bank account, and, therefore, it is difficult to find reliable data relative to the circulation of national currency. + + + + + + **Analysis of the Transactions + +The sample consists of 6 individuals living in the Miyani area (4 men and 2 women), who voluntarily disclosed their eMoney transactions, which have been compared to the transaction dataset stored on the Sarafu open source blockchain-based database. The period considered is the Semester between June and December 2019. However small, the sample is considered to be representative of the population of Miyani.** + + +Analysis of the Transactions + +The sample consists of 6 individuals living in the Miyani area (4 men and 2 women), who voluntarily disclosed their eMoney transactions, which have been compared to the transaction dataset stored on the Sarafu open source blockchain-based database. The period considered is the Semester between June and December 2019. However small, the sample is considered to be representative of the population of Miyani. + + + +Analysis of the Transactions + +The sample consists of 6 individuals living in the Miyani area (4 men and 2 women), who voluntarily disclosed their eMoney transactions, which have been compared to the transaction dataset stored on the Sarafu open source blockchain-based database. The period considered is the Semester between June and December 2019. However small, the sample is considered to be representative of the population of Miyani. + + + +Analysis of the Transactions + +The sample consists of 6 individuals living in the Miyani area (4 men and 2 women), who voluntarily disclosed their eMoney transactions, which have been compared to the transaction dataset stored on the Sarafu open source blockchain-based database. The period considered is the Semester between June and December 2019. However small, the sample is considered to be representative of the population of Miyani. + + + + +All the individuals considered used both traditional e-money and Sarafu. The data show that the 6 users analysed, conducted 578 transactions through Sarafu worth a total volume of 185,666 and 685 through E-money worth 148,757 Kenya Shillings. + + + + +All the individuals considered used both traditional e-money and Sarafu. The data show that the 6 users analysed, conducted 578 transactions through Sarafu worth a total volume of 185,666 and 685 through E-money worth 148,757 Kenya Shillings. + + + + +All the individuals considered used both traditional e-money and Sarafu. The data show that the 6 users analysed, conducted 578 transactions through Sarafu worth a total volume of 185,666 and 685 through E-money worth 148,757 Kenya Shillings. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/comparative-analysis44.webp + + + + + + + +Over the whole time period transactions in Sarafu produced a volume roughly 24,8% higher than those in Kenya Shillings via eMoney. + + + + +Moreover, it can be observed that, during June, August and November more Kenya Shillings were exchanged through E-money than Sarafu, whereas in July, September, October and December it was the opposite showing a counter cyclical effect likely related to crop yields. The maximum volume exchanged in one month through Sarafu was 58,554 (December), whereas the maximum amount exchanged via E-money in the period observed was 49457 (November). The standard deviation of the monthly volume exchanged in Sarafu is 9553,958855 Sarafu, whereas that of the volume of Kenya Shillings transactions is 14,214,05, whereas the total standard deviation of exchanges both in Sarafu and Kenya Shillings, amounts to 21600,17471, which is lower than the sum of the other two (amounting to 23768,01553). This shows us that the presence of Sarafu stabilizes the economic system, working as a buffer in the months when the national currency is scarce. It is moreover worth to notice that both the volume of the transactions in Kenya Shillings and Sarafu grew over the period. This is evident if it is taken into account that the sum of volumes in June, July, August and September , amounting to 71043 for eMoney and , is inferior to the that in the last 3 months, worth 77680. The same can be said for the volume exchanged in Sarafu, amounting to 55433 and 130143 respectively. + + + + +Moreover, it can be observed that, during June, August and November more Kenya Shillings were exchanged through E-money than Sarafu, whereas in July, September, October and December it was the opposite showing a counter cyclical effect likely related to crop yields. The maximum volume exchanged in one month through Sarafu was 58,554 (December), whereas the maximum amount exchanged via E-money in the period observed was 49457 (November). The standard deviation of the monthly volume exchanged in Sarafu is 9553,958855 Sarafu, whereas that of the volume of Kenya Shillings transactions is 14,214,05, whereas the total standard deviation of exchanges both in Sarafu and Kenya Shillings, amounts to 21600,17471, which is lower than the sum of the other two (amounting to 23768,01553). This shows us that the presence of Sarafu stabilizes the economic system, working as a buffer in the months when the national currency is scarce. It is moreover worth to notice that both the volume of the transactions in Kenya Shillings and Sarafu grew over the period. This is evident if it is taken into account that the sum of volumes in June, July, August and September , amounting to 71043 for eMoney and , is inferior to the that in the last 3 months, worth 77680. The same can be said for the volume exchanged in Sarafu, amounting to 55433 and 130143 respectively. + + + + +Moreover, it can be observed that, during June, August and November more Kenya Shillings were exchanged through E-money than Sarafu, whereas in July, September, October and December it was the opposite showing a counter cyclical effect likely related to crop yields. The maximum volume exchanged in one month through Sarafu was 58,554 (December), whereas the maximum amount exchanged via E-money in the period observed was 49457 (November). The standard deviation of the monthly volume exchanged in Sarafu is 9553,958855 Sarafu, whereas that of the volume of Kenya Shillings transactions is 14,214,05, whereas the total standard deviation of exchanges both in Sarafu and Kenya Shillings, amounts to 21600,17471, which is lower than the sum of the other two (amounting to 23768,01553). This shows us that the presence of Sarafu stabilizes the economic system, working as a buffer in the months when the national currency is scarce. It is moreover worth to notice that both the volume of the transactions in Kenya Shillings and Sarafu grew over the period. This is evident if it is taken into account that the sum of volumes in June, July, August and September , amounting to 71043 for eMoney and , is inferior to the that in the last 3 months, worth 77680. The same can be said for the volume exchanged in Sarafu, amounting to 55433 and 130143 respectively. + + **Moreover, it can be observed that, during June, August and November more Kenya Shillings were exchanged through E-money than Sarafu, whereas in July, September, October and December it was the opposite showing a counter cyclical effect likely related to crop yields. The maximum volume exchanged in one month through Sarafu was 58,554 (December), whereas the maximum amount exchanged via E-money in the period observed was 49457 (November). The standard deviation of the monthly volume exchanged in Sarafu is 9553,958855 Sarafu, whereas that of the volume of Kenya Shillings transactions is 14,214,05, whereas the total standard deviation of exchanges both in Sarafu and Kenya Shillings, amounts to 21600,17471, which is lower than the sum of the other two (amounting to 23768,01553). This shows us that the presence of Sarafu stabilizes the economic system, working as a buffer in the months when the national currency is scarce. It is moreover worth to notice that both the volume of the transactions in Kenya Shillings and Sarafu grew over the period. This is evident if it is taken into account that the sum of volumes in June, July, August and September , amounting to 71043 for eMoney and , is inferior to the that in the last 3 months, worth 77680. The same can be said for the volume exchanged in Sarafu, amounting to 55433 and 130143 respectively.** + + + +Moreover, it can be observed that, during June, August and November more Kenya Shillings were exchanged through E-money than Sarafu, whereas in July, September, October and December it was the opposite showing a counter cyclical effect likely related to crop yields. The maximum volume exchanged in one month through Sarafu was 58,554 (December), whereas the maximum amount exchanged via E-money in the period observed was 49457 (November). The standard deviation of the monthly volume exchanged in Sarafu is 9553,958855 Sarafu, whereas that of the volume of Kenya Shillings transactions is 14,214,05, whereas the total standard deviation of exchanges both in Sarafu and Kenya Shillings, amounts to 21600,17471, which is lower than the sum of the other two (amounting to 23768,01553). This shows us that the presence of Sarafu stabilizes the economic system, working as a buffer in the months when the national currency is scarce. It is moreover worth to notice that both the volume of the transactions in Kenya Shillings and Sarafu grew over the period. This is evident if it is taken into account that the sum of volumes in June, July, August and September , amounting to 71043 for eMoney and , is inferior to the that in the last 3 months, worth 77680. The same can be said for the volume exchanged in Sarafu, amounting to 55433 and 130143 respectively. + + + + + + + +By analysing more in detail the eMoney transactions, however, it can be noticed that the overall outflow consists of: 26744 Ksh transferred to other accounts, 33823 Ksh withdrawals and 12456 Ksh used to pay bills. +Conversely, in the same time period, Sarafu were mainly spent among local businesses for buying farm produce(42221), fish(36626), vegetables (30295), water (27321), to save or to take loans from the chama, that is a savings and loans association (26600). + + + +By analysing more in detail the eMoney transactions, however, it can be noticed that the overall outflow consists of: 26744 Ksh transferred to other accounts, 33823 Ksh withdrawals and 12456 Ksh used to pay bills. +Conversely, in the same time period, Sarafu were mainly spent among local businesses for buying farm produce(42221), fish(36626), vegetables (30295), water (27321), to save or to take loans from the chama, that is a savings and loans association (26600). + + + +By analysing more in detail the eMoney transactions, however, it can be noticed that the overall outflow consists of: 26744 Ksh transferred to other accounts, 33823 Ksh withdrawals and 12456 Ksh used to pay bills. +Conversely, in the same time period, Sarafu were mainly spent among local businesses for buying farm produce(42221), fish(36626), vegetables (30295), water (27321), to save or to take loans from the chama, that is a savings and loans association (26600). + + + +By analysing more in detail the eMoney transactions, however, it can be noticed that the overall outflow consists of: 26744 Ksh transferred to other accounts, 33823 Ksh withdrawals and 12456 Ksh used to pay bills. +Conversely, in the same time period, Sarafu were mainly spent among local businesses for buying farm produce(42221), fish(36626), vegetables (30295), water (27321), to save or to take loans from the chama, that is a savings and loans association (26600). + + + +By analysing more in detail the eMoney transactions, however, it can be noticed that the overall outflow consists of: 26744 Ksh transferred to other accounts, 33823 Ksh withdrawals and 12456 Ksh used to pay bills. +Conversely, in the same time period, Sarafu were mainly spent among local businesses for buying farm produce(42221), fish(36626), vegetables (30295), water (27321), to save or to take loans from the chama, that is a savings and loans association (26600). + + + + + + **Preliminary Results +The volume of the exchanges, differed significantly, showing that Sarafu circulated faster than the emoney in the period considered. Moreover, it is evident that the majority of Sarafu were spent among local businesses, whereas a larger portion of the Kenya Shillings circulating were withdrawn. Furthermore Sarafu, even though it was implemented only in 2017 in the Miyani area (Cauvet, 2018), plays a fundamental role in the life of these inhabitants of Miyani, who benefit from the interaction between the national currency and the alternative currency to meet their everyday needs. More specifically, evidence shows that Sarafu worked as a counter-cyclical buffer, bringing stability to the local economic system, and fostered circulation of goods and services also through traditional e-money, as it can be noticed from the fact that the overall volume exchanged not only in Sarafu, but also that in Kenya Shillings increased over the time period. Due to the scarcity of data, however, the conclusions achieved are only partial, and, therefore, further research should confirm the findings.** + + +Preliminary Results +The volume of the exchanges, differed significantly, showing that Sarafu circulated faster than the emoney in the period considered. Moreover, it is evident that the majority of Sarafu were spent among local businesses, whereas a larger portion of the Kenya Shillings circulating were withdrawn. Furthermore Sarafu, even though it was implemented only in 2017 in the Miyani area (Cauvet, 2018), plays a fundamental role in the life of these inhabitants of Miyani, who benefit from the interaction between the national currency and the alternative currency to meet their everyday needs. More specifically, evidence shows that Sarafu worked as a counter-cyclical buffer, bringing stability to the local economic system, and fostered circulation of goods and services also through traditional e-money, as it can be noticed from the fact that the overall volume exchanged not only in Sarafu, but also that in Kenya Shillings increased over the time period. Due to the scarcity of data, however, the conclusions achieved are only partial, and, therefore, further research should confirm the findings. + + + +Preliminary Results +The volume of the exchanges, differed significantly, showing that Sarafu circulated faster than the emoney in the period considered. Moreover, it is evident that the majority of Sarafu were spent among local businesses, whereas a larger portion of the Kenya Shillings circulating were withdrawn. Furthermore Sarafu, even though it was implemented only in 2017 in the Miyani area (Cauvet, 2018), plays a fundamental role in the life of these inhabitants of Miyani, who benefit from the interaction between the national currency and the alternative currency to meet their everyday needs. More specifically, evidence shows that Sarafu worked as a counter-cyclical buffer, bringing stability to the local economic system, and fostered circulation of goods and services also through traditional e-money, as it can be noticed from the fact that the overall volume exchanged not only in Sarafu, but also that in Kenya Shillings increased over the time period. Due to the scarcity of data, however, the conclusions achieved are only partial, and, therefore, further research should confirm the findings. + + + +Preliminary Results +The volume of the exchanges, differed significantly, showing that Sarafu circulated faster than the emoney in the period considered. Moreover, it is evident that the majority of Sarafu were spent among local businesses, whereas a larger portion of the Kenya Shillings circulating were withdrawn. Furthermore Sarafu, even though it was implemented only in 2017 in the Miyani area (Cauvet, 2018), plays a fundamental role in the life of these inhabitants of Miyani, who benefit from the interaction between the national currency and the alternative currency to meet their everyday needs. More specifically, evidence shows that Sarafu worked as a counter-cyclical buffer, bringing stability to the local economic system, and fostered circulation of goods and services also through traditional e-money, as it can be noticed from the fact that the overall volume exchanged not only in Sarafu, but also that in Kenya Shillings increased over the time period. Due to the scarcity of data, however, the conclusions achieved are only partial, and, therefore, further research should confirm the findings. + + + + + + + + + +https://github.com/GrassrootsEconomics/TransactionDatasets + + + + + +https://github.com/GrassrootsEconomics/TransactionDatasets + + + + + +https://github.com/GrassrootsEconomics/TransactionDatasets + + `https://github.com/GrassrootsEconomics/TransactionDatasets `_ + + + + *The transaction data relative to the traditional forms of E-money were collected by Sowelu Avanzo, a student of the University of Torino, while he was conducting the fieldwork for his research on the Sarafu network in Miyani from October to December 2019. For more information on this ongoing research contact sowelu94@gmail.com* + `sowelu94@gmail.com `_ + +#research #eMoney #mpesa #communitycurrency + + + +#research #eMoney #mpesa #communitycurrency + + + +#research #eMoney #mpesa #communitycurrency + + `#research `_ + +#research + + `#eMoney `_ + +#eMoney + + `#mpesa `_ + +#mpesa + + `#communitycurrency `_ + +#communitycurrency + diff --git a/content/blog/complementary-currency.rst b/content/blog/complementary-currency.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ddad61b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/complementary-currency.rst @@ -0,0 +1,94 @@ +:title: Complementary Currency: Business Network Creation +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Nov 27, 2012 +:slug: complementary-currency + +:summary: With our partners, Koru works with small community businesses of Bangladesh, Kenya, in order to implement a complementary currency... + + + + +With our partners, Koru works with small community businesses of Bangladesh, Kenya, in order to implement a complementary currency system. + + + +Bangladesh, Kenya is an informal settlement of approximatly 20 000 inhabitants and 200 businesses located outside Mombasa Kenya - map here. Our first community meetings were mobilized through a local clinic, the local church as well as a youth group. Local business owners were asked to come participate in a 2 hour workshop described briefly as Business Networking. + + + + + + + +The purpose of these sessions was to: + + + + + +1. Gauge business community interest in Complementary Currencies (mutual credit). + +2. Identify benefits and challenges of a Complementary Currency + +3. Talk about barter and how it is already being used in the community. + +4. Talk about how money is used for barter and in general in the community + +5. Speak about benefits and challenges of both barter and money. + +6. Identify and visualize the existing business networks in the community. + +7. Plan next steps. + + + + + + + +For a full report on the first two meetings visit: + + + + +Meeting 1 +Meeting 2 + + + + +Meeting 1 +Meeting 2 + + `Meeting 1 `_ `Meeting 2 `_ + + + + + +These meetings will continue in January and help lead the way for base line data collection, community ownership and implementation. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/complementary-currency52.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +#complementarycurrencies #bangla + + `#complementarycurrencies `_ + +#complementarycurrencies + + `#bangla `_ + +#bangla + diff --git a/content/blog/covid-19-blockchain.rst b/content/blog/covid-19-blockchain.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b146fa1 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/covid-19-blockchain.rst @@ -0,0 +1,84 @@ +:title: COVID-19 Blockchain Crisis Response - CICs at 500% Growth +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: May 11, 2020 +:slug: covid-19-blockchain +:modified: May 12, 2020 +:summary: Since we started using blockchain for CICs in September 2018 we have seen nearly half a million dollars (482k USD) worth of trade via 154k t + + + ` `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/covid-19-blockchain18.webp + + + +Since we started using blockchain for Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs) in September 2018 we have seen nearly half a million dollars ($482,000 USD) worth of trade via 154,000 transactions with 19,877 registered users living below or near the poverty line to whom 8.9 Million CIC ($89,000 USD equivalent) tokens have been distributed. + + + + + +The system works by giving each new user 400 CIC tokens (valued at $4 USD) and rewarding them more each week based on their activity in the network. Donors come in by purchasing the CICs from Women's Savings groups over time and the total amount of CICs that can be created are constrained by a collateral fund currently totaling $40,000 USD. + + + + +Since January $26,300 USD from donors have been used via Mpesa (eMoney) to purchase these vouchers 1:1 from chamas (savings groups) and redistribute them to other needy members. These donor injections help peg the value of a CIC to National Currency and give women's groups the ability to purchase things not available in the network. + +Comparing transaction volume to donor aid since January we see 18.3x the amount of volume compared to the donor aid injected. See our dashboard below: + + **Since January $26,300 USD from donors have been used via Mpesa (eMoney) to purchase these vouchers 1:1 from chamas (savings groups) and redistribute them to other needy members. These donor injections help peg the value of a CIC to National Currency and give women's groups the ability to purchase things not available in the network. + +Comparing transaction volume to donor aid since January we see 18.3x the amount of volume compared to the donor aid injected. See our dashboard below:** + + + +Since January $26,300 USD from donors have been used via Mpesa (eMoney) to purchase these vouchers 1:1 from chamas (savings groups) and redistribute them to other needy members. These donor injections help peg the value of a CIC to National Currency and give women's groups the ability to purchase things not available in the network. + +Comparing transaction volume to donor aid since January we see 18.3x the amount of volume compared to the donor aid injected. See our dashboard below: + + ` `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/covid-19-blockchain45.webp + + + + +While that itself seems amazing, what has been truly astounding has been the uptake due to COVID-19. In the past we have seen that CIC usage goes up when National Currency is lacking but never to the extent it has now. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/covid-19-blockchain59.webp + + + + +There has been a huge increase in usage since COVID-19 and specifically in Mukuru, Kayaba where we started working with Red Cross on April 6th. In roughly a month, we have seen $95,600 USD worth of transactions on the network with 22,702 transactions via 2,588 users to which 12,700 CIC tokens have been distributed. + + + + + +$2,780 USD of donor funds have been used via Mpesa (1:1 with National Currency) to purchase back these vouchers from chamas. + +Comparing transaction volume to donor aid for Kayaba we see 34x the amount of volume compared to injected donor funds. + +Note that out of the 2,588 registered users in Kayaba 2,072 were registered since April 6th (starting with 516 users). That is a growth of 501.5% since Covid-19. + + **$2,780 USD of donor funds have been used via Mpesa (1:1 with National Currency) to purchase back these vouchers from chamas. + +Comparing transaction volume to donor aid for Kayaba we see 34x the amount of volume compared to injected donor funds. + +Note that out of the 2,588 registered users in Kayaba 2,072 were registered since April 6th (starting with 516 users). That is a growth of 501.5% since Covid-19.** + + +$2,780 USD of donor funds have been used via Mpesa (1:1 with National Currency) to purchase back these vouchers from chamas. + +Comparing transaction volume to donor aid for Kayaba we see 34x the amount of volume compared to injected donor funds. + +Note that out of the 2,588 registered users in Kayaba 2,072 were registered since April 6th (starting with 516 users). That is a growth of 501.5% since Covid-19. + + + +The photo above is a Kenya Red Cross trained Community Based Disaster Response Team member helping to spread awareness about COVID-19 in Mukuru, while also helping people identify where they can use their CICs to purchase basic commodities like soap, water and food, as well as where those shops can purchase from other shops and service providers in the network to encourage the community to support each other even when National Currency is scarce. + diff --git a/content/blog/currency-123.rst b/content/blog/currency-123.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b3f6d8d --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/currency-123.rst @@ -0,0 +1,1116 @@ +:title: Currency 123 (Back, Guarantee, Open) +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: May 2, 2020 +:slug: currency-123 +:modified: May 5, 2020 +:summary: A Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) is way to transparently establish a credit system to enable local markets to thrive and link... + + + + +A Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) is way to transparently establish a credit system to enable local markets to thrive and link together, forming resilient and inclusive economies. While these steps are a simplification of a process that involves a lot of planning, modeling and governance - it is important to share our understandings and we invite collaboration as we use and develop open source technologies, models, and practical methods. + + **Step 1 Primary Backing.** + + +Step 1 Primary Backing. + + + +Involves establishing the amount of currency (aka tokens or promissory notes) being issued against some backing. (This is the backing of your currency's primary market.) A CIC issuer (a group or individual) needs to establish that these CICs, as promissory notes, have legitimate backing in goods and services over time. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/currency-12328.webp + + + +In example, an individual business could back a CIC with staged redemption of a year's worth of goods or services (goats and hair cuts). Practically bringing together a group of individuals or businesses and determining their commitment level to backing over time is an art. Groups like Sardex.net have developed techniques for how to establish such commitment and buy in. With humanitarian organizations like Red Cross these commitments could be in donations over time (i.e. the CIC could be redeemed for donations in National Currency or goods) as we are currently doing with the Sarafu CIC. Note a key function of the primary backing is to keep the value of the CIC stable locally. + + + +In example, an individual business could back a CIC with staged redemption of a year's worth of goods or services (goats and hair cuts). + + + +If a CIC has 100,000 EUR of backing committed from a group of, say 10, business over a year and each business is allocated 10,000 CIC tokens, those businesses could begin to trade with each other while seeking to keep their balance at 10,000 CICs (called credit clearing). Determining how many tokens to create involves an estimation of how much any one business can both spend and redeem them over time and the size of the network begin created. If you are bakery and have committed 10k EUR of bread over a year to be redeemed in CICs (and are allocated 10k CICs) - will you be able to spend those CICs again as fast as you redeem them? And if not, how many can you afford to accumulate? If all 100,000 CIC tokens come back to you what would happen to your business? Are you guaranteed to be able to spend them? What if an issuer goes insolvent and you can no longer redeem the CIC for the primary backing? In step 2 we seek to de-risk the CIC by creating a contractual guarantee - while also creating a way for future CICs to be created and even traded with other communities. + + **Step 2 Guarantee a Reserve** + + +While Primary Backing alone has created stable currencies with examples around the world like Canadian Tire Dollars, issuer(s) can avoid pitfalls that have caused thousands of such systems to stagnate or collapse by adding a reserve (aka collateral). A reserve gives CIC holders a guarantee of redemption while also creating a mechanism to create more CICs and connect one CIC to another with automated pricing. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/currency-12362.webp + + + +Reserves help to: + + * Increase trust and acceptance of a larger community. + * Guarantee backing of the CIC in case of issuer insolvency or delays in redemption of the primary backing. + * Establish an automatic exchange value of one CIC to another without having to audit the primary backing. + * Establish a transparent and fair way to create and destroy CIC tokens. + + +A reserve can be created transparently on a mathematically binding blockchain based contract with strict permissions and equations that govern the exchange of CICs for the reserve (aka Bonding Curve). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + **A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs).** + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + **A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs).** + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + **A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs).** + **A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs).** + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + **A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs).** + **A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs).** + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + **A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs).** + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + **A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs).** + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + **A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs).** + **A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs).** + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A CIC issuer(s) must decide how to setup this contract - below are the current options for setting up a CIC reserve contract (also called a Converter contract in the Bancor open source contract suite): + +1. In what currency should the reserve (collateral) be? We are using DAI (a stable coin to the US dollar) but it could be any token that is trusted. +2. How much reserve to put in? We set a 'full' reserve (collateral) level at 25% of the supply of CIC (Sarafu in Kenya). Also called a Target Reserve Ratio (TRR). +3. Who can use the contract? White-listing. Can anyone access it or only known people? For legal reasons organizations issuing CICs must often know who is using the contracts. +4. What is the starting and maximum fee for using the contract if any? A conversion fee is a good security mechanism and adds some resistances to moving in and out of the contract.This fee goes into the reserve pool. +5. Who controls the variables of the contract once it has been deployed? These include changing the conversion fee (if any) up to a fixed maximum, changing the white-list and connecting to other CICs (Registry of CICs). + + + +A + + + +CIC + + + +issuer + + + +( + + + +) + + + +this + + + +- + + + +for + + + +CIC + + + +contract + + + +( + + + +in + + + +) + + + +: + + + +1. + + + +reserve + + + +( + + + +) + + + +? + + + +DAI + + + +( + + + +US + + + +) + + + +. + + + +2. + + **in** + **?** + + +set + + + +'full' + + + +reserve + + + +( + + + +) + + + +25 + + + +% + + + +of + + + +of + + + +CIC + + + +( + + + +in + + + +) + + + +. + + **Ratio** + **(** + **TRR** + **)** + **.** + + +3. + + + +? + + **-** + **.** + + +? + + + +. + + + +4. + + + +for + + + +if + + + +? + + + +A + + + +in + + + +of + + + +. + + + +. + + + +5. + + + +of + + + +? + + + +fee + + + +( + + + +if + + + +) + + + +, + + **-** + + +CICs + + + +( + + + +of + + + +) + + + +. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/currency-123187.webp + + + +Once the contract has been designed and the collateral has been obtained - (eg. the issuers may be turning US dollars into DAI or creating their own reserve token) and added to the contract - the contract will also take control of the CIC token itself and will be solely able to issue or redeem CICs based on the variables given above and the equations below (aka bonding curve equations). We start out CICs in Kenya with an exchange price of 1. (See the equation above that determines the exchange price.) The reserve is considered full at a fixed community chosen Target Reserve Ratio (TRR) to the CIC in supply. When the reserve is full (say at $25,000 Dollars in Reserve and there are a total of 100,000 CIC tokens (backed by goods and services of the issuers) and the TRR is also 25%) then the exchange price to reserve is 1. (1:1) We will discuss exchanging between CICs and reserve in the next section. + + **Step 3 Open Reserve to Market:** + + +Again, getting past steps one and two are not trivial and require a lot of considerations and good governance! But once in alignment the contract holding the CICs collateral created in step two can be open to the greater world (whitelisted or non whitelisted). + + + +.. image:: images/blog/currency-123214.webp + + * Enable Redemption: With a reserve in place, anyone holding CICs can redeem them for committed goods and services (primary backing) or money in the reserve. The less reserve there is the less National Currency is redeemed for the same amount of CICs based on the equations below (aka the bonding curve). If someone cashes out 1,000 CIC tokens from a full reserve in our example they will pull out roughly $985.10 Dollars from the reserve. This limits how fast people will remove their CICs. + + +.. image:: images/blog/currency-123229.webp + + + +.. image:: images/blog/currency-123248.webp + + * Enable Creation: In addition anyone can also add money to the reserve and create additional CICs. The more reserve there is the less amount of CICs are created for the same amount of National Currency. As the reserve was already reduced in the last example; now, if someone deposits $985.10 Dollars into the reserve they will create 1,000 new CIC Tokens - this encourages people to fill back in the reserve (see the equation below). + + +.. image:: images/blog/currency-123263.webp + + + +The group that should be most interested in creating more CICs when the exchange price to reserve is low - are the initial issuers themselves. They among all others should be able spend the CIC at full value among themselves and their community - because that was their initial purpose and they are still backing the CIC with their own goods or services. eg. If someone knows they can buy a goat (primary backing) using CICs 1:1 with national currency and they are now able to create some cheaply by adding reserve, they have an advantage to fill back up the reserve and buy some goats. This incentive to refill the reserve can be considered a beneficial arbitrage and creates additional price stability beyond the primary backing. Humanitarian organizations will add reserve and create CICs as the reserve empties in order to leverage their donations into positive social impact. The reserve can be considered a revolving CIC stability fund. + + + +The group that should be most interested in creating more CICs when the exchange price to reserve is low - are the initial issuers themselves. They among all others should be able spend the CIC at full value among themselves and their community - because that was their initial purpose and they are still backing the CIC with their own goods or services. eg. If someone knows they can buy a goat (primary backing) using CICs 1:1 with national currency and they are now able to create some cheaply by adding reserve, they have an advantage to fill back up the reserve and buy some goats. This incentive to refill the reserve can be considered a beneficial arbitrage and creates additional price stability beyond the primary backing. Humanitarian organizations will add reserve and create CICs as the reserve empties in order to leverage their donations into positive social impact. The reserve can be considered a revolving CIC stability fund. + + + +If someone knows they can buy a goat (primary backing) using CICs 1:1 with national currency and they are now able to create some cheaply by adding reserve, they have an advantage to fill back up the reserve and buy some goats. This incentive to refill the reserve can be considered a beneficial arbitrage and creates additional price stability beyond the primary backing. + + + +While CIC acts as a promissory note against the primary backing, it is also practical to consider a CIC as a share of both the primary backing and the reserve. In a sense it is also a share of, and investment in, the economy using it. In addition, that economy can be connected to other economies using other CICs. Because a CIC can convert to its reserves and that withdrawn reserve can be added to another CIC - the exchange value to reserve serves as an automated price maker between the CICs and also measures the relative trade imbalance between the two economies - creating an incentive to clear trade deficit. + + + +The economic data available from CIC contracts and trading on a public blockchain gives a lot of insight to a CIC backing, volatility and uptake. Check out https://dashboard.sarafu.network for an overview of a CIC being used in Kenya right now by the Red Cross to support thousands in vulnerable communities and build resilient economies. See our white paper here as well as the open source Bancor smart contract suite we are using. Here you can see a very basic initialization and usage of the bonding curve equations. + + + +The economic data available from CIC contracts and trading on a public blockchain gives a lot of insight to a CIC backing, volatility and uptake. Check out https://dashboard.sarafu.network for an overview of a CIC being used in Kenya right now by the Red Cross to support thousands in vulnerable communities and build resilient economies. See our white paper here as well as the open source Bancor smart contract suite we are using. Here you can see a very basic initialization and usage of the bonding curve equations. + + + +The economic data available from CIC contracts and trading on a public blockchain gives a lot of insight to a CIC backing, volatility and uptake. Check out https://dashboard.sarafu.network for an overview of a CIC being used in Kenya right now by the Red Cross to support thousands in vulnerable communities and build resilient economies. See our white paper here as well as the open source Bancor smart contract suite we are using. Here you can see a very basic initialization and usage of the bonding curve equations. + + + +The economic data available from CIC contracts and trading on a public blockchain gives a lot of insight to a CIC backing, volatility and uptake. Check out https://dashboard.sarafu.network for an overview of a CIC being used in Kenya right now by the Red Cross to support thousands in vulnerable communities and build resilient economies. See our white paper here as well as the open source Bancor smart contract suite we are using. Here you can see a very basic initialization and usage of the bonding curve equations. + + + +The economic data available from CIC contracts and trading on a public blockchain gives a lot of insight to a CIC backing, volatility and uptake. Check out https://dashboard.sarafu.network for an overview of a CIC being used in Kenya right now by the Red Cross to support thousands in vulnerable communities and build resilient economies. See our white paper here as well as the open source Bancor smart contract suite we are using. Here you can see a very basic initialization and usage of the bonding curve equations. + + `https://dashboard.sarafu.network `_ `here `_ `contract suite `_ `Here `_ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/currency-supply.rst b/content/blog/currency-supply.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d3f70bd --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/currency-supply.rst @@ -0,0 +1,202 @@ +:title: Currency Supply, Taxation and Redistribution +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 6, 2020 +:slug: currency-supply + +:summary: What does a decentralized economic system look like? +:tags: algorithm,supply,tax,redistribution,modeling + + + +Tax Redistribution Algorithms + + + +The local clustering coefficient (C) for a particular currency trading user is given by the proportion of connections or trade partners (via trading CICs) between the users within that users neighborhood divided by the number of connections that could possibly exist between them. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clustering_coefficient + + `https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clustering_coefficient `_ + +The average clustering coefficient sums the clustering coefficients for all the users and divides by the number of users in that neighborhood. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/currency-supply33.webp + + + +The neighborhood could span to sum over 2nd and 3rd order trade partners as well. This average clustering coefficient (ACC) therefore gives us a simple measurement of how connected people are (how much do the users around a particular user (to 3rd order) trade with each other). + + + +This is interesting but doesn’t scale well; How would one compare two users, both with a C = 1, while one of them has 3 trading partners and the other has 10? Therefore we can multiply ACC by the total number of trade partners that user has – hence normalizing the ACC into a Normalized clustering coefficient (NACC). + + + +The NACC for each user gives us a relative ranking of each user via the contentedness of their network of trade partners but what about the sum of all the NACCs – does this not represent the overall contentedness of the entire network (Total Normalized clustering coefficient)? If we take each user's percentage of the total (NACC / TNACC) = pTNACC (percentile of the Total Normalized clustering coefficient ) we have a percentile ranking of each user in the network – corresponding to their relative contentedness in the entire network. + + + +K-Cycle centrality (like Teodoro is working on!) may be a good measure as well – and reminds me to mention – the characteristic time-frame is very important – clusters in this light are small structures that can form rapidly (1 week periods) while k-cycles (especially higher order k-cycles) may take months. + + *K-Cycle centrality (like Teodoro is working on!) may be a good measure as well – and reminds me to mention – the characteristic time-frame is very important – clusters in this light are small structures that can form rapidly (1 week periods) while k-cycles (especially higher order k-cycles) may take months.* + + +K-Cycle centrality (like Teodoro is working on!) may be a good measure as well – and reminds me to mention – the characteristic time-frame is very important – clusters in this light are small structures that can form rapidly (1 week periods) while k-cycles (especially higher order k-cycles) may take months. + + *K-Cycle centrality (like Teodoro is working on!) may be a good measure as well – and reminds me to mention – the characteristic time-frame is very important – clusters in this light are small structures that can form rapidly (1 week periods) while k-cycles (especially higher order k-cycles) may take months.* + + +K-Cycle centrality (like Teodoro is working on!) may be a good measure as well – and reminds me to mention – the characteristic time-frame is very important – clusters in this light are small structures that can form rapidly (1 week periods) while k-cycles (especially higher order k-cycles) may take months. + + `Teodoro `_ **You might be asking “a good measure for what?”** + + +The distribution of pTNACC can tell us a lot about a network. If there are only a few very high pTNACC users it means that the network is potentially very brittle. It is also a metric that becomes harder and harder to fake or Sybil attack if there is a transaction and/or coordination cost – as the overall cost of the attack would grow exponentially. + + + +On a weekly basis we can test this out on the current Kenyan trading data by asking are the users with a higher pTNACC actually important nodes in the network? It would seem so. Looking at the current data http://grassecon.org/research– users would be in the 90th percentile - highest ranking pTNACC scores end up being key nodes hubs or chamas (groups) in the Sarafu trading Network. + + + +On a weekly basis we can test this out on the current Kenyan trading data by asking are the users with a higher pTNACC actually important nodes in the network? It would seem so. Looking at the current data http://grassecon.org/research– users would be in the 90th percentile - highest ranking pTNACC scores end up being key nodes hubs or chamas (groups) in the Sarafu trading Network. + + + +On a weekly basis we can test this out on the current Kenyan trading data by asking are the users with a higher pTNACC actually important nodes in the network? It would seem so. Looking at the current data http://grassecon.org/research– users would be in the 90th percentile - highest ranking pTNACC scores end up being key nodes hubs or chamas (groups) in the Sarafu trading Network. + + `http://grassecon.org/research `_ `Sarafu trading Network `_ + +Looking at people and groups of people as important elements in a local economy as a social scoring system is quite interesting. Especially is its fallibility is tied up in the ultimate cost to game the system compared to any potential benefits. In addition, if people receive a tax benefit or tax redistribution based on a higher pTNACC score: would this scoring system motivate people to develop networks around their goods and services more? Is that an intrinsically good thing? Does rewarding pTNACC result in positive social outcomes - trust, resilient markets and so on? - We're working with researchers to help determine this. + + + +Voting systems on tax redistribution. + + + +Rather than an automated system that measures trade clustering and sends out tax redistribution, what if each user of the network could simply have 100 voting tokens each month – and you send them to whom you are voting for and based on the percentile of votes one gets, that percentage of the total tax redistribution pool. Say the vote tokens get wiped and reset each month and we have strong identity controls to protect against a Sybil attack. This sounds very nice, but can also be corrupted via populism. How about a combination of an algorithmic measure and a voting system? + + + +Before we get into that: “What is this source of tax redistribution pool?” you might well be asking. + + + +Holding taxes + + + +Imagine your bank charged you a percentage of your balance every Monday as a holding tax? Well you wouldn’t want to be storing too much money in that account, would you? (n.b. Better calculating and charging for an averaged balance over a time period.) This will create a sort of demurrage effect or hot potato, where people want to move their currency as fast as they can (undesirable to save). Rather than this being a bank function it could be built into the currencies smart contract on a blockchain. Those people who can’t move their CIC and have the most of it - pay more tax (no matter where they put it). + + + +This tax can be redistributed in an near infinite number of ways: 2 such were discussed above – voting and algorithmic. Another such way is a Universal Dividend where the tax redistribution is simply shared evenly across the population. Note that the source of such a Universal Dividend in this case is not inflation – but rather a holding tax. In this way the total monetary mass (CIC token supply) can remain stable. + + + +Token Supply + + + +Finally this gets us to token supply (where we might have started with in traditional economics). A CICs token supply (if connected to other CICs) is determined by the amount of some reserve it is bonded to in common with other CICs. Therefore the issuance and supply of the network token becomes paramount since this network token (NT) can effectively mint additional CIC. + + + +Could we create a network token that was simply distributed fairly to people over time? Say the NT was distributed to everyone evenly over time (per capita and or arithmetically) and any holder could also have their 100 vote tokens for the tax redistribution fund – fed by the holding fee? Then each CIC (local community currency) would form around a collection of the network tokens and be able to set its own rules (taxation, tax redistribution and so on) otherwise (within some regulatory standard). + + + +In this case NTs could be issued and distributed in a similar way to the (G1) Duniter Universal Dividend or Circles UBI– while also being charged a holding tax – from which a percentage can be voted on distribution and a percentage can be algorithmic distribution. + + + +In this case NTs could be issued and distributed in a similar way to the (G1) Duniter Universal Dividend or Circles UBI– while also being charged a holding tax – from which a percentage can be voted on distribution and a percentage can be algorithmic distribution. + + + +In this case NTs could be issued and distributed in a similar way to the (G1) Duniter Universal Dividend or Circles UBI– while also being charged a holding tax – from which a percentage can be voted on distribution and a percentage can be algorithmic distribution. + + `Duniter `_ `Circles UBI `_ + +Note that NTs could in turn have their own reserve – this would limit how much could be minted (or put into pools with other types of tokens to act as reserves for CICs). Also this NT could be listed on exchanges that connect it to other tokens world wide. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/currency-supply193.webp + + + +CIC network with Sarafu Network Token + + + +What does a decentralized economic currency system look like - when combining all these approaches: + + + + (see diagram above) + + **1 + 2. Fair distribution and circulation of a network token – which can act like a large scale medium of exchange. A version of the Duniter (G1) Universal Dividend or Circles UBI Smart Contract suffices – but controlling for inflation via taxation. Note that a myriad of NTs can exist and incorporate other rules and still have markets that connect them together. Hence a whole range of NTs and localized systems that use them could form with different local rules and rules that connect them. Note that in the Sarafu Network Token Kenya case, the Sarafu supply is currently voted on by committee - but this will be subject to change in 2021.** + + +1 + 2. Fair distribution and circulation of a network token – which can act like a large scale medium of exchange. A version of the Duniter (G1) Universal Dividend or Circles UBI Smart Contract suffices – but controlling for inflation via taxation. Note that a myriad of NTs can exist and incorporate other rules and still have markets that connect them together. Hence a whole range of NTs and localized systems that use them could form with different local rules and rules that connect them. Note that in the Sarafu Network Token Kenya case, the Sarafu supply is currently voted on by committee - but this will be subject to change in 2021. + + + +1 + 2. Fair distribution and circulation of a network token – which can act like a large scale medium of exchange. A version of the Duniter (G1) Universal Dividend or Circles UBI Smart Contract suffices – but controlling for inflation via taxation. Note that a myriad of NTs can exist and incorporate other rules and still have markets that connect them together. Hence a whole range of NTs and localized systems that use them could form with different local rules and rules that connect them. Note that in the Sarafu Network Token Kenya case, the Sarafu supply is currently voted on by committee - but this will be subject to change in 2021. + + + +1 + 2. Fair distribution and circulation of a network token – which can act like a large scale medium of exchange. A version of the Duniter (G1) Universal Dividend or Circles UBI Smart Contract suffices – but controlling for inflation via taxation. Note that a myriad of NTs can exist and incorporate other rules and still have markets that connect them together. Hence a whole range of NTs and localized systems that use them could form with different local rules and rules that connect them. Note that in the Sarafu Network Token Kenya case, the Sarafu supply is currently voted on by committee - but this will be subject to change in 2021. + + `Duniter `_ `Circles `_ **3. Discouraging hoarding: A holding tax is a simple form of this. Some of this tax can be destroyed to stabilize the monetary mass (supply)** + + +3. Discouraging hoarding: A holding tax is a simple form of this. Some of this tax can be destroyed to stabilize the monetary mass (supply) + + **(1). Rewarding good behaviors via tax redistribution: An algorithmic system that determines good behavior – given this is voted on. This could involve MANY metrics (see SDGs). A voting system that allows users to specifically endorse candidates this could use quadratic and or conviction voting system. Note that we have not yet implemented a voting system yet and use clustering pTNACC as a basis for distributing Sarafu on a weekly basis.** + + +(1). Rewarding good behaviors via tax redistribution: An algorithmic system that determines good behavior – given this is voted on. This could involve MANY metrics (see SDGs). A voting system that allows users to specifically endorse candidates this could use quadratic and or conviction voting system. Note that we have not yet implemented a voting system yet and use clustering pTNACC as a basis for distributing Sarafu on a weekly basis. + + **(1). Rewarding good behaviors via tax redistribution: An algorithmic system that determines good behavior – given this is voted on. This could involve MANY metrics (see SDGs). A voting system that allows users to specifically endorse candidates this could use quadratic and or conviction voting system. Note that we have not yet implemented a voting system yet and use clustering pTNACC as a basis for distributing Sarafu on a weekly basis.** + + +(1). Rewarding good behaviors via tax redistribution: An algorithmic system that determines good behavior – given this is voted on. This could involve MANY metrics (see SDGs). A voting system that allows users to specifically endorse candidates this could use quadratic and or conviction voting system. Note that we have not yet implemented a voting system yet and use clustering pTNACC as a basis for distributing Sarafu on a weekly basis. + + **4a, 4b. Localized currency creation with connect-ability: The ability to create credit systems for businesses and community projects and connect them to others: CICs being created using this NT as a reserve – gives people the ability to label tax and leverage the NT to create a promissory note against future production (See Bancor Protocol for smart contracts here).** + + +4a, 4b. Localized currency creation with connect-ability: The ability to create credit systems for businesses and community projects and connect them to others: CICs being created using this NT as a reserve – gives people the ability to label tax and leverage the NT to create a promissory note against future production (See Bancor Protocol for smart contracts here). + + + +4a, 4b. Localized currency creation with connect-ability: The ability to create credit systems for businesses and community projects and connect them to others: CICs being created using this NT as a reserve – gives people the ability to label tax and leverage the NT to create a promissory note against future production (See Bancor Protocol for smart contracts here). + + `Bancor Protocol `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/currency-supply247.webp + + + +Note that many types of tokens can be added to a reserve pool for a CIC (including the possibility of Carbon credits, Stable coins and so on). Also note that a CIC need not have any reserve if there is no exchange between other CICs. In which case a CIC is simply a promissory note against future production. Localized CIC creation was available in in 2019 and has been put on hold for all of 2020 and will reopen with some modifications (namely to the target reserve ratio being 100% hence no leverage) in January 2021! + + **5. Connected CIC and Price stabilization: Finally we want labor and commodity price stabilization for the NT as well as the CICs. Given the ability to fix the supply of each – prices of goods and services can stabilize by virtue of arbitrage between markets of CICs themselves. Note that less than 100% target reserve ratios will be added back over time based on standard development and regulatory compliance for custodial systems - non custodial systems can have a lot more freedom..** + + +5. Connected CIC and Price stabilization: Finally we want labor and commodity price stabilization for the NT as well as the CICs. Given the ability to fix the supply of each – prices of goods and services can stabilize by virtue of arbitrage between markets of CICs themselves. Note that less than 100% target reserve ratios will be added back over time based on standard development and regulatory compliance for custodial systems - non custodial systems can have a lot more freedom.. + + + +All these concept and conjectures could use a lot of testing, modeling and token engineering. If interested please contact us wherever you are! + + + +All these concept and conjectures could use a lot of testing, modeling and token engineering. If interested please contact us wherever you are! + + `contact `_ * A very sadly unfinished cadCAD model was created by BlockScience here - but it is a good robust framework to get started. + `here `_ * You can also watch me playing with simpler models at the Village Market Simulator series here. + `here `_ * Our open source code is all on GitLab is here. + `here `_ * Field Datasets can be found here. + `here `_ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/demystifying-currency.rst b/content/blog/demystifying-currency.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..566dedf --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/demystifying-currency.rst @@ -0,0 +1,944 @@ +:title: Demystifying Currency Creation and Backing +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Apr 18, 2020 +:slug: demystifying-currency +:modified: Apr 21, 2020 +:summary: Once upon a time a goat herder counted his herd and found 100 goats (some old and some young). That was a nice surprise. He estimated a... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/demystifying-currency18.webp + + + +Once upon a time a goat herder counted his herd and found 100 goats (some old and some young). That was a nice surprise. He estimated a market price of about $100 for a goat once they were mature. Then he went to the blockchain via an easy-to-use interface on his flip phone and created 10,000 goat tokens. He used them to pay trusted carpenters to build a barn where he could keep more animals. + +By the 3rd month of construction he spent all 10,000 tokens and earned another 2,500 tokens by selling a quarter of the mature goats. (He can only sell the goats slowly to maintain his herd). He now has 75 goats left plus another 15 goats that were just born. + +This cycle of spending and redeeming goat tokens could go on and on for years. The Canadian Tire company did something similar with paper vouchers and these coupons for car tires are still in use after 30+ years. + + + + + +This kind of community-level credit creation can be a lifesaver when national currency is in short supply. Using goats themselves as a currency is actually a useful strategy, "We enable smallholder rural, off-grid farming communities to meet their farming and household needs using livestock as currency" - Uptrade. + + + +We enable smallholder rural, off-grid farming communities to meet their farming and household needs using livestock as currency" - + + `Uptrade. `_ **Let’s look at how it works, and how to to address the risks. + +In a community, a group can come together and decide on the assets they will use to back their community currency collectively, e.g. goats + grapes + corn. Then they can issue a credit to everyone in the group - this is sometimes called a mutual credit. A municipality may create credits this same way and back them with public transport usage and acceptance for taxes. + +but +Who is keeping track of how many goats there are and are ready to sell? +What if some of the goats are killed by a lion or die from a disease and the goat herd is decimated? In fact, the goat herder never had 100 mature goats to begin with - the goat tokens were a promise against future (mature) goat production. If the backing of goats becomes unstable then a lot of people could be left with goat tokens they can't redeem. What if there is a run on the 'bank' and everyone wants goats at once? We’ll get to how to solve this in a moment.** + + +Let’s look at how it works, and how to to address the risks. + +In a community, a group can come together and decide on the assets they will use to back their community currency collectively, e.g. goats + grapes + corn. Then they can issue a credit to everyone in the group - this is sometimes called a mutual credit. A municipality may create credits this same way and back them with public transport usage and acceptance for taxes. + +but +Who is keeping track of how many goats there are and are ready to sell? +What if some of the goats are killed by a lion or die from a disease and the goat herd is decimated? In fact, the goat herder never had 100 mature goats to begin with - the goat tokens were a promise against future (mature) goat production. If the backing of goats becomes unstable then a lot of people could be left with goat tokens they can't redeem. What if there is a run on the 'bank' and everyone wants goats at once? We’ll get to how to solve this in a moment. + + + + **Let’s look at how it works, and how to to address the risks. + +In a community, a group can come together and decide on the assets they will use to back their community currency collectively, e.g. goats + grapes + corn. Then they can issue a credit to everyone in the group - this is sometimes called a mutual credit. A municipality may create credits this same way and back them with public transport usage and acceptance for taxes. + +but +Who is keeping track of how many goats there are and are ready to sell? +What if some of the goats are killed by a lion or die from a disease and the goat herd is decimated? In fact, the goat herder never had 100 mature goats to begin with - the goat tokens were a promise against future (mature) goat production. If the backing of goats becomes unstable then a lot of people could be left with goat tokens they can't redeem. What if there is a run on the 'bank' and everyone wants goats at once? We’ll get to how to solve this in a moment.** + + +Let’s look at how it works, and how to to address the risks. + +In a community, a group can come together and decide on the assets they will use to back their community currency collectively, e.g. goats + grapes + corn. Then they can issue a credit to everyone in the group - this is sometimes called a mutual credit. A municipality may create credits this same way and back them with public transport usage and acceptance for taxes. + +but +Who is keeping track of how many goats there are and are ready to sell? +What if some of the goats are killed by a lion or die from a disease and the goat herd is decimated? In fact, the goat herder never had 100 mature goats to begin with - the goat tokens were a promise against future (mature) goat production. If the backing of goats becomes unstable then a lot of people could be left with goat tokens they can't redeem. What if there is a run on the 'bank' and everyone wants goats at once? We’ll get to how to solve this in a moment. + + + + + +but What if the goat herder wanted to allow other people to make those goat tokens? The reason this might be attractive to the goat herder is that if someone were to ADD a goat to his herd and breed with the other goats then over time it would produce more goats. What is that worth? Since the goat herder is the one establishing the value at 100 tokens = 1 goat, adding a goat to the goat reserve should create $100 dollars more of goat tokens (100 goat tokens). + + **but What if the goat herder wanted to allow other people to make those goat tokens? The reason this might be attractive to the goat herder is that if someone were to ADD a goat to his herd and breed with the other goats then over time it would produce more goats. What is that worth? Since the goat herder is the one establishing the value at 100 tokens = 1 goat, adding a goat to the goat reserve should create $100 dollars more of goat tokens (100 goat tokens).** + + +but What if the goat herder wanted to allow other people to make those goat tokens? The reason this might be attractive to the goat herder is that if someone were to ADD a goat to his herd and breed with the other goats then over time it would produce more goats. What is that worth? Since the goat herder is the one establishing the value at 100 tokens = 1 goat, adding a goat to the goat reserve should create $100 dollars more of goat tokens (100 goat tokens). + + + + +and +What if the goat herder wants to trade with the cereals shop in town? +Well, let’s say the cereals shop owner doesn't want goats at all. Would she accept these tokens? If she could spend the tokens on other things she needed like labor and cereal distributors then perhaps she could accept 'some', but anyone accepting them would need at some point to have some trust in the goat token issuer. + +so +Reserves to de-risk +Seeing this problem of lack of trust in his goat tokens, the herder decides to put up some collateral in national currency (it could be any common reserve token if one exists for that region). The goat herder feels so strongly that he will accept back the tokens for goats that in order to build confidence in people he takes $1,000 dollars it up into a contract on a blockchain (using his feature phone). That means anyone who has goat tokens can trade their tokens for national currency without any middleman. Plus, if anyone adds to the reserve of dollars they can create more goat tokens. + +Now the goat herder has promises of goats as backing for his tokens as well as some collateral in national dollars. If he ends up with all the tokens again by selling goats he can simply cash out those vouchers to get back his reserve. Doing this on a public blockchain means that anyone can see the backing for his tokens now in dollars (or any reserve token such as xDAI). That helps with the tracking problem and the backing problem - both good for trust. + + **and +What if the goat herder wants to trade with the cereals shop in town? +Well, let’s say the cereals shop owner doesn't want goats at all. Would she accept these tokens? If she could spend the tokens on other things she needed like labor and cereal distributors then perhaps she could accept 'some', but anyone accepting them would need at some point to have some trust in the goat token issuer. + +so +Reserves to de-risk +Seeing this problem of lack of trust in his goat tokens, the herder decides to put up some collateral in national currency (it could be any common reserve token if one exists for that region). The goat herder feels so strongly that he will accept back the tokens for goats that in order to build confidence in people he takes $1,000 dollars it up into a contract on a blockchain (using his feature phone). That means anyone who has goat tokens can trade their tokens for national currency without any middleman. Plus, if anyone adds to the reserve of dollars they can create more goat tokens. + +Now the goat herder has promises of goats as backing for his tokens as well as some collateral in national dollars. If he ends up with all the tokens again by selling goats he can simply cash out those vouchers to get back his reserve. Doing this on a public blockchain means that anyone can see the backing for his tokens now in dollars (or any reserve token such as xDAI). That helps with the tracking problem and the backing problem - both good for trust.** + + + +and +What if the goat herder wants to trade with the cereals shop in town? +Well, let’s say the cereals shop owner doesn't want goats at all. Would she accept these tokens? If she could spend the tokens on other things she needed like labor and cereal distributors then perhaps she could accept 'some', but anyone accepting them would need at some point to have some trust in the goat token issuer. + +so +Reserves to de-risk +Seeing this problem of lack of trust in his goat tokens, the herder decides to put up some collateral in national currency (it could be any common reserve token if one exists for that region). The goat herder feels so strongly that he will accept back the tokens for goats that in order to build confidence in people he takes $1,000 dollars it up into a contract on a blockchain (using his feature phone). That means anyone who has goat tokens can trade their tokens for national currency without any middleman. Plus, if anyone adds to the reserve of dollars they can create more goat tokens. + +Now the goat herder has promises of goats as backing for his tokens as well as some collateral in national dollars. If he ends up with all the tokens again by selling goats he can simply cash out those vouchers to get back his reserve. Doing this on a public blockchain means that anyone can see the backing for his tokens now in dollars (or any reserve token such as xDAI). That helps with the tracking problem and the backing problem - both good for trust. + + **and +What if the goat herder wants to trade with the cereals shop in town? +Well, let’s say the cereals shop owner doesn't want goats at all. Would she accept these tokens? If she could spend the tokens on other things she needed like labor and cereal distributors then perhaps she could accept 'some', but anyone accepting them would need at some point to have some trust in the goat token issuer. + +so +Reserves to de-risk +Seeing this problem of lack of trust in his goat tokens, the herder decides to put up some collateral in national currency (it could be any common reserve token if one exists for that region). The goat herder feels so strongly that he will accept back the tokens for goats that in order to build confidence in people he takes $1,000 dollars it up into a contract on a blockchain (using his feature phone). That means anyone who has goat tokens can trade their tokens for national currency without any middleman. Plus, if anyone adds to the reserve of dollars they can create more goat tokens. + +Now the goat herder has promises of goats as backing for his tokens as well as some collateral in national dollars. If he ends up with all the tokens again by selling goats he can simply cash out those vouchers to get back his reserve. Doing this on a public blockchain means that anyone can see the backing for his tokens now in dollars (or any reserve token such as xDAI). That helps with the tracking problem and the backing problem - both good for trust.** + + + +and +What if the goat herder wants to trade with the cereals shop in town? +Well, let’s say the cereals shop owner doesn't want goats at all. Would she accept these tokens? If she could spend the tokens on other things she needed like labor and cereal distributors then perhaps she could accept 'some', but anyone accepting them would need at some point to have some trust in the goat token issuer. + +so +Reserves to de-risk +Seeing this problem of lack of trust in his goat tokens, the herder decides to put up some collateral in national currency (it could be any common reserve token if one exists for that region). The goat herder feels so strongly that he will accept back the tokens for goats that in order to build confidence in people he takes $1,000 dollars it up into a contract on a blockchain (using his feature phone). That means anyone who has goat tokens can trade their tokens for national currency without any middleman. Plus, if anyone adds to the reserve of dollars they can create more goat tokens. + +Now the goat herder has promises of goats as backing for his tokens as well as some collateral in national dollars. If he ends up with all the tokens again by selling goats he can simply cash out those vouchers to get back his reserve. Doing this on a public blockchain means that anyone can see the backing for his tokens now in dollars (or any reserve token such as xDAI). That helps with the tracking problem and the backing problem - both good for trust. + + **Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve.** + **Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve.** + **Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve.** + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + **Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve.** + **Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve.** + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + + +Target reserve ratio (TRR) +The Target Reserve Ratio is the point at which the contract on the blockchain will give $1 of reserve dollars for 1 goat token. When the herder creates his reserve of dollars on the blockchain he fixes a Target Reserve Ratio. The higher the TRR, the more stable the price of the token will be. Let's say he chooses 10% for his TRR. This would mean that when there are $1,000 dollars in reserve and a total supply of 10,000 goat tokens, the value of those tokens will be 1 token = $1 dollar. Another term for the contract that shows the relationship between the value of dollars and the value of goat tokens is the bonding curve. + +Shares of an asset +Using this bonding curve means that as reserve is added (+) the value of the goat tokens will go up compared to the dollar reserve. +As tokens are destroyed and reserve is pulled out (-) the value of the remaining goat tokens will go down compared to the dollar reserve. + + **ratio** + **(** + **TRR** + **)** + + +1 + + + +of + + + +for + + + +1 + + + +. + + + +of + + + +. + + + +TRR + + + +, + + + +of + + + +. + + + +10 + + + +% + + + +for + + + +TRR + + + +. + + + +1 + + + +, + + + +000 + + + +in + + + +of + + + +10 + + + +, + + + +000 + + + +, + + + +of + + + +1 + + + += + + + +1 + + + +. + + + +for + + + +of + + + +of + + + +. + + **of** + + +this + + + +as + + + +added + + + +( + + + ++ + + + +) + + + +of + + + +. + + + +out + + + +( + + + +- + + + +) + + + +of + + + +. + + **Primary Market +The goat herder creates a primary market around his goats by spending and redeeming tokens. He keeps the value of his goat tokens stable by backing them over time with his goats. His token is stable over time for as long as he redeems the tokens and people want the goats. Primary markets are important because they determine the base value of goods and establish a value for the tokens. + +Secondary Market +What happens If the value of the goat tokens drops (-) below a dollar because people at the cereals shop are cashing them out for reserve? Then it becomes even more attractive for people who want to buy goats. Anyone who wants goats could also add reserves cheaply in order to claim them for goats later. The issuer (the goat herder) could also add national currency to the reserve (the secondary market on the blockchain) and create more tokens to pay for more labor. + +The primary market forms the basis for value on the secondary market. As the secondary market value goes up (+) more people will cash out the tokens for dollars. The more it drops (-) the more people will cheaply buy tokens to get goats. + +More Currencies, More Resilience +Because the herder has added a reserve to his token, it means that his token will automatically have value against other tokens with the same or connected reserves. This means that anyone in the world could accept the herder’s credit (tokens) because they can always see the reserve on the blockchain behind it. They can convert it to the reserve and also put that reserve into their own tokens. + +Risks +The inherent risk in trusting any single issuer of a currency is that they will no longer be able to, or just stop, reclaiming the tokens for goats (or goods or services - whatever is backing the currency). (This is akin to a bank run). By adding collateral to a reserve, a secondary market can reduce risk and build trust. It can also enable many credit systems to connect together into larger economies. We’ve seen this build stable markets that allow communities to trade their goods and services with a much wider population. + +The risks of using tokens with on-chain collateral are easily measurable based on the size of the reserve, the trade on the network, and the target reserve ratio. In contrast, the risk of accepting a token that’s only backed by physical goats requires that I both want a goat (or I know others that do) and trust that the promised goats will be around.** + + +Primary Market +The goat herder creates a primary market around his goats by spending and redeeming tokens. He keeps the value of his goat tokens stable by backing them over time with his goats. His token is stable over time for as long as he redeems the tokens and people want the goats. Primary markets are important because they determine the base value of goods and establish a value for the tokens. + +Secondary Market +What happens If the value of the goat tokens drops (-) below a dollar because people at the cereals shop are cashing them out for reserve? Then it becomes even more attractive for people who want to buy goats. Anyone who wants goats could also add reserves cheaply in order to claim them for goats later. The issuer (the goat herder) could also add national currency to the reserve (the secondary market on the blockchain) and create more tokens to pay for more labor. + +The primary market forms the basis for value on the secondary market. As the secondary market value goes up (+) more people will cash out the tokens for dollars. The more it drops (-) the more people will cheaply buy tokens to get goats. + +More Currencies, More Resilience +Because the herder has added a reserve to his token, it means that his token will automatically have value against other tokens with the same or connected reserves. This means that anyone in the world could accept the herder’s credit (tokens) because they can always see the reserve on the blockchain behind it. They can convert it to the reserve and also put that reserve into their own tokens. + +Risks +The inherent risk in trusting any single issuer of a currency is that they will no longer be able to, or just stop, reclaiming the tokens for goats (or goods or services - whatever is backing the currency). (This is akin to a bank run). By adding collateral to a reserve, a secondary market can reduce risk and build trust. It can also enable many credit systems to connect together into larger economies. We’ve seen this build stable markets that allow communities to trade their goods and services with a much wider population. + +The risks of using tokens with on-chain collateral are easily measurable based on the size of the reserve, the trade on the network, and the target reserve ratio. In contrast, the risk of accepting a token that’s only backed by physical goats requires that I both want a goat (or I know others that do) and trust that the promised goats will be around. + + **Primary Market +The goat herder creates a primary market around his goats by spending and redeeming tokens. He keeps the value of his goat tokens stable by backing them over time with his goats. His token is stable over time for as long as he redeems the tokens and people want the goats. Primary markets are important because they determine the base value of goods and establish a value for the tokens. + +Secondary Market +What happens If the value of the goat tokens drops (-) below a dollar because people at the cereals shop are cashing them out for reserve? Then it becomes even more attractive for people who want to buy goats. Anyone who wants goats could also add reserves cheaply in order to claim them for goats later. The issuer (the goat herder) could also add national currency to the reserve (the secondary market on the blockchain) and create more tokens to pay for more labor. + +The primary market forms the basis for value on the secondary market. As the secondary market value goes up (+) more people will cash out the tokens for dollars. The more it drops (-) the more people will cheaply buy tokens to get goats. + +More Currencies, More Resilience +Because the herder has added a reserve to his token, it means that his token will automatically have value against other tokens with the same or connected reserves. This means that anyone in the world could accept the herder’s credit (tokens) because they can always see the reserve on the blockchain behind it. They can convert it to the reserve and also put that reserve into their own tokens. + +Risks +The inherent risk in trusting any single issuer of a currency is that they will no longer be able to, or just stop, reclaiming the tokens for goats (or goods or services - whatever is backing the currency). (This is akin to a bank run). By adding collateral to a reserve, a secondary market can reduce risk and build trust. It can also enable many credit systems to connect together into larger economies. We’ve seen this build stable markets that allow communities to trade their goods and services with a much wider population. + +The risks of using tokens with on-chain collateral are easily measurable based on the size of the reserve, the trade on the network, and the target reserve ratio. In contrast, the risk of accepting a token that’s only backed by physical goats requires that I both want a goat (or I know others that do) and trust that the promised goats will be around.** + + +Primary Market +The goat herder creates a primary market around his goats by spending and redeeming tokens. He keeps the value of his goat tokens stable by backing them over time with his goats. His token is stable over time for as long as he redeems the tokens and people want the goats. Primary markets are important because they determine the base value of goods and establish a value for the tokens. + +Secondary Market +What happens If the value of the goat tokens drops (-) below a dollar because people at the cereals shop are cashing them out for reserve? Then it becomes even more attractive for people who want to buy goats. Anyone who wants goats could also add reserves cheaply in order to claim them for goats later. The issuer (the goat herder) could also add national currency to the reserve (the secondary market on the blockchain) and create more tokens to pay for more labor. + +The primary market forms the basis for value on the secondary market. As the secondary market value goes up (+) more people will cash out the tokens for dollars. The more it drops (-) the more people will cheaply buy tokens to get goats. + +More Currencies, More Resilience +Because the herder has added a reserve to his token, it means that his token will automatically have value against other tokens with the same or connected reserves. This means that anyone in the world could accept the herder’s credit (tokens) because they can always see the reserve on the blockchain behind it. They can convert it to the reserve and also put that reserve into their own tokens. + +Risks +The inherent risk in trusting any single issuer of a currency is that they will no longer be able to, or just stop, reclaiming the tokens for goats (or goods or services - whatever is backing the currency). (This is akin to a bank run). By adding collateral to a reserve, a secondary market can reduce risk and build trust. It can also enable many credit systems to connect together into larger economies. We’ve seen this build stable markets that allow communities to trade their goods and services with a much wider population. + +The risks of using tokens with on-chain collateral are easily measurable based on the size of the reserve, the trade on the network, and the target reserve ratio. In contrast, the risk of accepting a token that’s only backed by physical goats requires that I both want a goat (or I know others that do) and trust that the promised goats will be around. + + **Primary Market +The goat herder creates a primary market around his goats by spending and redeeming tokens. He keeps the value of his goat tokens stable by backing them over time with his goats. His token is stable over time for as long as he redeems the tokens and people want the goats. Primary markets are important because they determine the base value of goods and establish a value for the tokens. + +Secondary Market +What happens If the value of the goat tokens drops (-) below a dollar because people at the cereals shop are cashing them out for reserve? Then it becomes even more attractive for people who want to buy goats. Anyone who wants goats could also add reserves cheaply in order to claim them for goats later. The issuer (the goat herder) could also add national currency to the reserve (the secondary market on the blockchain) and create more tokens to pay for more labor. + +The primary market forms the basis for value on the secondary market. As the secondary market value goes up (+) more people will cash out the tokens for dollars. The more it drops (-) the more people will cheaply buy tokens to get goats. + +More Currencies, More Resilience +Because the herder has added a reserve to his token, it means that his token will automatically have value against other tokens with the same or connected reserves. This means that anyone in the world could accept the herder’s credit (tokens) because they can always see the reserve on the blockchain behind it. They can convert it to the reserve and also put that reserve into their own tokens. + +Risks +The inherent risk in trusting any single issuer of a currency is that they will no longer be able to, or just stop, reclaiming the tokens for goats (or goods or services - whatever is backing the currency). (This is akin to a bank run). By adding collateral to a reserve, a secondary market can reduce risk and build trust. It can also enable many credit systems to connect together into larger economies. We’ve seen this build stable markets that allow communities to trade their goods and services with a much wider population. + +The risks of using tokens with on-chain collateral are easily measurable based on the size of the reserve, the trade on the network, and the target reserve ratio. In contrast, the risk of accepting a token that’s only backed by physical goats requires that I both want a goat (or I know others that do) and trust that the promised goats will be around.** + + +Primary Market +The goat herder creates a primary market around his goats by spending and redeeming tokens. He keeps the value of his goat tokens stable by backing them over time with his goats. His token is stable over time for as long as he redeems the tokens and people want the goats. Primary markets are important because they determine the base value of goods and establish a value for the tokens. + +Secondary Market +What happens If the value of the goat tokens drops (-) below a dollar because people at the cereals shop are cashing them out for reserve? Then it becomes even more attractive for people who want to buy goats. Anyone who wants goats could also add reserves cheaply in order to claim them for goats later. The issuer (the goat herder) could also add national currency to the reserve (the secondary market on the blockchain) and create more tokens to pay for more labor. + +The primary market forms the basis for value on the secondary market. As the secondary market value goes up (+) more people will cash out the tokens for dollars. The more it drops (-) the more people will cheaply buy tokens to get goats. + +More Currencies, More Resilience +Because the herder has added a reserve to his token, it means that his token will automatically have value against other tokens with the same or connected reserves. This means that anyone in the world could accept the herder’s credit (tokens) because they can always see the reserve on the blockchain behind it. They can convert it to the reserve and also put that reserve into their own tokens. + +Risks +The inherent risk in trusting any single issuer of a currency is that they will no longer be able to, or just stop, reclaiming the tokens for goats (or goods or services - whatever is backing the currency). (This is akin to a bank run). By adding collateral to a reserve, a secondary market can reduce risk and build trust. It can also enable many credit systems to connect together into larger economies. We’ve seen this build stable markets that allow communities to trade their goods and services with a much wider population. + +The risks of using tokens with on-chain collateral are easily measurable based on the size of the reserve, the trade on the network, and the target reserve ratio. In contrast, the risk of accepting a token that’s only backed by physical goats requires that I both want a goat (or I know others that do) and trust that the promised goats will be around. + + **Primary Market +The goat herder creates a primary market around his goats by spending and redeeming tokens. He keeps the value of his goat tokens stable by backing them over time with his goats. His token is stable over time for as long as he redeems the tokens and people want the goats. Primary markets are important because they determine the base value of goods and establish a value for the tokens. + +Secondary Market +What happens If the value of the goat tokens drops (-) below a dollar because people at the cereals shop are cashing them out for reserve? Then it becomes even more attractive for people who want to buy goats. Anyone who wants goats could also add reserves cheaply in order to claim them for goats later. The issuer (the goat herder) could also add national currency to the reserve (the secondary market on the blockchain) and create more tokens to pay for more labor. + +The primary market forms the basis for value on the secondary market. As the secondary market value goes up (+) more people will cash out the tokens for dollars. The more it drops (-) the more people will cheaply buy tokens to get goats. + +More Currencies, More Resilience +Because the herder has added a reserve to his token, it means that his token will automatically have value against other tokens with the same or connected reserves. This means that anyone in the world could accept the herder’s credit (tokens) because they can always see the reserve on the blockchain behind it. They can convert it to the reserve and also put that reserve into their own tokens. + +Risks +The inherent risk in trusting any single issuer of a currency is that they will no longer be able to, or just stop, reclaiming the tokens for goats (or goods or services - whatever is backing the currency). (This is akin to a bank run). By adding collateral to a reserve, a secondary market can reduce risk and build trust. It can also enable many credit systems to connect together into larger economies. We’ve seen this build stable markets that allow communities to trade their goods and services with a much wider population. + +The risks of using tokens with on-chain collateral are easily measurable based on the size of the reserve, the trade on the network, and the target reserve ratio. In contrast, the risk of accepting a token that’s only backed by physical goats requires that I both want a goat (or I know others that do) and trust that the promised goats will be around.** + + +Primary Market +The goat herder creates a primary market around his goats by spending and redeeming tokens. He keeps the value of his goat tokens stable by backing them over time with his goats. His token is stable over time for as long as he redeems the tokens and people want the goats. Primary markets are important because they determine the base value of goods and establish a value for the tokens. + +Secondary Market +What happens If the value of the goat tokens drops (-) below a dollar because people at the cereals shop are cashing them out for reserve? Then it becomes even more attractive for people who want to buy goats. Anyone who wants goats could also add reserves cheaply in order to claim them for goats later. The issuer (the goat herder) could also add national currency to the reserve (the secondary market on the blockchain) and create more tokens to pay for more labor. + +The primary market forms the basis for value on the secondary market. As the secondary market value goes up (+) more people will cash out the tokens for dollars. The more it drops (-) the more people will cheaply buy tokens to get goats. + +More Currencies, More Resilience +Because the herder has added a reserve to his token, it means that his token will automatically have value against other tokens with the same or connected reserves. This means that anyone in the world could accept the herder’s credit (tokens) because they can always see the reserve on the blockchain behind it. They can convert it to the reserve and also put that reserve into their own tokens. + +Risks +The inherent risk in trusting any single issuer of a currency is that they will no longer be able to, or just stop, reclaiming the tokens for goats (or goods or services - whatever is backing the currency). (This is akin to a bank run). By adding collateral to a reserve, a secondary market can reduce risk and build trust. It can also enable many credit systems to connect together into larger economies. We’ve seen this build stable markets that allow communities to trade their goods and services with a much wider population. + +The risks of using tokens with on-chain collateral are easily measurable based on the size of the reserve, the trade on the network, and the target reserve ratio. In contrast, the risk of accepting a token that’s only backed by physical goats requires that I both want a goat (or I know others that do) and trust that the promised goats will be around. + + + + +Takeaway +Credit creation can be regulated and de-risked in a whole new way, where anyone could potentially issue their own credit. A network of such credit issuers and users can form a decentralized economy, which is more resilient to crisis. This is what Grassroots Economics is doing with partners like the Red Cross. + +The technology is now open source and we encourage replication and development. You can see more of the impact in Kenya here with nearly 100K USD trading on the networks monthly. We hope to open this secondary market up for anyone to contribute in the next two months. + + **Takeaway +Credit creation can be regulated and de-risked in a whole new way, where anyone could potentially issue their own credit. A network of such credit issuers and users can form a decentralized economy, which is more resilient to crisis. This is what Grassroots Economics is doing with partners like the Red Cross. + +The technology is now open source and we encourage replication and development. You can see more of the impact in Kenya here with nearly 100K USD trading on the networks monthly. We hope to open this secondary market up for anyone to contribute in the next two months.** + + + +Takeaway +Credit creation can be regulated and de-risked in a whole new way, where anyone could potentially issue their own credit. A network of such credit issuers and users can form a decentralized economy, which is more resilient to crisis. This is what Grassroots Economics is doing with partners like the Red Cross. + +The technology is now open source and we encourage replication and development. You can see more of the impact in Kenya here with nearly 100K USD trading on the networks monthly. We hope to open this secondary market up for anyone to contribute in the next two months. + + + + +Takeaway +Credit creation can be regulated and de-risked in a whole new way, where anyone could potentially issue their own credit. A network of such credit issuers and users can form a decentralized economy, which is more resilient to crisis. This is what Grassroots Economics is doing with partners like the Red Cross. + +The technology is now open source and we encourage replication and development. You can see more of the impact in Kenya here with nearly 100K USD trading on the networks monthly. We hope to open this secondary market up for anyone to contribute in the next two months. + + `here with nearly 100K USD trading on the networks monthly `_ + + +Timely: How this impacts aid and COVID-19 +What if instead of goats, a non-profit created a primary market of credit with donor funds to bolster local food security and health? The secondary market on the blockchain allows anyone in the world to add reserve (liquidity) and give more value to these tokens. It’s a way to multiply donor funds and allow locals like the goat herder to buy and sell the goods they need. At a time when international and national markets are collapsing, tools that allow people at the local level to trade needed goods and services without national currency is critical. + +How can I do it? +https://katanapools.com/ is a site where you can use the Bancor protocol to create a goat token or any other and add one or multiple reserves to it on the Ethereum blockchain. More in this Medium article. + +All the code to create and trade these types of tokens is open source. To understand the bonding curves we use,read the open source Bancor Protocol whitepaper: https://storage.googleapis.com/website-bancor/2018/04/01ba8253-bancor_protocol_whitepaper_en.pdf + + + **Timely: How this impacts aid and COVID-19 +What if instead of goats, a non-profit created a primary market of credit with donor funds to bolster local food security and health? The secondary market on the blockchain allows anyone in the world to add reserve (liquidity) and give more value to these tokens. It’s a way to multiply donor funds and allow locals like the goat herder to buy and sell the goods they need. At a time when international and national markets are collapsing, tools that allow people at the local level to trade needed goods and services without national currency is critical. + +How can I do it? +https://katanapools.com/ is a site where you can use the Bancor protocol to create a goat token or any other and add one or multiple reserves to it on the Ethereum blockchain. More in this Medium article. + +All the code to create and trade these types of tokens is open source. To understand the bonding curves we use,read the open source Bancor Protocol whitepaper: https://storage.googleapis.com/website-bancor/2018/04/01ba8253-bancor_protocol_whitepaper_en.pdf** + + + +Timely: How this impacts aid and COVID-19 +What if instead of goats, a non-profit created a primary market of credit with donor funds to bolster local food security and health? The secondary market on the blockchain allows anyone in the world to add reserve (liquidity) and give more value to these tokens. It’s a way to multiply donor funds and allow locals like the goat herder to buy and sell the goods they need. At a time when international and national markets are collapsing, tools that allow people at the local level to trade needed goods and services without national currency is critical. + +How can I do it? +https://katanapools.com/ is a site where you can use the Bancor protocol to create a goat token or any other and add one or multiple reserves to it on the Ethereum blockchain. More in this Medium article. + +All the code to create and trade these types of tokens is open source. To understand the bonding curves we use,read the open source Bancor Protocol whitepaper: https://storage.googleapis.com/website-bancor/2018/04/01ba8253-bancor_protocol_whitepaper_en.pdf + + + **Timely: How this impacts aid and COVID-19 +What if instead of goats, a non-profit created a primary market of credit with donor funds to bolster local food security and health? The secondary market on the blockchain allows anyone in the world to add reserve (liquidity) and give more value to these tokens. It’s a way to multiply donor funds and allow locals like the goat herder to buy and sell the goods they need. At a time when international and national markets are collapsing, tools that allow people at the local level to trade needed goods and services without national currency is critical. + +How can I do it? +https://katanapools.com/ is a site where you can use the Bancor protocol to create a goat token or any other and add one or multiple reserves to it on the Ethereum blockchain. More in this Medium article. + +All the code to create and trade these types of tokens is open source. To understand the bonding curves we use,read the open source Bancor Protocol whitepaper: https://storage.googleapis.com/website-bancor/2018/04/01ba8253-bancor_protocol_whitepaper_en.pdf** + + + +Timely: How this impacts aid and COVID-19 +What if instead of goats, a non-profit created a primary market of credit with donor funds to bolster local food security and health? The secondary market on the blockchain allows anyone in the world to add reserve (liquidity) and give more value to these tokens. It’s a way to multiply donor funds and allow locals like the goat herder to buy and sell the goods they need. At a time when international and national markets are collapsing, tools that allow people at the local level to trade needed goods and services without national currency is critical. + +How can I do it? +https://katanapools.com/ is a site where you can use the Bancor protocol to create a goat token or any other and add one or multiple reserves to it on the Ethereum blockchain. More in this Medium article. + +All the code to create and trade these types of tokens is open source. To understand the bonding curves we use,read the open source Bancor Protocol whitepaper: https://storage.googleapis.com/website-bancor/2018/04/01ba8253-bancor_protocol_whitepaper_en.pdf + + + + + +Timely: How this impacts aid and COVID-19 +What if instead of goats, a non-profit created a primary market of credit with donor funds to bolster local food security and health? The secondary market on the blockchain allows anyone in the world to add reserve (liquidity) and give more value to these tokens. It’s a way to multiply donor funds and allow locals like the goat herder to buy and sell the goods they need. At a time when international and national markets are collapsing, tools that allow people at the local level to trade needed goods and services without national currency is critical. + +How can I do it? +https://katanapools.com/ is a site where you can use the Bancor protocol to create a goat token or any other and add one or multiple reserves to it on the Ethereum blockchain. More in this Medium article. + +All the code to create and trade these types of tokens is open source. To understand the bonding curves we use,read the open source Bancor Protocol whitepaper: https://storage.googleapis.com/website-bancor/2018/04/01ba8253-bancor_protocol_whitepaper_en.pdf + + + + + +Timely: How this impacts aid and COVID-19 +What if instead of goats, a non-profit created a primary market of credit with donor funds to bolster local food security and health? The secondary market on the blockchain allows anyone in the world to add reserve (liquidity) and give more value to these tokens. It’s a way to multiply donor funds and allow locals like the goat herder to buy and sell the goods they need. At a time when international and national markets are collapsing, tools that allow people at the local level to trade needed goods and services without national currency is critical. + +How can I do it? +https://katanapools.com/ is a site where you can use the Bancor protocol to create a goat token or any other and add one or multiple reserves to it on the Ethereum blockchain. More in this Medium article. + +All the code to create and trade these types of tokens is open source. To understand the bonding curves we use,read the open source Bancor Protocol whitepaper: https://storage.googleapis.com/website-bancor/2018/04/01ba8253-bancor_protocol_whitepaper_en.pdf + + + `https://katanapools.com/ `_ `https://storage.googleapis.com/website-bancor/2018/04/01ba8253-bancor_protocol_whitepaper_en.pdf `_ **How can I support? +Turning these open source infrastructures into something anyone in the world can use is our priority. We are racing to address the widespread impact of COVID-19 on people’s income, food security, and health. Funding to bring on more developers and to do more pilots and help communities right now is what we need. Please contact us if you would like to take part.** + + +How can I support? +Turning these open source infrastructures into something anyone in the world can use is our priority. We are racing to address the widespread impact of COVID-19 on people’s income, food security, and health. Funding to bring on more developers and to do more pilots and help communities right now is what we need. Please contact us if you would like to take part. + diff --git a/content/blog/detergent-accelerator.rst b/content/blog/detergent-accelerator.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..712d431 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/detergent-accelerator.rst @@ -0,0 +1,48 @@ +:title: Detergent Accelerator +:author: Daniel Mukosia +:date: Mar 13, 2017 +:slug: detergent-accelerator + +:summary: Julius Nyelele has been a member of Lindi Business Network for more than one year. He is a roadside seller of washing detergents and body... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/detergent-accelerator18.webp + + + + + + + +Julius Nyelele has been a member of Lindi Business Network for more than one year. He is a roadside seller of washing detergents and body jelly. He says that, at first he never understood the concept behind community currency, but later when he actively started using Sarafu-Credit he got more customers who are part of the Business Network. He has been selling most of his products along the road since he didn’t have a place to store his products, but currently he has a host of ready customers who are part of the business network that always purchase his products using Kenya Shillings and Sarafu-Credit (Community currency). He says that his products are always first moving now and that’s increasing his sales and savings. He is also starting to use the community super market space to store his products and has expanded his business to selling larger quantities. + + + + + + + +Julius is benefiting from increased connection among the members and businesses of his community. By virtue of hundreds of shops receiving an interest free credit to use among each-other in an area overall efficiency greatly increases. Instead of waiting on Kenyan Shillings to make a purchase, members of these networks can trade using credit that is readily available. These networks also develop assets, like supermarket stock, that backs the credits (community currency) in case of defaults and to grow the credit supply. + + + +#detergent #bodyoil #businessaccelerator + + + +#detergent #bodyoil #businessaccelerator + + `#detergent `_ + +#detergent + + `#bodyoil `_ + +#bodyoil + + `#businessaccelerator `_ + +#businessaccelerator + diff --git a/content/blog/disrupting-currencies.rst b/content/blog/disrupting-currencies.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2a87d46 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/disrupting-currencies.rst @@ -0,0 +1,254 @@ +:title: Disrupting Currencies +:author: Lynda Chalker +:date: Oct 3, 2018 +:slug: disrupting-currencies + +:summary: Grassroots Economics Foundation has been at the forefront of empowering bottom-of-the-pyramid communities in Kenya by use of Sarafu... + + + + +Grassroots Economics Foundation has been at the forefront of empowering bottom-of-the-pyramid communities in Kenya by use of Sarafu Network; a network of Community Currencies, (CCs), operating in Nairobi and Mombasa respectively. + + + + + + + + + + + +It started with 75 businesses in Kongowea (Mombasa) launching Eco Pesa as the first local currency in 2010, then Bangla-Pesa in Mikindani-Mombasa-Kenya, which the locals embraced. To-date, community members have been using it as a Community Currency to pay for goods and services enriching their daily lives. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/disrupting-currencies30.webp + + + + Will Rúddick the pioneer of community currencies in Kenya, listening at a strategic planning session. + + *Will Rúddick the pioneer of community currencies in Kenya, listening at a strategic planning session.* + + + + + + +This project, which started with an aim to reduce economic instability in marginalize communities has seen people and businesses increase local trade by providing a complementary means of payment where the national currency is scarce. This reduces debts as CCs become a spending currency while the Kenyan shilling, becomes a tool for saving. In Nairobi, more than 1000 small businesses take an active role in their own economic development in this way. This has led to a 17% increase in local jobs creation and 37% growth in sales revenue through the frequent transactions that happen in these Sarafu-Credit locales. + + + +This project, which started with an aim to reduce economic instability in marginalize communities has seen people and businesses increase local trade by providing a complementary means of payment where the national currency is scarce. This reduces debts as CCs become a spending currency while the Kenyan shilling, becomes a tool for saving. In Nairobi, more than 1000 small businesses take an active role in their own economic development in this way. This has led to a 17% increase in local jobs creation and 37% growth in sales revenue through the frequent transactions that happen in these Sarafu-Credit locales. + + ` Sarafu-Credit locales. `_ + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/disrupting-currencies57.webp + + + + + + + +The good news about this is that Sarafu-Credit users in these communities, no longer depend on their income or wages as the only way to cater for their daily needs. They can now depend on each other and use local currencies to buy food like fruits, vegetables, snacks and access services like tailoring, hairdressing and getting rid of waste materials dumped within the community. + + + + + + + +Community Currencies in the Sarafu Network like Gatina Pesa in Kawangware connect underutilized work forces with unused resources to create local industries that guarantee the provision of basic needs. + + + + + + + +So, how do people in the Network use Sarafu-Credit? + + `Sarafu-Credit? `_ + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/disrupting-currencies92.webp + + *Sarafu-Credit users in Gatina, Kawangware* + + + + + + +Sarafu-Credit users get to access goods and services from sellers who accept the CCs, creating a network of traders who unite the different areas and hence uplifting the economy of that community. + + + + + + + +Besides, traders using Sarafu-Credit as an alternative economic system and supplementing the inadequate national currency, they are also achieving SDGs goals themselves in vulnerable communities. For example, Sarafu has a direct impact on; food security, decent work, sustainable communities and economic growth. + + + + + + **Design and cultural symbolism of community currency.** + + + + + + +Sarafu-Credit is created using cryptocurrencies and also is printed on high-quality paper with designs and symbolic representations depicting the cultural values of the community. This leaves no room for counterfeiting. Participants involved accept and agree on this form of exchange, creating a connected and liquid market for all the Community Currencies in these regions. + + + + + + + +What to note is, the implementation of CCs system in Kenya, is an innovative way of improve living standards, as it also protects and advances Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). + + + + + + + +SDG’s can be tied to community currencies, whereby for instance, farmers could be linked directly with urban consumers by using a local currency, enhancing food security. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/disrupting-currencies144.webp + + + + + + *The Chief Operating Officer of Grassroots Economics, Emanuel Dominic delivering a presentation on community currencies.* + + + + + + +Community events like the one in the photo below in Nairobi and Mombasa target community members who are new to the concept of community currencies and the longtime users who will be recognized for their knowledge/progress as Sarafu-Credit users and ability to take charge of their lives. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/disrupting-currencies171.webp + + *A Sarafu-Credit user from Lindi, Kibera.* + + + + + + +This is an open day dedicated to community sharing, networking, educating and training on how the CCs work, as well as coming together to implement new ways that their own Community Currency will improve their communities. + + + + + + + +For future updates; Subscribe to our newsletter (link to newsletter) and like our social media platforms. + + + + + + + +Use the hashtag #sarafucredit #lindipesa #complementarycommunitycurrency #Economics4Change to join the conversation. + + + +Use the hashtag #sarafucredit #lindipesa #complementarycommunitycurrency #Economics4Change to join the conversation. + + + +Use the hashtag #sarafucredit #lindipesa #complementarycommunitycurrency #Economics4Change to join the conversation. + + + +Use the hashtag #sarafucredit #lindipesa #complementarycommunitycurrency #Economics4Change to join the conversation. + + + +Use the hashtag #sarafucredit #lindipesa #complementarycommunitycurrency #Economics4Change to join the conversation. + + `#sarafucredit `_ + +#sarafucredit + + `#lindipesa `_ + +#lindipesa + + `#complementarycommunitycurrency `_ + +#complementarycommunitycurrency + + `#Economics4Change `_ + +#Economics4Change + + + + + + + + +#sarafucredit #lindipesa #Economics4change #complementarycommunitycurrency #SarafuCredit + + + +#sarafucredit #lindipesa #Economics4change #complementarycommunitycurrency #SarafuCredit + + + +#sarafucredit #lindipesa #Economics4change #complementarycommunitycurrency #SarafuCredit + + + +#sarafucredit #lindipesa #Economics4change #complementarycommunitycurrency #SarafuCredit + + `#sarafucredit `_ + +#sarafucredit + + `#lindipesa `_ + +#lindipesa + + `#Economics4change `_ + +#Economics4change + + `#complementarycommunitycurrency `_ + +#complementarycommunitycurrency + + `#SarafuCredit `_ + +#SarafuCredit + diff --git a/content/blog/economies-into.rst b/content/blog/economies-into.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..12a3373 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/economies-into.rst @@ -0,0 +1,122 @@ +:title: Economies into Ecosystems +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 25, 2019 +:slug: economies-into + +:summary: The reserve behind these tokens, the actual aid funding, was about $2.5k USD). +This means that $2,500 USD of Aid funds created 10,000 tokens + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/economies-into18.webp + + + + + + + +This is one of 6 locations around Kenya using Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs). Here you can see the trading between the 1,877 most-active users in the Mnyenzeni area of Kwale, Kenya (a chronically food-insecure area) over the last 2 months – November and December 2019. Their total amount of trade together was 5,476,805 tokens locally worth about $50,000 USD. To put this in context: Each user represents a family of ~5 living on ~50 USD a month – while they continue to spend that 50 USD they are now spending an additional 30 USD of CICs. Hence CIC spending could average around 38% of their spending – this is an increase of 1.6 times their consumption. That is roughly 1.6 times the children going to school regularly, 1.6 more meals being eaten and so on. + + + + + + + +Rather than simply give out national currency as in typical aid programs the idea here is to seed the reserves of Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs). The CICs leverage their reserve into 4x the amount of local credit available. CIC are essentially shares of both underlying reserves as well as social capital (community acceptance). People can use them to pull out the national currency in reserve over time or trade them with each other – acting as a medium of exchange when national currency is scarce. + + + +This $50,000 USD of trade acts as a sustainable buffer system that is resilient to shocks that cause National Currency to vanish and stall markets. It is filling a gap left by a lack of medium of exchange. The 50,000 USD of trade shown here was done using roughly 10,000 tokens (CICs) each given an initial local value of about $1 USD. The reserve behind these tokens, the actual aid funding, was about $2.5k USD). + + + +This means that $2,500 USD of Aid funds created 10,000 tokens (CICs) which were treated as shares and given a value of $10,000 USD – which was used to facilitate $50,000 USD of trade – this is an impact multiplier of 20x! + + + + + + + +What is exciting about CICs is that any community could decide to take some capital and treat it as a commons and leverage it into a local credit system – and integrate with other credit systems. Those 1,877 users above are using 3 distinct Community Inclusion Currencies backed by different groups of businesses and their own reserves. + + + + + + **So how did these 3 currencies get started in the Mnyenzeni area of Kenya? Reserves in Kenyan Shillings were added by donors and the CICs were minted based on that collateral. The Chief, elders, and women’s groups all came together for training from other communities already using CICs and began using a feature phone-based (button phone = no need for internet or smart phone) platform to trade with each other, each having received an air-drop of 400 CICs (worth about $4 USD). Here in Kenya the injection of seed capital from Humanitarian Aid into the reserves of these systems is the jump start (bootstrap) that gets everyone involved and builds trust in the system. Most importantly the marketplace starts with a few groups (mostly savings and loan women’s groups) and foundational businesses or cooperatives that agree to accepting CICs. They give users a reason to continually refill the reserve and increase the value of the CICs.** + + +So how did these 3 currencies get started in the Mnyenzeni area of Kenya? Reserves in Kenyan Shillings were added by donors and the CICs were minted based on that collateral. The Chief, elders, and women’s groups all came together for training from other communities already using CICs and began using a feature phone-based (button phone = no need for internet or smart phone) platform to trade with each other, each having received an air-drop of 400 CICs (worth about $4 USD). Here in Kenya the injection of seed capital from Humanitarian Aid into the reserves of these systems is the jump start (bootstrap) that gets everyone involved and builds trust in the system. Most importantly the marketplace starts with a few groups (mostly savings and loan women’s groups) and foundational businesses or cooperatives that agree to accepting CICs. They give users a reason to continually refill the reserve and increase the value of the CICs. + + + + + + + +What most excites me about 2020 is that these tools are being piloted and made available on an open source platform and could be available via Red Cross worldwide in the next few years. This means a lot for humanitarian aid, for poverty and for humanity. + + + +What most excites me about 2020 is that these tools are being piloted and made available on an open source platform and could be available via Red Cross worldwide in the next few years. This means a lot for humanitarian aid, for poverty and for humanity. + + + +What most excites me about 2020 is that these tools are being piloted and made available on an open source platform and could be available via Red Cross worldwide in the next few years. This means a lot for humanitarian aid, for poverty and for humanity. + + ` open source platform `_ + +#RedCross #Sempo #CICs #HimanitarianAid #Kenya #Economies #Ecosystems + + + +#RedCross #Sempo #CICs #HimanitarianAid #Kenya #Economies #Ecosystems + + + +#RedCross #Sempo #CICs #HimanitarianAid #Kenya #Economies #Ecosystems + + + +#RedCross #Sempo #CICs #HimanitarianAid #Kenya #Economies #Ecosystems + + + +#RedCross #Sempo #CICs #HimanitarianAid #Kenya #Economies #Ecosystems + + + +#RedCross #Sempo #CICs #HimanitarianAid #Kenya #Economies #Ecosystems + + `#RedCross `_ + +#RedCross + + `#Sempo `_ + +#Sempo + + `#CICs `_ + +#CICs + + `#HimanitarianAid `_ + +#HimanitarianAid + + `#Kenya `_ + +#Kenya + + `#Economies `_ + +#Economies + + `#Ecosystems `_ + +#Ecosystems + diff --git a/content/blog/education-and.rst b/content/blog/education-and.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2368552 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/education-and.rst @@ -0,0 +1,68 @@ +:title: Education and Business Cycles +:author: Ruth Mwangi +:date: Oct 19, 2016 +:slug: education-and + +:summary: A lot has been said about the education system in Kenya. The introduction of free primary education in 2003 was received with mixed... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/education-and18.webp + + + + + + + +A lot has been said about the education system in Kenya. The introduction of free primary education in 2003 was received with mixed reactions across the country, UNESCO, (2005). The government’s task force reported that the implementation of the program was faced with a number of glaring challenges that required to address. Delays in the disbursement of funds to support free primary school education have frustrated many teachers and put financial pressure on parents. + + + + + + + +According to UNESCO, 2015, the mismanagement, misallocation and embezzlement of funds by corrupt government officials is another challenge facing free primary education in Kenya. + + + + + + + +Since privately-ran schools do not benefit from free primary education, they are faced with the challenge of students missing school due to lack of tuition fees; but not in the 14 schools in Gatina and Kangemi area where parents have the liberty of supplementing their children’s school fees with Sarafu-Credit. A teacher offering tuition on a Saturday morning would accept between 10% and 50% of payment in Sarafu-Credit and the rest in Kenya Shillings. A school such as Sifa School located in Nairobi’s Kawangware area accepts at least 100 Sarafu-Credit for every Ksh. 1000 paid as school fees. Sifa School has not only been accepting part of its school fees in Sarafu-Credit, it has also being using this form of community currency for salary advances to its teachers since October 2014. This arrangement has seen less students miss school due to lack of National currency while enabling teachers to get access to advance payments in Sarafu-Credit. + + + + + + + +Accumulated Sarafu-Credit is traded back in the community for fruits, vegetables and other basic needs; while the vendors in turn use the Sarafu-Credit received to supplement their children’s school fees. Excess Sarafu-Credit is exchanged back for Kenya Shillings each month. + + + +At Grassroots Economics, we believe that every child has a right to education hence we have a role to play in ensuring that our next generation of leaders have access to education. + + + +#education #kenya #sarafu + + + +#education #kenya #sarafu + + `#education `_ + +#education + + `#kenya `_ + +#kenya + + `#sarafu `_ + +#sarafu + diff --git a/content/blog/elections-service.rst b/content/blog/elections-service.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..26cacfa --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/elections-service.rst @@ -0,0 +1,46 @@ +:title: Elections, Service, Mapping and Nairobi +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Mar 20, 2014 +:slug: elections-service + +:summary: New Board and Community Service Contributions On April 19th the Bangladesh Business Network had their first official board elections and... + + + + +New Board and Community Service Contributions + +On April 19th the Bangladesh Business Network had their first official board elections and ratified their statues. They also voted on the use of their community funds. When each member is registered to join the network they receive 200 Bangla-Pesa and another 200 Bangla-Pesa is added to the community fund backed by their goods and services. The community fund consists of each 170 members dues of 200 Bangla-Pesa each minus those used for administrative purposes – such as networking exercises. + + + + + + + +Community funds were given to both environmental and health organizations in the community. A community environmental and waste collection team was awarded 2,000 Bangla-Pesa as was a group of Community Heath Workers. These funds will be used by the members of those groups to purchase goods and services at the shops of the network members. This way the network is helping to support their community through their own goods and services. + + + + + + + +Networking + +Our networking team led by Alfred Sigo has been working to knit the community businesses together. Beyond having a means of exchange to trade among each other there is a lot of work to make sure there is a thriving market in which everyone is aware of each others' offers and wants. In a more efficient market less and less currency is needed to facilitate daily trade. For this purpose we continue to visit each member of the network and connect them with new customers. We've been slowly generating the following map of businesses in the community – once it is done we will create a sign board to help people know where to use their Bangla-Pesa. + + + + + + + +Kangemi-Pesa? – Nairobi + +Last week Will Ruddick was invited to Kangemi, an informal settlement in Nairobi, where a group of local schools together with Nyendo-Learning Hand in Hand are taking their first steps in replicating the Bangla-Pesa program. We are excited to see another community benefit from enabling themselves to issue and manage their own community currency. We are also happy to be talking with professors of economics from the University of Nairobi on studying these programs. + + `#bangla `_ + +#bangla + diff --git a/content/blog/emmas-duka.rst b/content/blog/emmas-duka.rst index 8234884..8b0a7e8 100644 --- a/content/blog/emmas-duka.rst +++ b/content/blog/emmas-duka.rst @@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ :date: May 21 :slug: emmas-duka +:summary: Emma's Duka Community Currency Movement - in support of those seeking to free themselves from poorly designed monetary systems. diff --git a/content/blog/empowering-mothers.rst b/content/blog/empowering-mothers.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7ec08e8 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/empowering-mothers.rst @@ -0,0 +1,185 @@ +:title: Empowering Mothers +:author: tatiana.rubiano.goubert +:date: Mar 1, 2018 +:slug: empowering-mothers + +:summary: Sarafu-Credit: empowering strong women who never stop fighting for their families wellbeing We are joining together to celebrate mothers’... + + + **Sarafu-Credit: empowering strong women who never stop fighting for their families wellbeing** + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/empowering-mothers25.webp + + + + + + + +We are joining together to celebrate mothers’ lives. It is no secret that being a mother is like no other job in the world. It is a job that never ends and that demands the uttermost dedication. As daughters, grandmothers, fathers, brothers and sons we have come to understand of what commitment, extravagant grace and creativity looks like. + + + + + + + +But even though the ripples of their work are present every day in our lives we can sometimes forget to be grateful and take their efforts for granted. Because of this we want to use this opportunity to celebrate the lives of these women and to make sure that they know how much we appreciate them. + + + + + + + +This post goes out then to all women out there, in Bangladesh, Miyani, Lindi, Gatina, Ng’ombeni and Kangemi who are using community currencies to help support their children and ensure their offspring have the best possible chances in life. With the increase of income, women use most of the resources to improve the standard of living of their families above all other expenses. We have seen these heroines working with Sarafu-Credit to overcome the daunting obstacles that have previously kept their families in cyclical poverty. These mothers are breaking the chains of circumstances and rising to the opportunity to ensure food security and education for the next generation. The importance of their endeavors cannot be underestimated, women become the pillars of development on which their communities are built upon. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/empowering-mothers57.webp + + + +Zainabu, member of the Sarafu-Credit in Miyani, recalls the day when women came together to dig special pits to store water where they would eventually plant maize and legumes: “That time was special because I got paid in Sarafu-Credit from the community shop, this means when am done digging I can go to the community posho mill to mill my maize and have lunch ready for my children when they come from school. It also means I can go to other community members to buy vegetables or fruits to add to the meals!” - Testimonial collected by Caroline Dama + + + +.. image:: images/blog/empowering-mothers71.webp + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +“My daughter used not to go to school because I did not have enough money. I decided to let the boys go and let the girl stay at home. But ever since I joined the BN, I was able to use the CC on my daily needs like food and water and save enough money such that I was able to enroll my daughter to school.” + +Dama Ngala , member of Bangla-Pesa network since 2016 and a proud mother sending all of her children to school. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango + + + +“My daughter used not to go to school because I did not have enough money. I decided to let the boys go and let the girl stay at home. But ever since I joined the BN, I was able to use the CC on my daily needs like food and water and save enough money such that I was able to enroll my daughter to school.” + +Dama Ngala , member of Bangla-Pesa network since 2016 and a proud mother sending all of her children to school. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango + + + +“My daughter used not to go to school because I did not have enough money. I decided to let the boys go and let the girl stay at home. But ever since I joined the BN, I was able to use the CC on my daily needs like food and water and save enough money such that I was able to enroll my daughter to school.” + +Dama Ngala , member of Bangla-Pesa network since 2016 and a proud mother sending all of her children to school. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango + + + +“My daughter used not to go to school because I did not have enough money. I decided to let the boys go and let the girl stay at home. But ever since I joined the BN, I was able to use the CC on my daily needs like food and water and save enough money such that I was able to enroll my daughter to school.” + +Dama Ngala , member of Bangla-Pesa network since 2016 and a proud mother sending all of her children to school. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango + + + +“My daughter used not to go to school because I did not have enough money. I decided to let the boys go and let the girl stay at home. But ever since I joined the BN, I was able to use the CC on my daily needs like food and water and save enough money such that I was able to enroll my daughter to school.” + +Dama Ngala , member of Bangla-Pesa network since 2016 and a proud mother sending all of her children to school. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/empowering-mothers109.webp + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Ever since I joined the network I started receiving many more people who come to fetch my water. Because I accept SC I get more customers.” + +Priscilla, member of Ng’ombeni-Pesa since 2015 is happy that she can feed and take good care of her granddaughter Caro by using of Sarafu-Credit. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango + + + +Ever since I joined the network I started receiving many more people who come to fetch my water. Because I accept SC I get more customers.” + +Priscilla, member of Ng’ombeni-Pesa since 2015 is happy that she can feed and take good care of her granddaughter Caro by using of Sarafu-Credit. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango + + + +Ever since I joined the network I started receiving many more people who come to fetch my water. Because I accept SC I get more customers.” + +Priscilla, member of Ng’ombeni-Pesa since 2015 is happy that she can feed and take good care of her granddaughter Caro by using of Sarafu-Credit. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango + + + +Ever since I joined the network I started receiving many more people who come to fetch my water. Because I accept SC I get more customers.” + +Priscilla, member of Ng’ombeni-Pesa since 2015 is happy that she can feed and take good care of her granddaughter Caro by using of Sarafu-Credit. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango + + + +Ever since I joined the network I started receiving many more people who come to fetch my water. Because I accept SC I get more customers.” + +Priscilla, member of Ng’ombeni-Pesa since 2015 is happy that she can feed and take good care of her granddaughter Caro by using of Sarafu-Credit. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango + + + +#mothersday #sarafu #communitycurrencies + + + +#mothersday #sarafu #communitycurrencies + + `#mothersday `_ + +#mothersday + + `#sarafu `_ + +#sarafu + + `#communitycurrencies `_ + +#communitycurrencies + diff --git a/content/blog/enabling-leverage.rst b/content/blog/enabling-leverage.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3ae6d9b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/enabling-leverage.rst @@ -0,0 +1,189 @@ +:title: Enabling Leverage +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 6, 2019 +:slug: enabling-leverage + +:summary: By exploring this space and enabling leverage we can open the door to truly decentralized financial services. If credit can be safely issued + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/enabling-leverage18.webp + + + +From a Microfinance down to tabletop baking groups there is one thing that truly distinguishes these smaller and local financial service providers (FSPs) from a traditional bank and that is their inability to leverage their capital and issue credit. For the last 10 years Grassroots Economics has been working with micro businesses in marginalized communities to leverage their goods and services into a locally circulating credit (Sarafu-Credit or more generally called Community Currency). As we scale up these solutions to interact with larger and larger markets, we must provide guarantees for commercial businesses and other actors wanting to take part. + + *From a Microfinance down to tabletop baking groups there is one thing that truly distinguishes these smaller and local financial service providers (FSPs) from a traditional bank and that is their inability to leverage their capital and issue credit. For the last 10 years Grassroots Economics has been working with micro businesses in marginalized communities to leverage their goods and services into a locally circulating credit (Sarafu-Credit or more generally called Community Currency). As we scale up these solutions to interact with larger and larger markets, we must provide guarantees for commercial businesses and other actors wanting to take part.* + + +From a Microfinance down to tabletop baking groups there is one thing that truly distinguishes these smaller and local financial service providers (FSPs) from a traditional bank and that is their inability to leverage their capital and issue credit. For the last 10 years Grassroots Economics has been working with micro businesses in marginalized communities to leverage their goods and services into a locally circulating credit (Sarafu-Credit or more generally called Community Currency). As we scale up these solutions to interact with larger and larger markets, we must provide guarantees for commercial businesses and other actors wanting to take part. + + + + + + + +Banks are loosely bound to what we call a fractional reserve – I say loosely because the regulation required of them makes it very hard to audit that reserve. This loose regulation enables banks to over-issue credit and causes runs on those banks – several banks have collapsed in Kenya in the last few years due to this issue. Hence in re-imaging decentralized banking in the form Mohammed Yunnis was striving for, we need to do better than the existing financial industry standards. + + + + + + + +At the heart of blockchain technology (I’m not talking about crypto-currencies here) there is the ability to encode policies into credits being created by FSPs. This means that for a tabletop bank, microfinance or traditional bank the risk of credit issuance can be regulated in real-time and insurance systems can be scaled down to the size of a 25 women savings and loaning group in the communities we work with. + + + + + + + +Here is how we've begun to envision those policies: + + * Pricing: FSP’s (including bank’s) credit should not be blindly assumed to be equal in value to national currency. The value of credit issued should maintain a 1:1 ratio when exchanged for national currency for only as long as the FSP maintains an adequate reserve of national currency. In other words, if an FSP is issuing credit there should be backing behind it – and the value of that credit should, in real-time, reflect the ratio of reserve to supply of credit. While banks today engage in monetary expansion at high risk to society - by adjusting the exchange price of credit we ensure that no more than the reserve can ever be claimed. + * Issuance: The amount of credit available (minted) should depend on the amount of reserve of an FSP. As more reserve is available more credit is available. As more and more reserve is added - less credit is minted - this causes the ratio of reserve to supply to increase and likewise the price of the credit supply to increase and encourages full reserves. Note that such a relationship between price and supply should not allow prices to drastically exceed national currencies, instead the additional value can be automatically moved into an insurance fund. + * Redemption: The credits described here are claims against a reserve but if those claims can be too rapidly liquidated then the value of those credits will be lost. When a FSP puts capital into a reserve it should be locked into a vesting instrument – meaning that those claims against it can only be redeemed slowly. This ensures there is time for insurances and market forces to fill back in the reserve as it is pulled out to maintain stability. Finally as credits are used to pull out reserve (rather than for local trade), the value of the remaining credit drops. This invites a market to cheaply add in reserve in order to mint more tokens and ensure stability of credit pricing. + * Reserve: While National Currency (on-chain in the form of stable tokens such as DAI and USDC) can be used as reserve now, there is a bright future in various reserve mechanisms residing on-chain, such as futures contracts and indexes into baskets of commodities as planned by groups like OpenLibra. Note that Community Currencies designed this way can be seen as shares of a collective reserve. + * Insurance: A sizable reserve can ensure that credit pricing is not too volatile there is still a need to insure FSP credit so that holders can know their risk of holding credit. As credit is issued and redeemed an insurance fund automatically stabilizes the price of those credits within acceptable limits. + + +For a video explainer of some of these policies please visit: https://youtu.be/8Z0chJBibhY and see the graphic below: + + + +For a video explainer of some of these policies please visit: https://youtu.be/8Z0chJBibhY and see the graphic below: + + `https://youtu.be/8Z0chJBibhY `_ + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/enabling-leverage83.webp + + + + + + *What does this all mean? While the above policies may sound complex, when imbued into the credits themselves (ala smart contracts), they enable something quite simple to happen. A tabletop banking group of 25 women in rural Kenya whom each save $1 a week and loan out those savings to their members now have the ability to leverage. Let’s say they put $100 into a reserve (which could be funded by donors) - at a target reserve ratio of 25% (based on a standard body as a requirement for humanitarian aid) they would create $400 of credit (with some reserve held in an insurance fund). This $400 of credit maintains its value of $400 as long as there is money going into reserve to match money leaving it. Group savings, and demand on the groups goods and services keep adding to the reserve while anyone holding that credit has a guarantee against the $100 reserve – meaning commercial businesses can accept the credit and pull out the National Currency they need to restock their supplies.* + + +What does this all mean? While the above policies may sound complex, when imbued into the credits themselves (ala smart contracts), they enable something quite simple to happen. A tabletop banking group of 25 women in rural Kenya whom each save $1 a week and loan out those savings to their members now have the ability to leverage. Let’s say they put $100 into a reserve (which could be funded by donors) - at a target reserve ratio of 25% (based on a standard body as a requirement for humanitarian aid) they would create $400 of credit (with some reserve held in an insurance fund). This $400 of credit maintains its value of $400 as long as there is money going into reserve to match money leaving it. Group savings, and demand on the groups goods and services keep adding to the reserve while anyone holding that credit has a guarantee against the $100 reserve – meaning commercial businesses can accept the credit and pull out the National Currency they need to restock their supplies. + + **What does this all mean? While the above policies may sound complex, when imbued into the credits themselves (ala smart contracts), they enable something quite simple to happen. A tabletop banking group of 25 women in rural Kenya whom each save $1 a week and loan out those savings to their members now have the ability to leverage. Let’s say they put $100 into a reserve (which could be funded by donors) - at a target reserve ratio of 25% (based on a standard body as a requirement for humanitarian aid) they would create $400 of credit (with some reserve held in an insurance fund). This $400 of credit maintains its value of $400 as long as there is money going into reserve to match money leaving it. Group savings, and demand on the groups goods and services keep adding to the reserve while anyone holding that credit has a guarantee against the $100 reserve – meaning commercial businesses can accept the credit and pull out the National Currency they need to restock their supplies.** + + +What does this all mean? While the above policies may sound complex, when imbued into the credits themselves (ala smart contracts), they enable something quite simple to happen. A tabletop banking group of 25 women in rural Kenya whom each save $1 a week and loan out those savings to their members now have the ability to leverage. Let’s say they put $100 into a reserve (which could be funded by donors) - at a target reserve ratio of 25% (based on a standard body as a requirement for humanitarian aid) they would create $400 of credit (with some reserve held in an insurance fund). This $400 of credit maintains its value of $400 as long as there is money going into reserve to match money leaving it. Group savings, and demand on the groups goods and services keep adding to the reserve while anyone holding that credit has a guarantee against the $100 reserve – meaning commercial businesses can accept the credit and pull out the National Currency they need to restock their supplies. + + + + + + + +So far in 2019 using roughly $10,000 in reserve provided by DOEN.nl and minting $40,000 in credit we've seen $200,000 USD in 80,000 transactions for basic needs in undeserved Kenyan communities. We're excited to be piloting these concepts with the Red Cross and Sempo.ai in 2020 using Community Inclusion Currencies (see recent news). By exploring this space and enabling leverage we can open the door to truly decentralized financial services (see white paper). If credit can be safely issued by the people using that credit, we can truly change our world. + + + +So far in 2019 using roughly $10,000 in reserve provided by DOEN.nl and minting $40,000 in credit we've seen $200,000 USD in 80,000 transactions for basic needs in undeserved Kenyan communities. We're excited to be piloting these concepts with the Red Cross and Sempo.ai in 2020 using Community Inclusion Currencies (see recent news). By exploring this space and enabling leverage we can open the door to truly decentralized financial services (see white paper). If credit can be safely issued by the people using that credit, we can truly change our world. + + + +So far in 2019 using roughly $10,000 in reserve provided by DOEN.nl and minting $40,000 in credit we've seen $200,000 USD in 80,000 transactions for basic needs in undeserved Kenyan communities. We're excited to be piloting these concepts with the Red Cross and Sempo.ai in 2020 using Community Inclusion Currencies (see recent news). By exploring this space and enabling leverage we can open the door to truly decentralized financial services (see white paper). If credit can be safely issued by the people using that credit, we can truly change our world. + + + +So far in 2019 using roughly $10,000 in reserve provided by DOEN.nl and minting $40,000 in credit we've seen $200,000 USD in 80,000 transactions for basic needs in undeserved Kenyan communities. We're excited to be piloting these concepts with the Red Cross and Sempo.ai in 2020 using Community Inclusion Currencies (see recent news). By exploring this space and enabling leverage we can open the door to truly decentralized financial services (see white paper). If credit can be safely issued by the people using that credit, we can truly change our world. + + **So far in 2019 using roughly $10,000 in reserve provided by DOEN.nl and minting $40,000 in credit we've seen $200,000 USD in 80,000 transactions for basic needs in undeserved Kenyan communities. We're excited to be piloting these concepts with the Red Cross and Sempo.ai in 2020 using Community Inclusion Currencies (see recent news). By exploring this space and enabling leverage we can open the door to truly decentralized financial services (see white paper). If credit can be safely issued by the people using that credit, we can truly change our world.** + + +So far in 2019 using roughly $10,000 in reserve provided by DOEN.nl and minting $40,000 in credit we've seen $200,000 USD in 80,000 transactions for basic needs in undeserved Kenyan communities. We're excited to be piloting these concepts with the Red Cross and Sempo.ai in 2020 using Community Inclusion Currencies (see recent news). By exploring this space and enabling leverage we can open the door to truly decentralized financial services (see white paper). If credit can be safely issued by the people using that credit, we can truly change our world. + + + +So far in 2019 using roughly $10,000 in reserve provided by DOEN.nl and minting $40,000 in credit we've seen $200,000 USD in 80,000 transactions for basic needs in undeserved Kenyan communities. We're excited to be piloting these concepts with the Red Cross and Sempo.ai in 2020 using Community Inclusion Currencies (see recent news). By exploring this space and enabling leverage we can open the door to truly decentralized financial services (see white paper). If credit can be safely issued by the people using that credit, we can truly change our world. + + `DOEN.nl `_ `Sempo.ai `_ `see recent news `_ `see white paper `_ + + + + + + + + + + + + + +#leverage #fsp #banking #credit #microfinance #Yunnis #CIC #redcross #sempo + + + +#leverage #fsp #banking #credit #microfinance #Yunnis #CIC #redcross #sempo + + + +#leverage #fsp #banking #credit #microfinance #Yunnis #CIC #redcross #sempo + + + +#leverage #fsp #banking #credit #microfinance #Yunnis #CIC #redcross #sempo + + + +#leverage #fsp #banking #credit #microfinance #Yunnis #CIC #redcross #sempo + + + +#leverage #fsp #banking #credit #microfinance #Yunnis #CIC #redcross #sempo + + + +#leverage #fsp #banking #credit #microfinance #Yunnis #CIC #redcross #sempo + + + +#leverage #fsp #banking #credit #microfinance #Yunnis #CIC #redcross #sempo + + `#leverage `_ + +#leverage + + `#fsp `_ + +#fsp + + `#banking `_ + +#banking + + `#credit `_ + +#credit + + `#microfinance `_ + +#microfinance + + `#Yunnis `_ + +#Yunnis + + `#CIC `_ + +#CIC + + `#redcross `_ + +#redcross + + `#sempo `_ + +#sempo + diff --git a/content/blog/ending-our.rst b/content/blog/ending-our.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fcd8ca4 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/ending-our.rst @@ -0,0 +1,154 @@ +:title: Ending Our 2017 +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 8, 2017 +:slug: ending-our + +:summary: Dear Friends and Stakeholders, In just three years, Grassroots Economics grew from a community group working to help improve living... + + + + +Dear Friends and Stakeholders, + + + + + + + +In just three years, Grassroots Economics grew from a community group working to help improve living conditions for residents of a slum with Bangla-Pesa, to a Foundation spreading its unique local development approach to six regions and thousands of businesses and schools around Kenya. Today these regions have become teaching centers for Certified Community Currency Designers (CCDs) around the world. + + + + + + + +One of our first outside-Kenya duplications is in Kokstad, South Africa, which has become a learning center on its own. Such next generations of Community Currencies (CC) built on our models for rural and urban Sarafu-Credit will all in turn become teaching centers. + + + +This years we have certified five Community Currency Designers and are working directly with roughly 1200 Kenyan businesses and schools trading over half a million USD in goods and services yearly using CCs. We are also consulting on a growing number of programs in Spain, Columbia, Nigeria, Uganda, and Congo. + + + + + + + +Why Community Currencies? + + + + + + + +The results from six Kenyan programs and those in other countries have some important features in common. A local means of exchange can build stability. We enable local production and service industries to create their own interest-free credit – which they can use to employ local labor, who can in turn afford to purchase local products, even at times when seasonal and external markets are stagnant. Not only do CCs create stable markets but they also develop more trusting communities and enable social and environmental services. + + + + + + + +More Effective Aid: + + + + + + + +NGOs have shown that when their services are combined with Community Currency, they are more effective and more sustainable, as the CC enables a community to develop and sustain funding for social and environmental services. + + + + + + + +How do our Community Currencies work? + + + +Existing assets and future capacity of cooperative businesses are identified and developed as the basis for a mutual-credit that is sustainably used for community service work. + + + + + + + +Our core staff, along with a network of CCDs, provide: + + + +Our core staff, along with a network of CCDs, provide: + + + +Our core staff, along with a network of CCDs, provide: + + * Baseline and feasibility analysis services for budding communities, as well as assistance in monitoring and evaluation. + * Certification of Community Currency Systems and Designers – assuring that they follow a high professional and ethical standard and perform regular financial auditing and renewal. + * In-person support to impart practical success stories and co-design customized systems. We also provide printing and digital currency services through our partners. as well as This seems to be a different topic. + * Capacity building for NGOs, local governments, communities and businesses to implement and manage a Community Currency. + + +With only six staff members, we are stretched thin! In Nairobi and Mombasa we have three employees each, a regional director, field officer and cooperative business developer, serving over 2,500 businesses AND providing support for certifying new CCDs. As demand for more local currencies and more CCDs continues to grow, we are not prepared and need your support. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/ending-our87.webp + + + + + + + +Where is Support Needed? + + + +Where is Support Needed? + + + +Where is Support Needed? + + * Staffing: + * Grant writing, marketing and communications staff + * Training and certification staff + * IT and programming staff to support digital currencies + * An in-house accountant (we currently outsource our accounting). + * An Operations Manager + * Research, Monitoring and Evaluation + * Scholarships for Certified Community Currency Designers across Africa. We wish to train 50 CCDs from communities that can’t afford to come to Kenya next year. We will support each CCD in turn to develop a program in their country of origin. + * Development of training materials (curriculum, videos, methodological tools) + * Further development of the community currencies in Kenya. We need more examples of Community Currency being used in Kenya with different populations. We wish to develop five more sites in urban, peri-urban and rural regions. In each region in Kenya we target thousands of small businesses and schools serving a greater community of tens of thousands in chronic need of stable markets and food security. + + +How Will We Get There? + + + + + + + +This year we managed to cover roughly 20% of our operating costs through consulting, training, certification and cooperative business development. In 2018 we are seeking to sustainability cover our costs through international CCD student fees and consulting programs. In order to do this we need your support. + + + +This year we managed to cover roughly 20% of our operating costs through consulting, training, certification and cooperative business development. In 2018 we are seeking to sustainability cover our costs through international CCD student fees and consulting programs. In order to do this we need your support. + + `support `_ + +#endyear #2017 + + `#endyear `_ + +#endyear + diff --git a/content/blog/faith-based.rst b/content/blog/faith-based.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..153561c --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/faith-based.rst @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ +:title: Faith Based Community Inclusion Currencies +:author: Janet Akinyi +:date: May 11 +:slug: faith-based + +:summary: Local churches and faith based organizations have begun to develop their own community currencies (Sarafu) +:tags: Faith,church + + + +.. image:: images/blog/faith-based18.webp + + + +Due to economic instability, many people in the marginalized communities are short of money to pay for church offerings or even worse, to set up their local churches. Local churches that have begun to develop their own community currencies (Sarafu) in order to developed their church structures and pay offerings and even meet their basic needs. Sarafu has created a stable medium of exchange allowing them to support one another as individuals and also their church at large. Below are some of the examples: + + + +AMK CHURCH + + + +The church (pictured above) is located in Mkanyeni village, Mtaa location, Bofu Sub-location in Kasemeni ward, Kwale County. It was started way back in 1990. The church was founded by Pastor Dzeha Nyanje as the community did not have any place of worship around by then. Being that they could not afford the construction money, the congregation resorted to worshiping under a tree every Sunday. In the year 2000, through the leadership of Pastor Dzeha Nyanje,the church decided to put up a temporary structure using mud. + + + + “The tree that provided us with the shade dried up and fell down and that's when we decided to build a temporary structure” Dzeha explains. + + + +At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Mkanyeni community was among the numerous communities that were empowered by Sarafu to build their own prospering economies. Pastor Dzeha Nyanye was one of the people that was trained on how to use the Community Inclusion Currency -a blockchain based voucher used to trade among community members when the national currency is scarce. Dzeha who is also a shopkeeper explains how Sarafu has impacted his community positively, + + *”Sarafu has been a safe way of trade even during the pandemic since I no longer need to carry cash, it has also created job opportunities in my community since the youths and even those without businesses or jobs can now offer services to those registered in Sarafu and earn an income. My sales have also increased as the users that could not have afforded a product from my shop due to lack of the national currency, can now use Sarafu to top up the little they have and get a product from me. I have created a network in my community and I'm also able to get other products that I don’t have in my shop from other users in my network.”* + + +It is during this time that Dzeha saw an opportunity to develop his church. He quickly shared this concept with his congregation and they equally liked and received the concept well. They were happy and optimistic about building their church through Sarafu. They contributed Sarafu jointly and bought the building materials like sand, cement. metals, water and stones. They were able to pay the people that would work on the site in Sarafu and those people with Sarafu could pay tithings and local goods and services from the congregation. Their church is not yet done but they are grateful that Sarafu was introduced in their community. They are hoping to complete their roofing soon.”We are grateful to Sarafu because through it, my community got empowered and as a church in particular, we've made tremendous developments.” Said Elizabeth Chari, one of the church members. + + *It is during this time that Dzeha saw an opportunity to develop his church. He quickly shared this concept with his congregation and they equally liked and received the concept well. They were happy and optimistic about building their church through Sarafu. They contributed Sarafu jointly and bought the building materials like sand, cement. metals, water and stones. They were able to pay the people that would work on the site in Sarafu and those people with Sarafu could pay tithings and local goods and services from the congregation. Their church is not yet done but they are grateful that Sarafu was introduced in their community. They are hoping to complete their roofing soon.”We are grateful to Sarafu because through it, my community got empowered and as a church in particular, we've made tremendous developments.” Said Elizabeth Chari, one of the church members.* + + +It is during this time that Dzeha saw an opportunity to develop his church. He quickly shared this concept with his congregation and they equally liked and received the concept well. They were happy and optimistic about building their church through Sarafu. They contributed Sarafu jointly and bought the building materials like sand, cement. metals, water and stones. They were able to pay the people that would work on the site in Sarafu and those people with Sarafu could pay tithings and local goods and services from the congregation. Their church is not yet done but they are grateful that Sarafu was introduced in their community. They are hoping to complete their roofing soon.”We are grateful to Sarafu because through it, my community got empowered and as a church in particular, we've made tremendous developments.” Said Elizabeth Chari, one of the church members. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/faith-based80.webp + + + +AMK church’s new permanent construction. + + + +A congregation that consists of 48 members are now able to worship in a conducive environment. They are glad that they can now easily give in their church offerings every Sunday using Sarafu as this was initially a challenge since the national currency was scarce. Being that they worship together, they’ve formed a sustainable economy and network where they support each other by exchanging goods and services using Sarafu during their normal days. They are therefore growing their local economy as well as receiving basic needs like food, water, transportation among other needs. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/faith-based113.webp + + + +ST. REGINA SEGERE LEGIO MARIA + + + +The church is located in Ouru village, Alego Usonga Constituency in Siaya County. The church was started in 1973. The church has a congregation of around 50 members pictured above. Apart from worshiping and praying together, they support the youths, orphans, widows, the physically challenged and the mentally challenged persons within their community. They’ve been using part of their tithes and offerings to run this course. They’ve also been mobilizing well wishers to attend harambes (community support offerings) after which they would use the funds raised to cater for the needs of the school going orphans under their custody. + + + +When Emmaculate Onyango, one of the founders of Bangla-Pesa visited the church and enlightened them on the importance of the Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs), the church embraced the concept and created time for training. They grasped every aspect of how it works and 40 of them were then registered to the system. This group has been able to play a major role in their community as they’ve also registered other members within their local markets hence creating a big sustainable network of trade. Above you can see the church members buying locally made candles in Sarafu. + + + +They were lucky enough to also get empowered and trained on Syntropic Agroforestry through the Shamba ya Jamii program -a regenerative agriculture technique that provides a long term food forests. They’ve then started up their farm that they run and maintain using Sarafu. They’ve been able to source for local farm inputs and seeds and also pay labourers who work on their farms daily using Sarafu. Their farm is doing well and they are hopeful that in two weeks time, they will have their first harvest of vegetables. + + + +Speaking to Christabell- a selfless hardworking lady in her mid twenties, she gladly explains how great Sarafu has improved their livelihood, "It was hard feeding the big number of the vulnerable persons that we have under our care since the offerings that we use for the same weren't enough or rather sustainable. Since we started using Sarafu, the burden is lighter. We are able to source food from the nearby market since we also registered them in Sarafu. The youths are also empowered and can now offer services to different users and get paid in Sarafu. We receive more offerings than before and we use the same to cater for basic needs. We are also working hard in our farms and we are looking forward to good harvest that we will also sell in Sarafu” + + *Speaking to Christabell- a selfless hardworking lady in her mid twenties, she gladly explains how great Sarafu has improved their livelihood, "It was hard feeding the big number of the vulnerable persons that we have under our care since the offerings that we use for the same weren't enough or rather sustainable. Since we started using Sarafu, the burden is lighter. We are able to source food from the nearby market since we also registered them in Sarafu. The youths are also empowered and can now offer services to different users and get paid in Sarafu. We receive more offerings than before and we use the same to cater for basic needs. We are also working hard in our farms and we are looking forward to good harvest that we will also sell in Sarafu”* + + +.. image:: images/blog/faith-based164.webp + + + +Church members working on their farm. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/faith-based190.webp + + + +Pastors Network Nairobi + + + +This is a group of around 36 members from different denominations within the 30 counties out of the 47 counties in Kenya who came up with a vision to develop local churches, teach the good news, support the vulnerable persons in their community and reach out to the elderly within their communities. They usually contribute from their pockets to run their course. They have been experiencing financial challenges as sometimes they also lack the money to give into the kitty. + + + +When Sarafu was introduced to their community, they felt that the concept would help them fill the gaps in their quest to support the vulnerable households in their different communities. They were trained on how to use the Community Inclusion Currencies(CIC) after which they were registered. They joined the many other communities that have been empowered to prosper their own economies. They were able to get basic needs through exchanging goods and services in Sarafu. The pastor Network Group joined hands and registered all the people under their course. “Since we started using Sarafu, I have never slept hungry as I can easily get food from my network. Before Sarafu, I could only manage to get one meal a day. I’m looking forward to making my network bigger to help me get more products. We also use Sarafu in our churches to pay tithes and offerings.” Said Mary, the group's treasurer. Members of Pastors Network (pictured above) group ready to visit a number of vulnerable households. + + *When Sarafu was introduced to their community, they felt that the concept would help them fill the gaps in their quest to support the vulnerable households in their different communities. They were trained on how to use the Community Inclusion Currencies(CIC) after which they were registered. They joined the many other communities that have been empowered to prosper their own economies. They were able to get basic needs through exchanging goods and services in Sarafu. The pastor Network Group joined hands and registered all the people under their course. “Since we started using Sarafu, I have never slept hungry as I can easily get food from my network. Before Sarafu, I could only manage to get one meal a day. I’m looking forward to making my network bigger to help me get more products. We also use Sarafu in our churches to pay tithes and offerings.” Said Mary, the group's treasurer. Members of Pastors Network (pictured above) group ready to visit a number of vulnerable households.* + + +When Sarafu was introduced to their community, they felt that the concept would help them fill the gaps in their quest to support the vulnerable households in their different communities. They were trained on how to use the Community Inclusion Currencies(CIC) after which they were registered. They joined the many other communities that have been empowered to prosper their own economies. They were able to get basic needs through exchanging goods and services in Sarafu. The pastor Network Group joined hands and registered all the people under their course. “Since we started using Sarafu, I have never slept hungry as I can easily get food from my network. Before Sarafu, I could only manage to get one meal a day. I’m looking forward to making my network bigger to help me get more products. We also use Sarafu in our churches to pay tithes and offerings.” Said Mary, the group's treasurer. Members of Pastors Network (pictured above) group ready to visit a number of vulnerable households. + + *When Sarafu was introduced to their community, they felt that the concept would help them fill the gaps in their quest to support the vulnerable households in their different communities. They were trained on how to use the Community Inclusion Currencies(CIC) after which they were registered. They joined the many other communities that have been empowered to prosper their own economies. They were able to get basic needs through exchanging goods and services in Sarafu. The pastor Network Group joined hands and registered all the people under their course. “Since we started using Sarafu, I have never slept hungry as I can easily get food from my network. Before Sarafu, I could only manage to get one meal a day. I’m looking forward to making my network bigger to help me get more products. We also use Sarafu in our churches to pay tithes and offerings.” Said Mary, the group's treasurer. Members of Pastors Network (pictured above) group ready to visit a number of vulnerable households.* + + +When Sarafu was introduced to their community, they felt that the concept would help them fill the gaps in their quest to support the vulnerable households in their different communities. They were trained on how to use the Community Inclusion Currencies(CIC) after which they were registered. They joined the many other communities that have been empowered to prosper their own economies. They were able to get basic needs through exchanging goods and services in Sarafu. The pastor Network Group joined hands and registered all the people under their course. “Since we started using Sarafu, I have never slept hungry as I can easily get food from my network. Before Sarafu, I could only manage to get one meal a day. I’m looking forward to making my network bigger to help me get more products. We also use Sarafu in our churches to pay tithes and offerings.” Said Mary, the group's treasurer. Members of Pastors Network (pictured above) group ready to visit a number of vulnerable households. + + + +The vulnerable people that they take care of have since been able to buy food, water and pay for their transportation using Sarafu. The burden is now lighter to the group as they only provide other needs like education and medical needs to them. They are planning to start up projects -bee keeping and farming that they will run and maintain using Sarafu. The main goal of the projects is to get more funds to help the vulnerable people and to create job opportunities within their communities. + + + +We continue to drum up the importance of communities building their own economies through using the Community Inclusion Currencies that would hence enable them to exchange goods and services and maintain and run projects and businesses without waiting on the national currency that is mostly scarce especially in the marginalized communities. The churches are therefore not left behind as they are enabled to run their activities and support different peoples under their care through the use of Sarafu. + + + +Written by: + + + +Otieno Akinyi Janet + diff --git a/content/blog/food-forests.rst b/content/blog/food-forests.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5a72720 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/food-forests.rst @@ -0,0 +1,78 @@ +:title: Food Forests and Syntropic Currencies +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Oct 25, 2020 +:slug: food-forests +:modified: Jan 15 +:summary: Regenerating soil while practically providing crops and long term food forests is actually possible! +:tags: agroforestry,syntropic,food forest,curadao + + + +.. image:: images/blog/food-forests18.webp + + + +Having worked on a myriad farming techniques, I’ve never been more inspired by the practicality and theory behind Syntropic Agroforestry. Regenerating soil while practically providing crops and long term food forests is actually possible! + + + +We’ve had the pleasure of hosting Roland van Reenen from Curacao and sent to us by Curadao. + + + +We’ve had the pleasure of hosting Roland van Reenen from Curacao and sent to us by Curadao. + + `Curadao `_ + +He is convinced that food forestry via Syntropic Agroforestry will solve most of our fundamental crises and works with the government of Curacao on regenerative organic agriculture programs. Above you can see a group of Kenyan farmers taught agroforestry by Roland, who are also using Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs) here in Kenya to fund themselves to develop the food forest. If these few demo plots produce as much food as similar plots in Curacao (a drought stricken island with only half the annual rainfall of Kenya), we will have a grassroots revolution underway. + + + +Some core syntropic principals: + + * Ensure Soil is covered: so that water and nutrients don’t evaporate and that roots and mycorrhizal fungi can absorb and move around those nutrients. (Don’t even step on bare soil). + * Maximize Photosynthesis: plants requiring different amounts of sunlight can be planted above, below and around each other to ensure that sunlight isn’t wasted on the soil and at least twice the amount of energy can be consumed by plants. + * Succession: Ensure that there is a clear succession of plants. E.g. As a cassava grows it can give shelter to a fruit tree. + * Stratification – Fill each layer of vegetation and maintain diversity for system health. Space (stratification) has to be harmonized over time (life cycle), respecting the successional steps within each of the systems + * Management – Keeping balance, reducing excess growth. + + +Using community currency to budget for the creation and maintenance of food forests seems as natural as the syntropic principals themselves. Indeed the circulation of community currency mirrors the concepts of mycorrhizal association and hyphal networks. “In some more complex relationships, mycorrhizal fungi do not just collect immobilized soil nutrients, but connect individual plants together by mycorrhizal networks that transport water, carbon, and other nutrients directly from plant to plant through underground hyphal networks.” + + + +Using community currency to budget for the creation and maintenance of food forests seems as natural as the syntropic principals themselves. Indeed the circulation of community currency mirrors the concepts of mycorrhizal association and hyphal networks. “In some more complex relationships, mycorrhizal fungi do not just collect immobilized soil nutrients, but connect individual plants together by mycorrhizal networks that transport water, carbon, and other nutrients directly from plant to plant through underground hyphal networks.” + + `hyphal networks `_ + +In this sense CICs connected through membranes (bonding curves) enable communities to transport vital resources. Further a CIC is a voucher for a particular group of resources identified by a village. One can hardly think of a better source of primary production than the food from a food forest being the anchor (backing of last resort) for a community currency. + + + +Syntropic Agroforestry is the best candidate I have seen for regenerating rich soil, and developing sustainable fertile crops in a way that can be integrated into traditional farming here in Kenya. This could be the carbon sequestration, water harvesting and food system we need to heal our ecosystems. I’m excited that community inclusion currencies could be the way to both fund their development, maintenance – but also that these food forests establish a solid basis for the intrinsic value for currencies. + + + +We don’t have to stretch far at all to apply syntropic principals to a community currency and networks of community currencies. Syntropic principals loosely applied to community currency: + + * Ensure basic needs are covered: Using anything but community currency for basic needs creates a dependency on foreign currencies or aid. + * Maximize resources: The benefits of foreign and local resources are best consumed by an entire supply chain in order to produce local productive capacity. Ensure a community currency is being utilized by each level of production, services and value addition. + * Succession: Ensure that there is a clear succession of community currency utilization. We often call this braiding: as the usage for CC among trade for food, moves into education, and haircuts and so on. + * Stratification: Ensure a diversity of usages for Community Currency - any gaps in diversity can lead toward extraction of local resources and eventual stagnation.. + * Management: Ensure that the growth of a Community Currency is clearly bounded and its supply and value can’t keep growing forever. When CC accumulates and stops flowing or dissipates into another ecosystems, management is key to regain healthy flow. + + +.. image:: images/blog/food-forests113.webp + + + +In the above diagram, a community inclusion currency issued (1) based on needed inputs and labor for a food forest and circulates locally among diverse local users and (3) can be redeemed for the food produced. These food forest based currencies can hold a common reserve (4) which limits their growth and (5) allows them to connect to other communities. + + + +We're excited to be adding this key component to anchor the flow of rural community currencies - and for what it may mean for food security and environmental restoration! Very appreciative to Roland and Curadao for spreading these systems far and wide! + + + +Here is a simple illustrated handbook for Syntropic Agroforestry + diff --git a/content/blog/foundational-member.rst b/content/blog/foundational-member.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..73f6412 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/foundational-member.rst @@ -0,0 +1,26 @@ +:title: Foundational Member Passes +:author: Lydia Anyango +:date: Jun 5, 2017 +:slug: foundational-member + +:summary: It is sad to announce the sudden death of Dominic Okello (in the middle) who passed on early May 2017. He is a resident of Bangladesh... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/foundational-member18.webp + + + + + + + +It is sad to announce the sudden death of Dominic Okello (in the middle) who passed on early May 2017. He is a resident of Bangladesh community and also an active community currency member. He has been trading with Sarafu Credit since he joined the network in 2013 and has been a great inspiration to other members of the BN and through his stories he was able to entice others to join the BN. + + + + + +The two BN in Mombasa (Ng’ombeni and Bangla) have come together to support the family of the late. + diff --git a/content/blog/francis-the.rst b/content/blog/francis-the.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5709627 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/francis-the.rst @@ -0,0 +1,72 @@ +:title: Francis the Millionaire +:author: Robin Gerbaux +:date: May 16, 2015 +:slug: francis-the + +:summary: Since several generations the family of Francis has been living in the same neighborhood of Nairobi, Gatina (Part of Kwangware). Gatina,... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/francis-the18.webp + + + + + + + +Since several generations the family of Francis has been living in the same neighborhood of Nairobi, Gatina (Part of Kwangware). Gatina, which means in Kikuyu “people that are behind”, is one of the biggest slums of the city. Basic public utilities, such as electricity, roads and sanitation are here deficient. For a living people are doing precarious daily jobs or when they have the opportunity they start their own informal business on the side of the road. That is what did Francis,5 years ago. At the age of 25, not having enough money to go to university he started selling sweets. After years of efforts, he was finally able to open a little shop and called it, as the bill board on its roof says, “Millionaire base”. Since then, to answer his basic needs and the ones of his wife and daughter, Francis works from 6am to 9pm, 7 days a week. But the business isn’t good all year through. When comes the end of the months, Kenyan Shillings become scarce and trade decreases. Moreover, during the rainy season, because of the poor water draining system, floods are more than common and trade becomes nearly impossible. + + + + + + + +After hearing of the Bangla-Pesa program Nyendo-lernen, a German NGO that works with schools in Kawangware, invited us to introduce the concept to the Gatina community. When Francis first heard about the success of Bangla-Pesa in Mombasa and the project of bringing it to Gatina, he was convinced and took part in the introduction of the idea to the community. Few months later we, together with the community, started the program. Gatina-Pesa was launched and Francis became the vice chairman and member of the Gatina Business Organization as did nearly 100 other businesses, schools and churches within the area. Every day, a part of his trade with the other members of the network happens through Gatina-Pesa. The members can now buy his products, even when they don’t have enough Kenyan Shilling by topping up with Gatina-Pesa. As a result, his number of costumers and daily revenue increased. The same happened with the costumers belonging to the network. Indeed, as he put it “You buy in my shop, I buy in your shop”. According to him, this daily interaction with the members also made his shop famous among the community. + + + + + + + +Every day, he usually receives 200 Gatina-Pesa (2$) from the members. But at the end of the months, when the Kenyan shillings are becoming scarce, the part of trade in Gatina Pesa increases and Francis get as much as 300 Gatina-Pesa a day. + + + + + + + +This amount is spent daily to answer 2/3 of his family needs in food, water, paraffin, charcoal and medicine. Additionally, when comes the time to pay his daughter school fees he can also pay a part in Gatina-Pesa, the school being a member of the network. + + + + + + + +As a result, the 200 Kenyan shillings that he would have otherwise been spent are saved in the common saving account of the Gatina Business Organization. In few months he hopes that through this program, he will be able to get a loan and to expand his business. Indeed he wishes in the long term to grow from his small shop to a supermarket and to a wholesaler. Additionally, Gatina-Pesa can also help to manage the lack of cash for the change. Francis gives up to 100 Gatina-Pesa a day as part of the change for his costumers, members and even non members if they know how to spend it. + + + + + + + +But according to him the Gatina business Organization is also beneficial as a network in itself. As Francis says : “The first thing it does, it brings us together because in our network, we have the Kikuyus, we have the Hindus, we have the Luos, we have many tribes, and when we come up together we create this unity, this union, and when you walk as one, I believe you can achieve a lot. As the saying goes, divided we fall, together we rise”. + + + +Francis is part of a big family that is expanding every day. Other businesses of Nairobi have decided to implement community currencies in their area too. Grassroots Economics has also brought a community currency to Kangemi (a neighboring informal settlement) and Kangemi-Pesa has already been launched a month ago and Lindi-Pesa will soon too be in Kibera. The three Complementary Currencies will be exchangeable among them which we hope will multiply the positive benefits for their members and will allow more families such as the one of Francis to be more confident about their future. + + + + + + + +Robin Gerbaux is studying International Development Studies as a graduate student at the Université Joseph Fourier, in Grenoble, France. He has been investigating community currencies while living in Nairobi. + diff --git a/content/blog/from-mustard.rst b/content/blog/from-mustard.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b0f6cc8 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/from-mustard.rst @@ -0,0 +1,283 @@ +:title: From Mustard Seeds to Food Forests: A Regenerative Journey +:author: Shaila Agha +:date: May 4 +:slug: from-mustard +:modified: May 5 +:summary: We are learning from 50 community groups that use a community currency to sell produce and pay for the labor with community currency +:tags: agroforestry,syntropic,community currency + + + +We've been blessed by an opportunity from Mustard Seed Trust to support 50 acres of Syntropic Agriculture paired with Community Currencies in Kenya. We are learning from 50 community groups that use a community currency to sell produce and pay for the labor intensive setup, inputs and maintenance of one acre community farms (Shamba ya Jamii). The Shamba ya Jamii design was imported from Curacao (thanks to Curadao) and contextualized by Roland Van Reenen and James Thiong'o and hundreds of local farmers. + + + +We've been blessed by an opportunity from Mustard Seed Trust to support 50 acres of Syntropic Agriculture paired with Community Currencies in Kenya. We are learning from 50 community groups that use a community currency to sell produce and pay for the labor intensive setup, inputs and maintenance of one acre community farms (Shamba ya Jamii). The Shamba ya Jamii design was imported from Curacao (thanks to Curadao) and contextualized by Roland Van Reenen and James Thiong'o and hundreds of local farmers. + + + +We've been blessed by an opportunity from Mustard Seed Trust to support 50 acres of Syntropic Agriculture paired with Community Currencies in Kenya. We are learning from 50 community groups that use a community currency to sell produce and pay for the labor intensive setup, inputs and maintenance of one acre community farms (Shamba ya Jamii). The Shamba ya Jamii design was imported from Curacao (thanks to Curadao) and contextualized by Roland Van Reenen and James Thiong'o and hundreds of local farmers. + + `Mustard Seed Trust `_ `Curadao `_ + +"Regenerative agricultural techniques/tools have the potential to feed an entire nation without the political and social-economic strains that farmers currently undergo. We’re encouraging local community groups in the arid and semi-arid coastal regions to join the Shamba ya Jamii (Community Carm) Movement so as to build a sustainable ecological and economic future. " - Isavary Khabuqwi + + + +Below are a few inspiring excerpts of what has been accomplished so far by Grassroots Economics' support engineers in rural Nyanza, Kwale and Kakuma Refugee Camp, Watamu, Kilifi as well as urban Nairobi + + + +Below are a few inspiring excerpts of what has been accomplished so far by Grassroots Economics' support engineers in rural Nyanza, Kwale and Kakuma Refugee Camp, Watamu, Kilifi as well as urban Nairobi + + + +Below are a few inspiring excerpts of what has been accomplished so far by Grassroots Economics' support engineers in rural Nyanza, Kwale and Kakuma Refugee Camp, Watamu, Kilifi as well as urban Nairobi + + + +Below are a few inspiring excerpts of what has been accomplished so far by Grassroots Economics' support engineers in rural Nyanza, Kwale and Kakuma Refugee Camp, Watamu, Kilifi as well as urban Nairobi + + + +Below are a few inspiring excerpts of what has been accomplished so far by Grassroots Economics' support engineers in rural Nyanza, Kwale and Kakuma Refugee Camp, Watamu, Kilifi as well as urban Nairobi + + + +Below are a few inspiring excerpts of what has been accomplished so far by Grassroots Economics' support engineers in rural Nyanza, Kwale and Kakuma Refugee Camp, Watamu, Kilifi as well as urban Nairobi + + + +Below are a few inspiring excerpts of what has been accomplished so far by Grassroots Economics' support engineers in rural Nyanza, Kwale and Kakuma Refugee Camp, Watamu, Kilifi as well as urban Nairobi + + `Nyanza <#viewer-2obrt>`_ `Kwale <#viewer-kp0h>`_ `Kakuma <#viewer-an9an>`_ `Watamu <#viewer-8ar20>`_ `Kilifi <#viewer-7ded5>`_ `Nairobi <#viewer-3c3kg>`_ + +.. image:: images/blog/from-mustard47.webp + + **Syntropic Siaya by Janet Akinyi** + + +The destruction and loss of indigenous ecosystems is a major challenge affecting areas across the Lake Victoria Region and the drought stricken areas in Kenya. The Nyalgunga Farmers Group and Kwe Kende Group in Nyalgunga Village, North Alego ward, Alego Usonga Constituency, Siaya County are among the privileged groups across Kenya that have been trained and empowered on Syntropic Agroforestry- a system that regenerates soil and provides long term food forest. + + + +Syntropic agroforestry is all about creating resilient food producing ecosystems. An holistic worldview in which pests or diseases are seen as agents of the department of optimization of life processes and therefore part of the ecosystem. It discourages the usual practice of mono cropping of maize or beans which has been a norm in these areas to a food forest filled with different indigenous crops and fruit trees by placing the elements that will change the place in a cool,green and lush food producing oasis. It helps in regenerating soil and developing sustainable fertile crops. + + + +This system involves planting of different types of crops and fruit trees separated in treelines, paths, vegetable beds and biomass beds. The following guiding principles are encouraged in Syntropic Agroforestry: Mulching, Maximizing photosynthesis (layering plants and dense inter-cropping), Good management and Plants succession. Sarafu poster and placard in one of the farms. + + + +The two groups from Siaya, having been trained in January 2021, are excited by how well their crops are currently doing. The community uses Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) to maintain and develop their farms among other uses that include covering their basic needs, maximizing resources and braiding as users trade in food, services, medical needs, education among other needs are grateful that this system was introduced to them. + + + + They’ve had two harvests since the set up of their farms. The good thing about Syntropic agroforestry is that it guarantees sustainable harvests from a few weeks through to at least 20-30 years without tilling and with low maintenance. They are therefore sure of sustainable food production in their community. This not only has a positive impact on the members of these two groups but also to the community at large. They are no longer worried about vegetables as they can easily get them from their farms. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/from-mustard101.webp + + + +Healthy organic Kales ready for harvesting. + + + +The community members have started harvesting food from their farms that they are able to buy and sell using Sarafu (community Currency). Other community members who are not part of these two groups but are using Community Inclusion Currency are also able to buy food from the two farms. + + **Syntropic Kwale by Amina Godana** + + +8 years ago the World Food Program had initiated a project in Kwale County that is PRRO (Protracted Relief Recovery Operation which was aimed for asset creation in the region under Kenyan Red Cross who were the implementing partners. They had different activities, + + + + 1. Excavation of water pans + + + + 2. Agriculture + + + + 3. Fish ponds + + + + 4. Goat pens. + + + +In the agriculture sector they had introduced sunken beds where they planted vegetables which was not quite easy to set up and also during high rainfall it was quite a challenge because it flooded and ruined the plants. + + + +This whole project was however short lived this was because the community members did not own the project since they were mostly focused on the cash that they were receiving, this made them dependent on it and forgot about the project. So when the cash ended so did most of the program. + + + +The best thing about practicing Syntropic Agroforestry is that everything in the farm is useful. + + * Some weeds keep off pests and diseases. + * Companion planting of plants which are beneficial to each other optimises the use of space,sunlight and nutrient cycle. + * Permanent soil cover with mulch prevents soil erosion and provides nutrients for the plants when they decay. + * Pruning the matured plants increases the amount of sunlight for other plants. + + +Migunani A, Madewani, Yowani and Chikole are some of the many chamas in Kwale County that have embraced the new form of farming. It's a new concept in the area which makes them so eager to see if it actually works. Food insecurity in the area was the main reason as to why they wholeheartedly embraced the syntropic agroforestry this is because it involves planting of different types of crops on the same piece of land being that some crops mature earlier than others this means they will be harvesting almost all the time and do replanting the issue of lack of food will be sorted! + + + +Members of the mentioned chamas received soil quality testing, training and constant visits by the field officers to ensure they do not have any problems in regards to the farming.The main aim of practicing syntropic agroforestry in the area is to help, educate, feed and regenerate the soil for the next generation. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/from-mustard193.webp + + + +Simba Ndoro works on Chikole farm and is paid using Sarafu. This is hard work and no one has enough Kenyan Shillings to pay Simba or the thousands of other farmers to regernate the soil. They can fund themselves! + + + +Simba Ndoro Simba is a member of Chikole group who works on the shamba ya jamii four days a week and gets paid 200 per day a total of 800 sarafu. He uses the Sarafu to buy fish from Nzadze Bora and also makes his weekly savings in his chama. He is grateful for the introduction of the syntropic agroforestry it has created a source of income for him during this difficult time and also has easen saving in the chama which is used to support other projects. + + + +Shadrack Tsuma a member of madewani group works on the farm and gets paid 300 sarafu a day. He normally spends his Sarafu on Rutuba Mwanzije by buying groceries from him and in turn Rutuba buys shoes from him using sarafu. Rutuba Mwanzije also spends sarafu that he gets from working on the shamba ya jamii to buy his groceries from Abubakar Mwero who is a farmer. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/from-mustard229.webp + + + +Rutuba Mwanzije at his grocery kiosk. + + + +Miyani Fdp which is run by the field officers in kinango county was the first demo farm to be setup this was to serve as a trial in the area and see if the practice is possible and this has gave the other chamas in the same area the positivity in practising the same. The chama sells its produce to the people around miyani and also pays its workers using sarafu. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/from-mustard254.webp + + + +Members buying first produce from their farm. + + + +Syntropic Kakuma Refugee Camp by Marcelin Petro + + + +FARMING AND HEALTH EDUCATION is a community based organization that deal with agroforestry and Sarafu (community Currency) in Kakuma refugee camp with the aim of eradicating hanger in kakuma refugee camp. More than 206,458 refugee are living in Kakuma refugee camp (on average more than 10 years) that are divided into 15 nationalities. A great number of people (refugees) are depending on the World Food Program (WFP) to be supported by being getting food at the 3 distribution centers in each and every month. Due to the high number of population, some do miss there food. WFP has manage to give ration cards to each refugee for better accounting, this means that when you lose your rational card you lose your monthly food and stay without food until the other coming month. + + + +From WFP each family can get one and some type of grain every month (3kg to 4kg) and 1litter of cooking oil. Through LWF and WORLD VISION are also helping us by doing the provision of that food. We have more than 5,000 malnutrition children and malnourished pregnant mothers who are more affected in Kakuma refugee camp. Due to this, Farming and Healthy Education community based organization is working with Syntropic Agroforestry and COmmunity CUrrency (Sarafu) to full this gap by teaching and growing our own fresh food in Kakuma refugee camp! + + + +Instead of waiting to be given food at the end of the month it's better to plant even just a kitchen gardens for the families while waiting for the monthly food distribution . + + *Instead of waiting to be given food at the end of the month it's better to plant even just a kitchen gardens for the families while waiting for the monthly food distribution .* + + +Instead of waiting to be given food at the end of the month it's better to plant even just a kitchen gardens for the families while waiting for the monthly food distribution . + + + +.. image:: images/blog/from-mustard305.webp + + + +Here I am proudly buying local food with local currency and not waiting for WFP handouts. + + + +Urban Gardens in Nairobi by Sylvia Karanja + + + +Joyce is a Mother of 3, she has a beadwork shop in Kamongo, Mukuru Kayaba, Nairobi. She’s one of many in Kayaba slum that understands the hustle and bustle of urban life to afford a daily meal. For the love of her community in terms of empowerment, she has worked with many projects through Red Cross as a community volunteer. This has helped her in gaining trust with community members and act as a role model to many. + + + +With as many of the projects she has worked with, Joyce joined Sarafu network in 2019 and since then she has created a trading network and enrolled her community members in the network to boost their economy. Her group is one of the beneficiaries that have received training and materials for the Urban Farming project. She tells her story of how they moved to Kayaba in the 1980s, when her mother was looking for a job. The mother got a space to put up a small restaurant where she could sell food to those who worked in the industries then. Since she was used to farming back at the village, she later saw an opportunity of an empty space that used to be a railway gauge and it was not in use. She decided to get a permit from the mayor and till now she does farming on that space. That's how Joyce learnt and grew her passion in farming. + + + +Given the opportunity they received as a group from Grassroots Economics,this Farming project has given her and the group members new skills that they could utilize small spaces they have and provide food for their families. + + + +James Thiong'o, Joyce and myself (Sylvia Karanja shown below) + + + +.. image:: images/blog/from-mustard358.webp + + + +Syntropic Watamu, Kilifi by Emmanuel Mbui + + + +Now, in another new community, Gede, Watamu Community, through Mohamed, a farmer in Gede who introduced Sarafu credit to his Group;(Watamu Reef Welfare Group). Apart from benefiting from circulating community currency, their neighbours are also going to enjoy the syntropic farm products. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/from-mustard391.webp + + + + Watamu Reef Welfare Group trained on the Syntropic agriculture at their Shamba. + + + +Members of the Watamu Reef Welfare Group are planting fruits trees in the prepared land. They also have the footpath done in coconuts husks. A few crops have been planted as they wait for others to be transplanted from their seedbed. + + + +Syntropic Kilifi by Isavary Khabuqwi + + + +Sue's farm is the epitome of Syntropic Agroforestry in Kilifi County with a full drip irrigation system. It is through this initiative that we are looking at a future where everyone can access food through the acceptance of community driven basic income, as the produce from the farm is being sold in Sarafu to the local market. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/from-mustard430.webp + + + +The purpose of this ‘Shamba ya Jamii’ is to help teach and feed our neighbors and community and regenerate soil for future generations. Mulching (growing grasses and cutting them), and intensive mixed planting can make our soil more productive and healthy. With the help of our permaculture expert James Thion’go, the farm is designed in a way that creates a favorable environmental conditions for the chosen crops that include tomatoes, pigweed (better known as kunde), okra, eggplants, capsicum and mchicha. These chosen sets of vegetables have the advantage of taking only up to 3 months before harvesting and they don’t need irrigation all year round. + + + +According to our beloved and passionate Kilifi Agronomist Eck Volkmann, "When getting into farming keep in mind that in 3 years it is guaranteed that your crops will be destroyed due to a drought and/or flooding, but with proper farming techniques, consistency in planning, and willingness to experiment any farm can keep feeding generations to come." Some of the farming tips that our discussions yielded included the fact that basil can be grown in the same bed as tomatoes to help manage pests. They grow like weeds and their oil and intense scent helps deter common pests. Eck is also supplying Sue's farm with amazing Biochar! + + + +.. image:: images/blog/from-mustard463.webp + + + +Emmanuel Kahindi is the farm manager as Sue's and is also teaching other groups how to do the same while selling produce using Community Currency - pictured here at Distant Relatives' May Fair. + + + +Emmanuel Kahindi is the farm manager as Sue's and is also teaching other groups how to do the same while selling produce using Community Currency - pictured here at Distant Relatives' May Fair. + + `Distant Relatives `_ + +Sue’s farm is looking to upgrade its production capacity by adding more crop options such as watermelon and basil following soil analysis. One of the project members plans to donate basil seeds from Muzambara mountains in Tanzania as a way of trying out new varieties. + + + +I hope you are inspired to setup your own Shamba Ya Jamii! + diff --git a/content/blog/gatina-bangla.rst b/content/blog/gatina-bangla.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b7a7b3d --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/gatina-bangla.rst @@ -0,0 +1,48 @@ +:title: Gatina & Bangla Pesa Nov Updates +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Nov 18, 2014 +:slug: gatina-bangla + +:summary: After more than a year of trading Bangla-Pesa, with millions of shillings worth of bills changing hands, the program is running strong.... + + + + + + + + + + + + +After more than a year of trading Bangla-Pesa, with millions of shillings worth of bills changing hands, the program is running strong. The community had an Annual General Meeting, followed by a volleyball match and trash cleanup last week. The team also interviewed a cobbler who has been using Bangla-Pesa for nearly two years never stopping even when the program was under assault in mid 2013. + + + + + + + +Gatina-Pesa continues to pick up steam spreading out from schools in Nairobi's Kawangware informal settlement. This video was created by Nyendo-lernen to explain why the currency was needed and how it works today. + + + + + + + +Lots of new and exciting things are on the horizon set to launch in 2015, if we get the right support! New Currencies in Nairobi and Mombasa counties, as well as more in South African Municipalities. + + + + + + + + + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/gatina-business.rst b/content/blog/gatina-business.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..adebc48 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/gatina-business.rst @@ -0,0 +1,28 @@ +:title: Gatina Business Organization and the Love School Success Story +:author: Daniel Mukosia +:date: Mar 9, 2018 +:slug: gatina-business + +:summary: Love School is one of the schools that has enabled children to acquire education by allowing them to pay part of their school fees and... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/gatina-business18.webp + + + + + + + +Love School is one of the schools that has enabled children to acquire education by allowing them to pay part of their school fees and tuition fees using Community Currency (Sarafu-Credit, Gatina pesa).The school is located in Congo,Gatina. + + + + + + + +30 students are proud and happy to be able to pay their fees using community Currency. The total fees per student per term is Ksh 1,000( ksh 900 + Sc 100) and tuition fees is Ksh 30( Ksh 20 + Sc 10). The teachers do receive Sarafu-Credit as part of their salaries in advance. They use the Sarafu-Credit in exchange or purchase food from vendors in the network or alternatively purchase goods from the Sarafu Shop. + diff --git a/content/blog/gatina-pesa-and.rst b/content/blog/gatina-pesa-and.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..02c3d99 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/gatina-pesa-and.rst @@ -0,0 +1,214 @@ +:title: Gatina-Pesa and South Africa +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Aug 21, 2014 +:slug: gatina-pesa-and + +:summary: Gatina-Pesa in Nairobi (a sister currency to Bangla-Pesa) is set to launch in early October! Initial designs of the Gatina-Pesa have been... + + + + +Gatina-Pesa in Nairobi (a sister currency to Bangla-Pesa) is set to launch in early October! + + + + + + + +Initial designs of the Gatina-Pesa have been made by local students in Kawangware under the direction of Headmaster Francis Wanjala who is the Chairman of the Gatina Business Organization – modeled off the Bangladesh Business Network. The Gatina Business Organization is a registered Community Based Organization that has spread from primary schools in the area to incorporate more than 50 businesses so far, with the hope to grow to more than 100 in the next few months. + + + + + + + +This program is being supported by Nyendo-lernen who connect school children in Kenya to students from Germany, and also Chiemgauer a regional currency program in Germany. + + + + + + + +Similar to Bangla-Pesa the goals of Gatina-Pesa is to help support: + + + + + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + +Education: Through helping pay for school fees + +Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding. + +Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area. + +Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people. + + + + + + + +South Africa wants Bangla-Pesa! + + + + + + + +Koru's own Will Ruddick was invited to South Africa to teach a group formed by Meshfieldabout our experiences working with Community Currencies in Kenya. The Meshfield team has brought together the University of Cape Town, local municipalities and the SA Treasury to spearhead a Community currency program in two municipalities of South Africa. We're really exited to see this sort of coalition between government and universities supporting these important programs. + + + + + + + +John Ziniades from Meshfield and Will Ruddick also got to meet with Tim Jenkin the founder of CES and a global leader in the Complementary Currency movement. + + + +#bangl #gatina #SouthAfrica + + + +#bangl #gatina #SouthAfrica + + `#bangl `_ + +#bangl + + `#gatina `_ + +#gatina + + `#SouthAfrica `_ + +#SouthAfrica + diff --git a/content/blog/gatina-pesa-launch.rst b/content/blog/gatina-pesa-launch.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2ccf9ae --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/gatina-pesa-launch.rst @@ -0,0 +1,40 @@ +:title: Gatina-Pesa Launch Prep +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Sep 25, 2014 +:slug: gatina-pesa-launch + +:summary: The Gatina Business Organization is busy preparing for the community currency's official launch on October 11th. Children from the... + + + + +The Gatina Business Organization is busy preparing for the community currency's official launch on October 11th. Children from the community are preparing songs and dances while a group of local youth are preparing dramas. Gatina-Pesa membership has surpassed an initial 100 local prosumers including: schools, baby care centers, beans, spices, shoes, internet cafes, clothes, barbers, salons, flour, tailors, fruit, vegetables, soap, entertainment, cooked foods, photography, fish, charcoal, electronic repairs, and more. Each local good and service provider must also be a local buyer of goods and services and backed by four other community members. + + + + + + + +After a wonderful design process with local students in Kenya and Nyendo-lernen as well as the Cheimgauer in Germany the Gatina-Pesa have been printed and are on their way to Kenya. Hopes are high and there is a strong commitment to seeing this program take off. + + + +#bangla #gatina #nairobi + + + +#bangla #gatina #nairobi + + `#bangla `_ + +#bangla + + `#gatina `_ + +#gatina + + `#nairobi `_ + +#nairobi + diff --git a/content/blog/gatina-pesa-launched.rst b/content/blog/gatina-pesa-launched.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..71d3051 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/gatina-pesa-launched.rst @@ -0,0 +1,56 @@ +:title: Gatina-Pesa Launched +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Oct 11, 2014 +:slug: gatina-pesa-launched + +:summary: With an amazing march through the slum, starting from Congo and ending at Gatina Primary School the entire community has been mobilized... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/gatina-pesa-launched18.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +With an amazing march through the slum, starting from Congo and ending at Gatina Primary School the entire community has been mobilized around their own Community Currency Gatina-Pesa. Hon. Simba Arati, the area Minister of Parliament, officially cut the ribbon and launched the program. With an 107 initial registrations from local businesses the Gatina community has a strong start. + + + + + + + +Thanks so much to all those who supported the Indiegogo Campaign as well as Nyendo-lernen and the Chiemgauer from Germany for supporting this program, as well as so many others. What is different? People at a grassroots level are able to create, back-up and issue their own currency supported with their own goods and services. + + + + + + + + This is not how money creation normally works. Instead of money coming from debt this Community Currency supports free trade and poverty reduction. Gatina-Pesa has spread out of schools in the area so that local parents can pay their school fees with their goods and services via a mututal-credit voucher (Gatina-Pesa) as a means of exchange. Teachers can then get better salaries and use the Gatina-Pesa at more than 100 shops in the community where it continues to circulate. Each member of Gatina-Pesa also pledges 200 Gatina-Pesa to a community fund so that youth can be paid for waste collection and more children can have their school fees paid for. This is how a community learns to support itself. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/gatina-pesa-launched53.webp + + + + + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/gatina-pesa-starting.rst b/content/blog/gatina-pesa-starting.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6e3dd1f --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/gatina-pesa-starting.rst @@ -0,0 +1,32 @@ +:title: Gatina-Pesa Starting Circulation +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Oct 24, 2014 +:slug: gatina-pesa-starting + +:summary: Nairobi's first community currency Gatina-Pesa, following Bangla-Pesa's success has started circulation with vigor. Due to its dense... + + + + +Nairobi's first community currency Gatina-Pesa, following Bangla-Pesa's success has started circulation with vigor. Due to its dense population and size the area of Nairobi's Kawangware is really showing potential as an alternative trading hub. + + + + + + + +Each day more and more small business owners are able to trade with each other even when they don't have 'money'. This program grew out of schools like Sifa Children's Center who are accepting Gatina-Pesa for their tuition. In one virtuous circle - parents can pay for part of their children's school fee; teachers then make better and more stable salaries; teachers use the Gatina-Pesa to buy goods and services from the parents in the community and the parents use the funds for tuition again. + + + + + + + +Will Ruddick can be seen on the right giving a seminar at the University of Nairobi, with the hope that more research will focus on these alternative financial programs. + + `#gatina `_ + +#gatina + diff --git a/content/blog/grassroots-economics.rst b/content/blog/grassroots-economics.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..233e575 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/grassroots-economics.rst @@ -0,0 +1,35 @@ +:title: Grassroots Economics has a New Director: Shaila Agha +:author: Shaila Agha +:date: Apr 8 +:slug: grassroots-economics + +:summary: It is an honor to work as a Director along with Will Ruddick and the Grassroots Economics team in their endeavor to rebalance the inequaliti +:tags: organization,directors,staff,mission + + + +.. image:: images/blog/grassroots-economics18.webp + + + +When I was 9 years old, my mother came home one day with a monopoly board game. It was the beginning of the March holidays and she wanted to provide us with an alternative activity to watching cartoons. Every day after that, my brother and I would insistently play game after game; holding on to our colourful money as if our future depended on it. Like all children, we eventually lost interest in the game. However, the colorful currency notes then became our most valuable asset. We used it as a means of exchange to incentivize each other to do each other's chores, as a rental fee to play with shared toys and even for buying candy off each other. We lived in the middle of rural Kenya, with almost no neighbours or shops, we therefore had no access to national currency. We clearly understood however, that currency (even play money) is merely a medium of exchange; with its value being determined by the users; namely us. + + + +Sarafu the pioneering Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) in Kenya, is not so different from the monopoly money my sibling and I used all those years ago. Vulnerable households and communities have no access to credit due to a cycle of poverty that has systematically excluded them from the economy. “Hand a man a fish, he eats for the day, teach him to fish, and he can eat for a lifetime” CIC aims to include the untapped markets who desperately need goods and services yet lack the capacity to pay for them. By including them in the economy, not only do they become empowered, they are given an opportunity to actively participate in value creation and change their lives. The work of Grassroots Economics has not gotten the attention it deserves from national and regional governments as well as partners in finance and technology spaces. I seek to put an end to that and make sure that field tested best practices and open source technology spread wide and far to heal our society and planet. + + + +When I was studying Fintech disruptions in traditional finance systems at Oxford, I decided to start my course by asking the question, ‘How does money affect social order and why is money necessary at all’. CICs are seen as radical reforms to broken systems, they are however, a proven working alternative that is demonstrating a major impact on the power distribution in the local economy. I am eager to measure the impact and get firsthand grassroot evidence on its successes and failures. With a long term multiplier effect of more than 21 times traditional donor aid assistance, this intervention seems to do what donor aid has failed to in the past, create self sufficiency and self reliance. Most importantly we need all hands on deck focused on education and regenerative agriculture programs across the planet and we need a financial system to finance this, create sustainable economies and fair distribution of our common resources. + + + +In 2015, I attended a KIICO conference on trade and development. My angle, to understand the Kenyan economy and the government policies in place to promote technology in Finance. I carried a journal with me, a notepad that I scribbled names in that I should research later. Grassroots Economics was on that list, along with other NGOs and organizations that were on a difficult mission to create a circular economy. In 2020, after five years of working in the humanitarian space, I met Will Ruddick, adamant on wealth redistribution and regenerative economics and began advising the organization. + + + +It is an honor to work as a Director along with Will and the Grassroots Economics team in their endeavor to rebalance the inequalities existing in our current economy and empower those who are most in need. To tackle today’s challenges, we need not only new solutions, but new methods at arriving at solutions. Data and data science will be at the forefront at meeting these challenges and to social innovation, humanitarian aid and international development. + + *Shaila is an ocean loving global citizen trained in disruptive Financial systems, she has a keen interest in transformative agriculture and conservation. Her love for science and children led her to create a beginner science lab kit that she aims to launch in primary schools countrywide alongside an activity booklet called “The science of life”. She has held various roles in International organizations and private organizations from business development to analyst roles, all of which revolved around developing alternative financial systems and sustainability. You can find out more information about her here.* + *Shaila is an ocean loving global citizen trained in disruptive Financial systems, she has a keen interest in transformative agriculture and conservation. Her love for science and children led her to create a beginner science lab kit that she aims to launch in primary schools countrywide alongside an activity booklet called “The science of life”. She has held various roles in International organizations and private organizations from business development to analyst roles, all of which revolved around developing alternative financial systems and sustainability. You can find out more information about her here.* + `here `_ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/gre-for.rst b/content/blog/gre-for.rst index f56f38c..4ef0183 100644 --- a/content/blog/gre-for.rst +++ b/content/blog/gre-for.rst @@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ :date: Jul 16 :slug: gre-for +:summary: Thank you for doing the sacred and life-preserving work of creating financial opportunity and elevating people’s dignity :tags: testimonial diff --git a/content/blog/growing-up.rst b/content/blog/growing-up.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cb8a9d1 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/growing-up.rst @@ -0,0 +1,68 @@ +:title: Growing Up is Hard +:author: Morgan Richards +:date: May 28, 2014 +:slug: growing-up + +:summary: Growing up is hard. It’s especially hard if you’re living on the streets in Mombasa, or if your misbehavior in your community led to your... + + + + +Growing up is hard. It’s especially hard if you’re living on the streets in Mombasa, or if your misbehavior in your community led to your short-term imprisonment in a correctional facility. These are the children with which we work through the MotoMoto program. Although the children and youth from the streets and the youth from the correctional facility have very different pasts and experiences, they are still responding to our methodology in similarly positive ways. + + + + + + + +Who They Are + + + +The table below contains a summary of basic characteristics of MotoMoto participants separated by type of participant (from the streets or from the Borstal). The average age is very similar, around 18 years old. All the children in the Borstal are male by necessity, but most of the children (all but 2) from the streets are also male. However, those in the Borstal have much more education than those in the streets, having completed at least primary school on average. Prior to entering the Borstal, most of these boys were also living with and being supported by their parents. Those children from the streets, in contrast, were living without parents and supporting themselves primarily by begging, hustling, and garbage collection. + + + + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/growing-up36.webp + + + +What They Need + + + +These different life experiences have led the youth from the streets and those from the Borstal to have very different needs. Those in the Borstal often need help with psycho-emotional issues and pursuing further education. Addressing psycho-emotional issues and facilitating access to future education will ensure they can reintegrate with their families and pursue meaningful employment after their incarceration. In contrast, the children from the streets most often cite substance abuse treatment and employment skills as key needs, seeking practical skills to maintain themselves on the streets. + + + + + + + +In response to these unique needs, our life skills counselor has focused on providing psycho-emotional tools to deal with these differing challenges. In the Borstal, we focus on teaching self-awareness and positive decision-making skills, so youth, who were mostly incarcerated for petty theft and under-aged sex, can identify their emotional state and make good decisions despite how they feel. On the streets, we focus on why youth use drugs, how it affects them, and how to stop. + + + + + + + +How They’ve Progressed + + + +On the streets, the youth population is unstable and transitory, they disappear for months only to return and resume training with the Poi and life skills. For that reason, even though the Borstal sessions were added later, those boys have attended almost as many sessions as those on the streets. Not surprisingly, the boys from the Borstal are also rapidly catching up in terms of their Poi skill level, with most being intermediate level (like the street youth) in common tricks like helicopter, weave, and backward weave. Both the Borstal boys and the street children have a meaningful understanding of life skills related to identifying common needs and challenges facing themselves (and youth in general), as well as self-esteem and decision-making. Some of the street youth are already engaging in behavior change, stopping their drug use during class, at least. Further, some in the Borstal are actively expressing more positive attitudes toward themselves and their futures. + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/happy-mothers.rst b/content/blog/happy-mothers.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ed96b11 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/happy-mothers.rst @@ -0,0 +1,48 @@ +:title: Happy Mother's Day! +:author: Daniel Mukosia +:date: Mar 13, 2018 +:slug: happy-mothers + +:summary: As a way to celebrate we are happy to share two stories from our network members! Bevelyne Ombayo is a single mother, who lives in Lindi... + + + + +As a way to celebrate we are happy to share two stories from our network members! + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/happy-mothers24.webp + + + + + + + +Bevelyne Ombayo is a single mother, who lives in Lindi Slums, Kibera.Running a business(selling fruits)and an active member of Lindi Business Network. She is celebrating more than one year being in the network and using Community Currency. She has been able to acquire more sales compared to her previous period before she joined the network. The network has enabled her trade with other members,being involved in activities such as Merry go rounds and table banking.The business caters for some of her daily needs, she doesn't miss a meal on the table and children as well go school. Through working as a team in the network has enabled grow her business through holding more sales from members that has attracted other customers who are not members of the network.She can acquire loans due to her personal savings in the chama. + + + + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/happy-mothers47.webp + + + +Iglah Shimenga a mother of one is a member of Gatina Business Organization and runs a grocery business( tomatoes, onions, fruits and vegetables at ksh 10= ksh 5 + Sc 5) on Muthiora Road in Gatina Location. The price is favourable to the members of the the surrounding community that enables her get more frequent customers making more sales and expanded her business. She joined the network in 2017. Being amongst the most active members has enabled her do savings. She doesn't have to hussle for food since she can purchase food for her family from a vendor in the network as well as her child at 4 years old is getting education in a member school Bensofil Community School in the network that allows her to pay part of the tuition using Community Currency.Currently her business is fairing well more than average," I really have more customers to date" she said. + + `#mothersday `_ + +#mothersday + diff --git a/content/blog/help-support.rst b/content/blog/help-support.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3ee9883 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/help-support.rst @@ -0,0 +1,97 @@ +:title: Help Support Community Currencies +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: May 1, 2014 +:slug: help-support + +:summary: Dear Friends and Colleagues, We are happy to announce that we have won a precedent-setting court victory which legitimates community... + + + + +Dear Friends and Colleagues, + + + + + + + +We are happy to announce that we have won a precedent-setting court victory which legitimates community currencies as a development tool in Kenya! Finally, community currencies are free to spread, empowering people in slums to take charge of their local economies. + + + + + + + +How? By removing the key barrier to trade – lack of money. + + + + + + + +Through community currency programs, people have the are able to issue their own currency within networks of small businesses. This breakthrough allows people to access interest-free credit in the form of vouchers issued by the community, without being locked into unmanageable debt. And the results are immediate—increased sales and market stability. + + + + + + + +Over the next month, it is crucial that we raise funds to leverage program development at this unparalleled time in history. + + + + + +We are poised to change the face of aid in Kenya and beyond as we scale these currencies to any and all communities with unstable markets from credit shortages. We need your support to lead this poverty reduction revolution. + + + + + + + +This is not aid as you know it. Together we can create sustainable change that will make a difference for many generations to come. + + + + +Please make a donation of at least $50 dollars to give women like Marciana the power to trade through a community currency, despite her poverty, or market conditions. We will be happy to mail you samples of the currency created by the community as well as artwork, and pledge to keep you informed about the change your donation creates. + + + + +Please make a donation of at least $50 dollars to give women like Marciana the power to trade through a community currency, despite her poverty, or market conditions. We will be happy to mail you samples of the currency created by the community as well as artwork, and pledge to keep you informed about the change your donation creates. + + + + +Please make a donation of at least $50 dollars to give women like Marciana the power to trade through a community currency, despite her poverty, or market conditions. We will be happy to mail you samples of the currency created by the community as well as artwork, and pledge to keep you informed about the change your donation creates. + + + + + + + +Visit Indiegogo to contribute. + + + + + + + +Thank You! + + + + + + + +All funds will come to Kenya via – Burners Without Border and The Burning Man Project, a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Federal Tax Exempt ID #45-2638273. + diff --git a/content/blog/here-we.rst b/content/blog/here-we.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f9007ec --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/here-we.rst @@ -0,0 +1,60 @@ +:title: Here We Are - Kenya 2016 +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 21, 2016 +:slug: here-we + +:summary: Happy holidays! We're seeing the power of community currencies in developing thriving communities and prospering economies. This year has... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/here-we18.webp + + + + + + + +Happy holidays! + + + + + + + +We're seeing the power of community currencies in developing thriving communities and prospering economies. This year has been exciting for Grassroots Economics Foundation and for Community Currencies in Kenya. With a largely volunteer staff, we've doubled our capacity to over 1000 small business users and 20 schools, and are trading over 100,000 EUR worth of community currency yearly in 5 networks across Kenya. We're seeing people able to accept 30% of their goods and services in Community Currency and equivalent increases to their sales in Kenyan Shillings. + + + +We've been honored by documentaries (Please watch if you haven't already. 1st minute in Dutch then English), media & research and awards, this year, but failed to find the support needed to really grow as a non-profit foundation. We're seeking matching funds to fulfill a challenge grant from Stichting DOEN, for a June 2017 deadline, but have so far failed to reach our targets. If you are able to support us or can recommend personal connections (rather than general calls for proposals), please continue to push us toward sustainability. + + + + + + + +In order to reach sustainability we are considering, in early 2017, adopting a hybrid social-venture structure in order to generate revenue and investment needed to grow. It would focus on one of the key parts of the Foundation - developing and managing environmentally-sound import-replacing cooperative businesses in community currency networks. We've made headway, but there is a huge amount of work and support needed to get there! We would really love to hear your advice as we move forward! + + + + + + + +Have a wonderful holiday and healthy 2017! + + + +#kenya #2016 #yearlyreport + + `#kenya `_ + +#kenya + + `#yearlyreport `_ + +#yearlyreport + diff --git a/content/blog/hon.-paul.rst b/content/blog/hon.-paul.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8c0e82b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/hon.-paul.rst @@ -0,0 +1,56 @@ +:title: Hon. Paul Simba Arati MP Dagoretti - North +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Aug 29, 2014 +:slug: hon.-paul + +:summary: Nairobi's Dagoretti North MP. Hon. Paul Simba Arati will be attending the launch of Gatina-Pesa in October. Besides support from local... + + + + +Nairobi's Dagoretti North MP. Hon. Paul Simba Arati will be attending the launch of Gatina-Pesa in October. Besides support from local chiefs, having the interest of the area MP means a lot in terms of political endorsement for the first sister currency to Bangla-Pesa in Kenya. + + + + + + + +It's not often that a community realizes they have a wealth of untapped supply and demand for local goods and services and can create their own medium of exchange to match them. With Bangla-Pesa having traded roughly over 2 million shillings worth of goods and service since it's relaunch in November last year, this first attempt to duplicate the program in Nairobi gives us hope that regional economies built from the ground up are not only possible but inevitable. + + + + + + + +Meanwhile we're working hard to spell out good implementation strategies and standards for such programs, so that marginalized communities around the world can take action. + + + + + + + +In Nairobi we've got a long way to go in terms of registering enough small businesses to reach a critical mass before launch but the team is making a huge effort. Richard Ogolla is leading the registration efforts and doing a great job. + + + + + + + +While schools have been the heart of the network in Kawangware Richard has reached out to boda-bodas, maize millers, and so many different kinds of businesses. Dramas are being prepared to explain to people how the program works. The community's designs of the Gatina-Pesa have gone to the printers in Germany and with a little bit more push for awareness we're looking forward to a powerful launch. As Morgan Richards would say - we're cautiously optimistic. + + + +#gatina #nairobi + + `#gatina `_ + +#gatina + + `#nairobi `_ + +#nairobi + diff --git a/content/blog/how-to.rst b/content/blog/how-to.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2664a82 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/how-to.rst @@ -0,0 +1,785 @@ +:title: How to Build a Vulnerable Household Support Network +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 11, 2020 +:slug: how-to + +:summary: Utilizing and developing Community Currencies can support, strengthen and identify a social safety nets around vulnerable households. +:tags: support,network,community,vulnerable + + + +.. image:: images/blog/how-to18.webp + + *Photo credit: Magdaline Mumbi a community network mobilizer.* + **Vulnerable Household Support Networks (VHSNs)** + *In this post I'll describe a modality for social support and humanitarian aid such as cash transfer programming utilizing Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs).* + **Vulnerable households (VHHs)** + + +Vulnerable households (VHHs) + + + +VHHs in an area are identified via survey carried out by enumerators that seeks to understand which families in the community are most vulnerable and need support. Generally they are families where the head of household is a youth, elderly or very ill. See how Kenyan Red Cross works hard to identify vulnerable households. + + `See how Kenyan Red Cross works hard to identify vulnerable households. `_ *Utilizing and developing Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs) can support, strengthen and identify social safety nets around vulnerable households.* + + +A Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) like Sarafu is created and/or distributed regularly (similar to a basic income) in the area to VHHs as well as to all the households in the community in order to enable them to record mutual support among each other. Community members are asked to support the vulnerable families and each other with goods and services, using a CIC to record the support given. + + + +A Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) like Sarafu is created and/or distributed regularly (similar to a basic income) in the area to VHHs as well as to all the households in the community in order to enable them to record mutual support among each other. Community members are asked to support the vulnerable families and each other with goods and services, using a CIC to record the support given. + + `Sarafu `_ + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +For instance: a woman named Rehema who sells tomatoes may offer some tomatoes worth 20 KSH to a VHH. The VHH can record and show their appreciation by sending Rehema 20 CIC tokens using her feature phone. +- Rehema can now also appreciate her own friends family and even tomato suppliers by sending them CIC in return for their support, goods and services. + + + +: + + + +20 + + + +KSH + + + +VHH + + + +. + + + +VHH + + + +20 + + + +CIC + + + +. + + + +- + + + +CIC + + + +in + + + +return + + + +for + + + +, + + + +. + + **Vulnerable Household Support Network Members (NMs):** + + +Vulnerable Household Support Network Members (NMs): + + + +those people that support the VHH by offering goods and services are traditionally not easy to objectively identify or quantify. By receiving a CIC a NM can record of their support in the whole community and around VHHs. This data is recorded securely and anonymously on a blockchain. Those NMs in the community that wish to share their blockchain address can be identified and capacity built / rewarded / supported by individual cash transfers. + + **Vulnerable Household Support Network - Identification:** + + +Each user in the network has a unique address for their account on the blockchain that can be used to record every single CIC transaction. Any CIC transaction coming from a VHH can be viewed and audited as a record of support being offered to that VHH from members of the VHS-N. + + + +For instance a VHH uses their feature phone and sends 100 CIC to appreciate Rehema the sender and record her offer of 100 KSH worth of maize flour as support. + + + +For instance a VHH uses their feature phone and sends 100 CIC to appreciate Rehema the sender and record her offer of 100 KSH worth of maize flour as support. + + + +For instance a VHH uses their feature phone and sends 100 CIC to appreciate Rehema the sender and record her offer of 100 KSH worth of maize flour as support. + + + +For instance a VHH uses their feature phone and sends 100 CIC to appreciate Rehema the sender and record her offer of 100 KSH worth of maize flour as support. + + + +For instance a VHH uses their feature phone and sends 100 CIC to appreciate Rehema the sender and record her offer of 100 KSH worth of maize flour as support. + + + +For instance a VHH uses their feature phone and sends 100 CIC to appreciate Rehema the sender and record her offer of 100 KSH worth of maize flour as support. + + + +For instance a VHH uses their feature phone and sends 100 CIC to appreciate Rehema the sender and record her offer of 100 KSH worth of maize flour as support. + + + +For instance a VHH uses their feature phone and sends 100 CIC to appreciate Rehema the sender and record her offer of 100 KSH worth of maize flour as support. + + + +For instance a VHH uses their feature phone and sends 100 CIC to appreciate Rehema the sender and record her offer of 100 KSH worth of maize flour as support. + + + +For instance a VHH uses their feature phone and sends 100 CIC to appreciate Rehema the sender and record her offer of 100 KSH worth of maize flour as support. + + + +VHH + + + +100 + + + +CIC + + + +of + + + +100 + + + +KSH + + + +of + + + +as + + + +. + + + +That gives us a way to measure and rank how much support Rehema has offered. Indeed we can see the whole network of users that have offered VHHs support. If we look at this whole network we can get a sum of all the support a person like Rehema has offered to ANY vulnerable household - and we can even rank her support for VHHs among ALL the NMs (who are CIC users). + + + +Say that Rehema’s amount of received CIC from VHHs (measuring her offers of maize flour) makes her in the top percentile of network members; Here in the example below we can see that she gave 46% of the total support in the community to a VHH. + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + **NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100%** + **NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100%** + **NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100%** + **NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100%** + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + **NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100%** + **NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100%** + **NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100%** + **NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100%** + + + +NM Name | Support / month | Percentage +Rehema Katana | 3000 CIC | 46% +Fran Miguu | 2000 CIC | 31% +Katana Busia | 1000 CIC | 15% +Gertrude Mia | 550 CIC | 8% + Total | 6550 CIC | 100% + + **NM** + **|** + **/** + **|** + + +| + + + +3000 + + + +CIC + + + +| + + + +46 + + + +% + + + +| + + + +2000 + + + +CIC + + + +| + + + +31 + + + +% + + + +| + + + +1000 + + + +CIC + + + +| + + + +15 + + + +% + + + +| + + + +550 + + + +CIC + + + +| + + + +8 + + + +% + + **|** + **6550** + **CIC** + + +| + + **100** + **%** + + +The four people or businesses have received 6550 CICs over a month because of the support they offered to vulnerable households. They can choose to offer their information to the public or an aid organization in order to be recognized and potentially rewarded. + + **Vulnerable Household Support Networks (VHSNs) can identified using Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) transaction data and give aid organizations concrete and auditable proof of community support (POCS).** + + +In this way ANYONE offering support, goods or services to Vulnerable Households can be identified, acknowledged, rewarded to build their capacity. Because these CICs can continue circulating in the community as long as they are needed they can provide a long term community safety net, especially when Kenyan shillings are scarce or during or recovering from a crisis like COVID. + + **In this way ANYONE offering support, goods or services to Vulnerable Households can be identified, acknowledged, rewarded to build their capacity. Because these CICs can continue circulating in the community as long as they are needed they can provide a long term community safety net, especially when Kenyan shillings are scarce or during or recovering from a crisis like COVID.** + + +In this way ANYONE offering support, goods or services to Vulnerable Households can be identified, acknowledged, rewarded to build their capacity. Because these CICs can continue circulating in the community as long as they are needed they can provide a long term community safety net, especially when Kenyan shillings are scarce or during or recovering from a crisis like COVID. + + + +*Note that there are MANY other ways to define and identify CSNs: Including voting systems as well as identifying specific areas of support, such as: farming, education or food and water. + +:title: How to Host a Currency Potluck +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Aug 1, 2020 +:slug: how-to + +:summary: Let's get the potlucks started! Here is a short introduction to the methods we use for Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs) potlucks! + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/how-to18.webp + + + +Let's get the potlucks started! Here is a short introduction to the methods we use for Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) potlucks and how they could be applied to any community – even on social media groups such as: WhatsApp, Telegram Discord, Facebook and so on. + + + +These are all short iterative processes that can happen in cycles as the group learns by doing. + + **Step 0. Bringing People Together** + + +This is its own challenge, especailly (physically) today- so I’m assuming you have or can pull together a group of people where each person brings something to the table/social media group (a church group, whatsapp friends etc). Think of this as a potluck (a.k.a braai, coroga, faith supper, hatch party or participatory dinner party) where everyone is bringing an ingredient to amazing dishes that you are all going to cook and eat together. + + **Step 1a. Resource Mapping** + + +What ingredients do people have and what does everyone want to eat?! Have each person identify what their needs are and what they can offer - including goods, services and national currency. Share this list of offers and needs and see how well the community can meet its own needs and what is missing to have that perfect potluck. + + **Step 1b. Community Projects** + + +From the needs and offers discussed are there any commonalities? Could the group decide on one or more community projects? (Collective farming, elderly care, open source software development... etc) + + + +If there is consensus on projects the community would like to do as well as sufficient offers to do those projects – as well as needs being fulfilled by those projects and offers – then you have all the ingredients you need for a great Community Inclusion Currency (Potluck!). Now, solidifying (mixing) these resources toward your goals and projects involves commitment. + + **If there is consensus on projects the community would like to do as well as sufficient offers to do those projects – as well as needs being fulfilled by those projects and offers – then you have all the ingredients you need for a great Community Inclusion Currency (Potluck!). Now, solidifying (mixing) these resources toward your goals and projects involves commitment.** + + +If there is consensus on projects the community would like to do as well as sufficient offers to do those projects – as well as needs being fulfilled by those projects and offers – then you have all the ingredients you need for a great Community Inclusion Currency (Potluck!). Now, solidifying (mixing) these resources toward your goals and projects involves commitment. + + **Step 2a. Reach Commitment** + + +What can everyone commit to putting into the potluck? Individually and together we express what we can commit to accepting in return for the CIC we will create: our goods and services, our time on community projects and as well National Currency. + + **Step 2b. Develop an Agreement** + * Creation: Based on what everyone is putting in: goods, services and national currency – how many CIC tokens should be created? How should they be connected to collateral valued in National Currency? We use a metric in Kenya that for every 1 CIC created there is 1 unit of national currency worth of commitments of goods or services as well as 0.25 national currency (collateral pool) bonded to it – this way the CIC can be spent on committed goods and services as well as cashed out to national currency – note that as well people can add national currency the pool. + * Allotment: Based on the community projects and commitments people offer how should the CIC be distributed? We take the full amount of CIC to be created and divide it in half – where 50% is divided in proportion to people’s commitments and the other 50% goes toward community projects – with designated managers. + * n.b. There can be many other rules, such as taxation, demurrage, fines yearly recycling of the CIC. It is good to take time here to think about all the possibilities as you design your own financial system. + * Trade Balance: One core concept/commitment in CICs is the need for people to over time maintain a trade balance – accept as much as you spend, and spend as much as you accept. + + +Now that all the ingredients are there and they have been mixed together your currency potluck is ready to divide and serve. Dish it out! + + **Now that all the ingredients are there and they have been mixed together your currency potluck is ready to divide and serve. Dish it out!** + **Step 3a. Develop a name for your CIC** + + +Give your creation (CIC) a name! Both a long name and a short name – this will be the token name people see on their devices when trading. + + **Step 3b. Mint and Distribute** + + +These CICs are created and then distributed as per the rules decided. Note there are a lot of options on how to digitally or physically create these tokens and distribute them! See technical discussion below. + + **These CICs are created and then distributed as per the rules decided. Note there are a lot of options on how to digitally or physically create these tokens and distribute them! See technical discussion below.** + + +These CICs are created and then distributed as per the rules decided. Note there are a lot of options on how to digitally or physically create these tokens and distribute them! See technical discussion below. + + *These CICs are created and then distributed as per the rules decided. Note there are a lot of options on how to digitally or physically create these tokens and distribute them! See technical discussion below.* + + +These CICs are created and then distributed as per the rules decided. Note there are a lot of options on how to digitally or physically create these tokens and distribute them! See technical discussion below. + + **Step 4. Circulation - Let's eat!** + * The group can trade with themselves or anyone else by sending them the CIC tokens they have. + * Anyone can do community projects and get paid by that community project manager in CIC tokens + * Anyone can add national currency (or other market valued tokens) to the collateral pool and create more CIC. + * Anyone holding a CIC can liquidate it and pull out the collateral behind it. + **Step 5. Keep meeting and planning and starting over** + **No dinner party should last forever and one potluck is never enough! Ideally your CIC is humming along unlocking your collective untapped potential, but reassessment is key. How is the potluck going and how might we do better next time? Having a duration for your CIC and the community projects you create naturally gives rise to the next CIC – which can be created by a group liquidating the current CIC and creating another with the same process as above.** + + +No dinner party should last forever and one potluck is never enough! Ideally your CIC is humming along unlocking your collective untapped potential, but reassessment is key. How is the potluck going and how might we do better next time? Having a duration for your CIC and the community projects you create naturally gives rise to the next CIC – which can be created by a group liquidating the current CIC and creating another with the same process as above. + + *We wish you the best loving community currency potluck ever and are here to help!* + **Grassroots Economics is dedicated to developing and supporting public infrastructure so the each CIC can be independently created and owned by a community without extractive rent seeking platforms, smart contracts or blockchains. We still have a lot of work todo here and welcome you to our potluck and would love to be invited to yours! You can find a link to Kenyan training materials here: https://gitlab.com/grassrootseconomics/cic-docs/-/blob/master/README.md** + + +Grassroots Economics is dedicated to developing and supporting public infrastructure so the each CIC can be independently created and owned by a community without extractive rent seeking platforms, smart contracts or blockchains. We still have a lot of work todo here and welcome you to our potluck and would love to be invited to yours! You can find a link to Kenyan training materials here: https://gitlab.com/grassrootseconomics/cic-docs/-/blob/master/README.md + + **Grassroots Economics is dedicated to developing and supporting public infrastructure so the each CIC can be independently created and owned by a community without extractive rent seeking platforms, smart contracts or blockchains. We still have a lot of work todo here and welcome you to our potluck and would love to be invited to yours! You can find a link to Kenyan training materials here: https://gitlab.com/grassrootseconomics/cic-docs/-/blob/master/README.md** + + +Grassroots Economics is dedicated to developing and supporting public infrastructure so the each CIC can be independently created and owned by a community without extractive rent seeking platforms, smart contracts or blockchains. We still have a lot of work todo here and welcome you to our potluck and would love to be invited to yours! You can find a link to Kenyan training materials here: https://gitlab.com/grassrootseconomics/cic-docs/-/blob/master/README.md + + `https://gitlab.com/grassrootseconomics/cic-docs/-/blob/master/README.md `_ + + + + **Technically:** + + +In Kenya we manually do the Mint and Distribute step on behalf of communities – but anyone with a bit of blockchain tech savy can deploy these contracts (we are working on makign this much easier). We mint a CIC/token and bond it to a collateral pool in a digital asset (such as USDC, XCHF - note a community could create it's own reserve currency basket). This process is called defining and deploying a smart contract on a blockchain. The contract is transparent and the rule for how it can be used need to be totally clear. The open source Bancor V1 Bonding Curve contracts can be augmented in many ways to suit the needs of the group. Also note that a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) can be used to do much of the above process and distribution as well as maintain the contract – in lieu of a trusted contract deployer. There are a lot of options if you get stuck on this creation and distribution process - we are happy to discuss! + diff --git a/content/blog/interactive-village.rst b/content/blog/interactive-village.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b6aaf4b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/interactive-village.rst @@ -0,0 +1,51 @@ +:title: Interactive Village Market Simulator! +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: May 25, 2018 +:slug: interactive-village + +:summary: The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of... + + + **The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of our MOOC.** + **The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of our MOOC.** + **The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of our MOOC.** + `YouTube `_ `MOOC `_ + + + + + + + + + +This episode goes through the basic premises of community currencies and how they affect economies. The simulator takes an agent based approach to simulating basic economic intereactions with two currencies. Field surveys from (7) locations across Kenya and South Africa suggest that the fragility of local markets due to exogenous market conditions gives rise to volatile local markets that result in chronic seasonal illiquidity and local market stagnation. Further data suggests that endogenous sources of liquidity through circulating vouchers refered to as Community Currency (CC) can counteract these seasonal trends and increase overall trade volume. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/interactive-village41.webp + + + + + + + +What is especially exciting about this one is that it will be available in Github and you can play with all the bells and whistles, and experiment by yourself how changing different variables affect trade within the village. + + + +What is especially exciting about this one is that it will be available in Github and you can play with all the bells and whistles, and experiment by yourself how changing different variables affect trade within the village. + + `Github `_ + + + + + +Make sure you have python running on your computer and have fun with the code! + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/investment-modelling.rst b/content/blog/investment-modelling.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..16561b7 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/investment-modelling.rst @@ -0,0 +1,384 @@ +:title: Investment Modelling in Community Inclusion Currencies +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 12, 2020 +:slug: investment-modelling + +:summary: While Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs) have been shown to increase local trade they can also be a vehicle for collective share... + + + + +While Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs) have been shown to increase local trade they can also be a vehicle for collective share holding and impact investment. A large portfolio of CICs could represent millions of dollars of investment while the circulation of the CIC could enable billions of dollars of trade in marginalized communities. All the equations and graphs in the examples below can be here can be found on GitHub here. + + *While Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs) have been shown to increase local trade they can also be a vehicle for collective share holding and impact investment. A large portfolio of CICs could represent millions of dollars of investment while the circulation of the CIC could enable billions of dollars of trade in marginalized communities. All the equations and graphs in the examples below can be here can be found on GitHub here.* + + +While Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs) have been shown to increase local trade they can also be a vehicle for collective share holding and impact investment. A large portfolio of CICs could represent millions of dollars of investment while the circulation of the CIC could enable billions of dollars of trade in marginalized communities. All the equations and graphs in the examples below can be here can be found on GitHub here. + + `GitHub here. `_ + + + + + +We can approximate that the overall impact of a CIC on the economy is proportional to its circulation rate times its total market capitalization i.e. Impact ~= Velocity*(CIC_Supply * Exchange_rate) based on the arguments below and typical usage we should see a cycle of states where CICs starts with an exchange rate of 1:1 with its reserve (currently a National Currency based Stable Coin DAI) followed by the exchange rate moving in either direction. If seen as an investment opportunity and more reserve is added and more tokens are created (as shares of those reserve added) then the exchange rate will increase. + + + + + + + +A typical share price of a company is based capital assets, augmented by investors expectations. Instead with a CIC your share price (exchange rate) is based on known underlying reserves Exchange Rate P = L * Reserve / Supply (L is our leverage as a variable on the smart contract L = 1/F below) and the bonding curve equations as originally defined by Bancor's smart contract: + + + +A typical share price of a company is based capital assets, augmented by investors expectations. Instead with a CIC your share price (exchange rate) is based on known underlying reserves Exchange Rate P = L * Reserve / Supply (L is our leverage as a variable on the smart contract L = 1/F below) and the bonding curve equations as originally defined by Bancor's smart contract: + + `smart contract `_ + + + + + +As more reserve is added, less and less supply (shares) are created and the share value (exchange price of the CIC token to its reserve) increases. (eq1: Minting) + + **As more reserve is added, less and less supply (shares) are created and the share value (exchange price of the CIC token to its reserve) increases. (eq1: Minting)** + + +.. image:: images/blog/investment-modelling46.webp + + *S = the entire supply of CIC tokens, R = the entire Reserve in National Currency and F = 1 / Leverage* + + + + + + +As supply of CIC is cashed out or burnt/(reserve redeemed) then less and less reserve is released then that share price drops. (eq2, Redemption) + + **As supply of CIC is cashed out or burnt/(reserve redeemed) then less and less reserve is released then that share price drops. (eq2, Redemption)** + + +.. image:: images/blog/investment-modelling68.webp + + + + +Once the price moves up it is because people believe they will get something of value for it in the near to long term holding. Either they will buy a product at market or under market rates using the CIC or they will hold the CIC in order to use it later when the exchange price is higher (a longer term investment). As more people add to the reserve the price will eventually rise high enough that the long term holders will want to cash out (say once it reaches a plateau – forced or market based). This liquidation of long term holders will cause the price to drop and could cause a cascade effect reducing the reserve to near zero. + + + + +Once the price moves up it is because people believe they will get something of value for it in the near to long term holding. Either they will buy a product at market or under market rates using the CIC or they will hold the CIC in order to use it later when the exchange price is higher (a longer term investment). As more people add to the reserve the price will eventually rise high enough that the long term holders will want to cash out (say once it reaches a plateau – forced or market based). This liquidation of long term holders will cause the price to drop and could cause a cascade effect reducing the reserve to near zero. + + + + +Once the price moves up it is because people believe they will get something of value for it in the near to long term holding. Either they will buy a product at market or under market rates using the CIC or they will hold the CIC in order to use it later when the exchange price is higher (a longer term investment). As more people add to the reserve the price will eventually rise high enough that the long term holders will want to cash out (say once it reaches a plateau – forced or market based). This liquidation of long term holders will cause the price to drop and could cause a cascade effect reducing the reserve to near zero. + + + + + + + +Once at near zero reserve the remaining CICs in circulation have a near zero exchange rate and so trading will slow down as people lack confidence to accept it for goods and services. But this is also an investment opportunity. At such a low reserve and hence exchange rate, putting more reserve in and minting new tokens is quite cheap. This investment would lead to a middling reserve period whose momentum may bring the currency all the way back to 1:1 with the national currency and even farther to a high reserve period. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/investment-modelling88.webp + + + + +These four reserve cases (zero, low, middling, and high) are shown above with their relative merits and detriments. Note that the cycle above is just one possible cycle that we see in the CICs in Kenya and is generally caused by donor aid. + + + + +These four reserve cases (zero, low, middling, and high) are shown above with their relative merits and detriments. Note that the cycle above is just one possible cycle that we see in the CICs in Kenya and is generally caused by donor aid. + + + + +These four reserve cases (zero, low, middling, and high) are shown above with their relative merits and detriments. Note that the cycle above is just one possible cycle that we see in the CICs in Kenya and is generally caused by donor aid. + + + + +Some challenges therein: +1. No investment: Should the currency not allow investors a return they will see no reason to invest in the first place - no matter the transaction velocity, there will be insufficient capital behind it to scale. What keeps the currency alive? - both the reserve and the social capital behind it. When the reserve runs out, can someone still use the currency for some good or service at market value? (This is expected market stabilization) If so, then there is a huge local short term investment opportunity (i.e. to buy products at cheaper rates - in this case is arbitrage) – which could translate into a medium and long term investment opportunity. + + **Some challenges therein: +1. No investment: Should the currency not allow investors a return they will see no reason to invest in the first place - no matter the transaction velocity, there will be insufficient capital behind it to scale. What keeps the currency alive? - both the reserve and the social capital behind it. When the reserve runs out, can someone still use the currency for some good or service at market value? (This is expected market stabilization) If so, then there is a huge local short term investment opportunity (i.e. to buy products at cheaper rates - in this case is arbitrage) – which could translate into a medium and long term investment opportunity.** + + + +Some challenges therein: +1. No investment: Should the currency not allow investors a return they will see no reason to invest in the first place - no matter the transaction velocity, there will be insufficient capital behind it to scale. What keeps the currency alive? - both the reserve and the social capital behind it. When the reserve runs out, can someone still use the currency for some good or service at market value? (This is expected market stabilization) If so, then there is a huge local short term investment opportunity (i.e. to buy products at cheaper rates - in this case is arbitrage) – which could translate into a medium and long term investment opportunity. + + + + +Some challenges therein: +1. No investment: Should the currency not allow investors a return they will see no reason to invest in the first place - no matter the transaction velocity, there will be insufficient capital behind it to scale. What keeps the currency alive? - both the reserve and the social capital behind it. When the reserve runs out, can someone still use the currency for some good or service at market value? (This is expected market stabilization) If so, then there is a huge local short term investment opportunity (i.e. to buy products at cheaper rates - in this case is arbitrage) – which could translate into a medium and long term investment opportunity. + + + + +Some challenges therein: +1. No investment: Should the currency not allow investors a return they will see no reason to invest in the first place - no matter the transaction velocity, there will be insufficient capital behind it to scale. What keeps the currency alive? - both the reserve and the social capital behind it. When the reserve runs out, can someone still use the currency for some good or service at market value? (This is expected market stabilization) If so, then there is a huge local short term investment opportunity (i.e. to buy products at cheaper rates - in this case is arbitrage) – which could translate into a medium and long term investment opportunity. + + + + + + + +2. Fast Liquidation: should investors cash out too soon and too much the currency may be too volatile and may never build enough market confidence to reach high transaction amounts with sufficient capital to have high impacts. + + + + +2. Fast Liquidation: should investors cash out too soon and too much the currency may be too volatile and may never build enough market confidence to reach high transaction amounts with sufficient capital to have high impacts. + + + + +2. Fast Liquidation: should investors cash out too soon and too much the currency may be too volatile and may never build enough market confidence to reach high transaction amounts with sufficient capital to have high impacts. + + + + +In example 1 below we show the effect of social backing on problem (1) and in example 2 we have the effect of investment on problem (2) above. + + + + +In example 1 below we show the effect of social backing on problem (1) and in example 2 we have the effect of investment on problem (2) above. + + + + +In example 1 below we show the effect of social backing on problem (1) and in example 2 we have the effect of investment on problem (2) above. + + + **Example 1. Maize Miller** + + +For example. If I run a maize mill (a cooperative owned by 25 women in Kenya) and I create a CIC at 4x leverage and put in 100 USD into reserve and mint 400 CIC tokens. Then my Price is 4*100/400 = 1. If I can spend those 400 tokens as if they were equal to $1 on labor and other local needs (rent, school fees, water) then I would have multiplied my purchasing power. If everyone returns those tokens to me for my maize – I will have simply given myself an advance on my own maize. I could then cash out my share to pull back out the 100 USD that was simply acting as collateral there. My profit is zero but I have increased my turnover. + + **For example. If I run a maize mill (a cooperative owned by 25 women in Kenya) and I create a CIC at 4x leverage and put in 100 USD into reserve and mint 400 CIC tokens. Then my Price is 4*100/400 = 1. If I can spend those 400 tokens as if they were equal to $1 on labor and other local needs (rent, school fees, water) then I would have multiplied my purchasing power. If everyone returns those tokens to me for my maize – I will have simply given myself an advance on my own maize. I could then cash out my share to pull back out the 100 USD that was simply acting as collateral there. My profit is zero but I have increased my turnover.** + + +For example. If I run a maize mill (a cooperative owned by 25 women in Kenya) and I create a CIC at 4x leverage and put in 100 USD into reserve and mint 400 CIC tokens. Then my Price is 4*100/400 = 1. If I can spend those 400 tokens as if they were equal to $1 on labor and other local needs (rent, school fees, water) then I would have multiplied my purchasing power. If everyone returns those tokens to me for my maize – I will have simply given myself an advance on my own maize. I could then cash out my share to pull back out the 100 USD that was simply acting as collateral there. My profit is zero but I have increased my turnover. + + + + + + + +Let's say I, the maize miller, do it again and spend the tokens for 400 USD of labor and some of my future customers don’t return their tokens for maize but instead cash them out? This will cause all the remaining tokens to lose some exchange value. Let’s say 50 of the 400 tokens are cashed out for $41USD ([eq2] note only the 1st dollar pulled out has a $ dollar value - hence slippage). + + + + + + + +Let’s say there is now a reserve remaining of $58.6 and 350 tokens remaining and let’s say all these remaining 350 tokens are returned to the maize mill for $350 USD of flour. So, I, the maize mill, now have 350 tokens backed by $58.6USD in reserve and a price of P = 4X $58.6/350 = $0.67USD. Well, I - the maize miller, have gotten $400 USD of labor costs and spent $350 USD in product and am remaining with $58.6 USD of reserve. Meaning that I got an overall $100 in wages reduction – redemption in product at the cost of $41.4USD of my reserve). My profit here is the $400USD in labor I received minus the loss of $350USD of stock + $58.6USD of reserve minus the $100 of reserve initially used = $8.6USD. While the seller of tokens took a loss of $50USD(labor) - $41.4USD(reserve received) = $-8.6USD. + + **Let’s say there is now a reserve remaining of $58.6 and 350 tokens remaining and let’s say all these remaining 350 tokens are returned to the maize mill for $350 USD of flour. So, I, the maize mill, now have 350 tokens backed by $58.6USD in reserve and a price of P = 4X $58.6/350 = $0.67USD. Well, I - the maize miller, have gotten $400 USD of labor costs and spent $350 USD in product and am remaining with $58.6 USD of reserve. Meaning that I got an overall $100 in wages reduction – redemption in product at the cost of $41.4USD of my reserve). My profit here is the $400USD in labor I received minus the loss of $350USD of stock + $58.6USD of reserve minus the $100 of reserve initially used = $8.6USD. While the seller of tokens took a loss of $50USD(labor) - $41.4USD(reserve received) = $-8.6USD.** + + +Let’s say there is now a reserve remaining of $58.6 and 350 tokens remaining and let’s say all these remaining 350 tokens are returned to the maize mill for $350 USD of flour. So, I, the maize mill, now have 350 tokens backed by $58.6USD in reserve and a price of P = 4X $58.6/350 = $0.67USD. Well, I - the maize miller, have gotten $400 USD of labor costs and spent $350 USD in product and am remaining with $58.6 USD of reserve. Meaning that I got an overall $100 in wages reduction – redemption in product at the cost of $41.4USD of my reserve). My profit here is the $400USD in labor I received minus the loss of $350USD of stock + $58.6USD of reserve minus the $100 of reserve initially used = $8.6USD. While the seller of tokens took a loss of $50USD(labor) - $41.4USD(reserve received) = $-8.6USD. + + **Let’s say there is now a reserve remaining of $58.6 and 350 tokens remaining and let’s say all these remaining 350 tokens are returned to the maize mill for $350 USD of flour. So, I, the maize mill, now have 350 tokens backed by $58.6USD in reserve and a price of P = 4X $58.6/350 = $0.67USD. Well, I - the maize miller, have gotten $400 USD of labor costs and spent $350 USD in product and am remaining with $58.6 USD of reserve. Meaning that I got an overall $100 in wages reduction – redemption in product at the cost of $41.4USD of my reserve). My profit here is the $400USD in labor I received minus the loss of $350USD of stock + $58.6USD of reserve minus the $100 of reserve initially used = $8.6USD. While the seller of tokens took a loss of $50USD(labor) - $41.4USD(reserve received) = $-8.6USD.** + + +Let’s say there is now a reserve remaining of $58.6 and 350 tokens remaining and let’s say all these remaining 350 tokens are returned to the maize mill for $350 USD of flour. So, I, the maize mill, now have 350 tokens backed by $58.6USD in reserve and a price of P = 4X $58.6/350 = $0.67USD. Well, I - the maize miller, have gotten $400 USD of labor costs and spent $350 USD in product and am remaining with $58.6 USD of reserve. Meaning that I got an overall $100 in wages reduction – redemption in product at the cost of $41.4USD of my reserve). My profit here is the $400USD in labor I received minus the loss of $350USD of stock + $58.6USD of reserve minus the $100 of reserve initially used = $8.6USD. While the seller of tokens took a loss of $50USD(labor) - $41.4USD(reserve received) = $-8.6USD. + + + + + + + +In this case the community are being incentivized to use the tokens at the maize mill or other CIC accepting businesses, rather than cashing them out. But now that the maize miller has all the tokens again buyers of flour should be able to put in more reserve themselves and mint tokens at the market price of $0.67USD to make a profit themselves. + + + + + + + +Let’s say the one buyer of maize who lost above by cashing out, decided to take all his $41.4USD that he cashed out and put it back into the reserve? This automatically creates for him 50 tokens [eq1] so the total supply of tokens now is 350+50 = 400 and there are now $58.6+$41.4 = $100USD in reserve. The 400 tokens are now worth: P = 4* $100/400 = $1.00USD in exchange value (back to parity). + + + + +Let’s say now that buyer purchased all $50 USD worth of maize from me (costing him only $41.4 USD). Now, I the maize miller, have all 400 tokens backed by $100 USD, and I have used up $400 USD of flour and I have bought $400 units of labor. So my total profit is $-400(product)+$400(labor)+$100(reserve value)-$100(initial reserve)= $0USD and my customer has made back the $8.6 USD he lost before and is at 0 net profit. So both the maize miller and the buyer are back at zero profit. + + + + +Let’s say now that buyer purchased all $50 USD worth of maize from me (costing him only $41.4 USD). Now, I the maize miller, have all 400 tokens backed by $100 USD, and I have used up $400 USD of flour and I have bought $400 units of labor. So my total profit is $-400(product)+$400(labor)+$100(reserve value)-$100(initial reserve)= $0USD and my customer has made back the $8.6 USD he lost before and is at 0 net profit. So both the maize miller and the buyer are back at zero profit. + + + + +Let’s say now that buyer purchased all $50 USD worth of maize from me (costing him only $41.4 USD). Now, I the maize miller, have all 400 tokens backed by $100 USD, and I have used up $400 USD of flour and I have bought $400 units of labor. So my total profit is $-400(product)+$400(labor)+$100(reserve value)-$100(initial reserve)= $0USD and my customer has made back the $8.6 USD he lost before and is at 0 net profit. So both the maize miller and the buyer are back at zero profit. + + + + + + + +In all three stages here $400, $350 and $50 = $800USD of flour was consumed and another $400USD + 400 USD of Labor was purchased that is $1600 USD of trade based on a reserve of $100USD being leveraged into 400 tokens which circulated 4x for a total impact of 16x when compared to just spending the reserve. Again if we assume Impact ~= Velocity*(Supply * Exchange rate) and we 4x the supply and 4x the circulation and average out the exchange rate to 1. This could continue on and on resulting in more and more trade facilitated. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/investment-modelling158.webp + + + + +So there is a key assumption here: That the CIC issuer will accept CIC’s for flour pegged 1:1 with the Research (National Currency). If the issuer – maize mill owner decides to gouge clients after spending at full rates then people will not accept the CICs for labor at full rates in the future. This represents the social backing of the voucher and gives someone a reason to put in money into the reserve when the price is low. + + + + +So there is a key assumption here: That the CIC issuer will accept CIC’s for flour pegged 1:1 with the Research (National Currency). If the issuer – maize mill owner decides to gouge clients after spending at full rates then people will not accept the CICs for labor at full rates in the future. This represents the social backing of the voucher and gives someone a reason to put in money into the reserve when the price is low. + + + + +So there is a key assumption here: That the CIC issuer will accept CIC’s for flour pegged 1:1 with the Research (National Currency). If the issuer – maize mill owner decides to gouge clients after spending at full rates then people will not accept the CICs for labor at full rates in the future. This represents the social backing of the voucher and gives someone a reason to put in money into the reserve when the price is low. + + + + + + + +Now given a market with many CIC issuers, if an issuer decided to price gouge clients – those clients have other options – they can convert their CIC to another CIC issuers token. + +If the CIC issuer wants to continue using CICs in order to buy labor and increase turnover and is assured, there will be some buyers in the future he is obligated to continue accepting CICs at the same rate he spent them in the first place (1:1 with National Currency). + + + +Now given a market with many CIC issuers, if an issuer decided to price gouge clients – those clients have other options – they can convert their CIC to another CIC issuers token. + +If the CIC issuer wants to continue using CICs in order to buy labor and increase turnover and is assured, there will be some buyers in the future he is obligated to continue accepting CICs at the same rate he spent them in the first place (1:1 with National Currency). + + + +Now given a market with many CIC issuers, if an issuer decided to price gouge clients – those clients have other options – they can convert their CIC to another CIC issuers token. + +If the CIC issuer wants to continue using CICs in order to buy labor and increase turnover and is assured, there will be some buyers in the future he is obligated to continue accepting CICs at the same rate he spent them in the first place (1:1 with National Currency). + + + +Now given a market with many CIC issuers, if an issuer decided to price gouge clients – those clients have other options – they can convert their CIC to another CIC issuers token. + +If the CIC issuer wants to continue using CICs in order to buy labor and increase turnover and is assured, there will be some buyers in the future he is obligated to continue accepting CICs at the same rate he spent them in the first place (1:1 with National Currency). + + + +Now given a market with many CIC issuers, if an issuer decided to price gouge clients – those clients have other options – they can convert their CIC to another CIC issuers token. + +If the CIC issuer wants to continue using CICs in order to buy labor and increase turnover and is assured, there will be some buyers in the future he is obligated to continue accepting CICs at the same rate he spent them in the first place (1:1 with National Currency). + + + + + + + +If we imagine the primary market is the maize seller and buyers and the secondary market is the smart-contract (eq,1&2) then a third market could be impact investors and humanitarian aid providers. This is where long term CIC buyers and holders can come in. They can do two important things – contribute initial seed funds to reserves to offset risk for a CIC issuer and they can purchase CICs when the price is low and sell them when it is high. This second function is similar to an insurance fund which could be automated and holds both CICs and their reserve and continually readjusts the price within a band. + + **If we imagine the primary market is the maize seller and buyers and the secondary market is the smart-contract (eq,1&2) then a third market could be impact investors and humanitarian aid providers. This is where long term CIC buyers and holders can come in. They can do two important things – contribute initial seed funds to reserves to offset risk for a CIC issuer and they can purchase CICs when the price is low and sell them when it is high. This second function is similar to an insurance fund which could be automated and holds both CICs and their reserve and continually readjusts the price within a band.** + + +If we imagine the primary market is the maize seller and buyers and the secondary market is the smart-contract (eq,1&2) then a third market could be impact investors and humanitarian aid providers. This is where long term CIC buyers and holders can come in. They can do two important things – contribute initial seed funds to reserves to offset risk for a CIC issuer and they can purchase CICs when the price is low and sell them when it is high. This second function is similar to an insurance fund which could be automated and holds both CICs and their reserve and continually readjusts the price within a band. + + + + + + **Example 2 – Impact Investor: + +Let’s say I am an impact investor and I see the situation happening above over a 1 year period and I believe it could happen much faster. So at the end of the 1st period when the price has dropped I decide to put in $10.0 USD into the reserve and create 14 tokens (eq1) and then wait until someone else puts in another $31.4 USD to buy more maize locally. At that point the price has climbed back up to $1USD (parity with reserve) and I cash out all my 14 tokens to receive $13.33USD. I have gotten a 33% return on my investment of $10USD and dropped the token price back down to $0.7 USD. If I take my original $10 out of the system, I'll be left with ~3USD of tokens which I can just leave there as a donation or further investment – that will continue to enable trading and circulation.** + + +Example 2 – Impact Investor: + +Let’s say I am an impact investor and I see the situation happening above over a 1 year period and I believe it could happen much faster. So at the end of the 1st period when the price has dropped I decide to put in $10.0 USD into the reserve and create 14 tokens (eq1) and then wait until someone else puts in another $31.4 USD to buy more maize locally. At that point the price has climbed back up to $1USD (parity with reserve) and I cash out all my 14 tokens to receive $13.33USD. I have gotten a 33% return on my investment of $10USD and dropped the token price back down to $0.7 USD. If I take my original $10 out of the system, I'll be left with ~3USD of tokens which I can just leave there as a donation or further investment – that will continue to enable trading and circulation. + + + +Example 2 – Impact Investor: + +Let’s say I am an impact investor and I see the situation happening above over a 1 year period and I believe it could happen much faster. So at the end of the 1st period when the price has dropped I decide to put in $10.0 USD into the reserve and create 14 tokens (eq1) and then wait until someone else puts in another $31.4 USD to buy more maize locally. At that point the price has climbed back up to $1USD (parity with reserve) and I cash out all my 14 tokens to receive $13.33USD. I have gotten a 33% return on my investment of $10USD and dropped the token price back down to $0.7 USD. If I take my original $10 out of the system, I'll be left with ~3USD of tokens which I can just leave there as a donation or further investment – that will continue to enable trading and circulation. + + + +Example 2 – Impact Investor: + +Let’s say I am an impact investor and I see the situation happening above over a 1 year period and I believe it could happen much faster. So at the end of the 1st period when the price has dropped I decide to put in $10.0 USD into the reserve and create 14 tokens (eq1) and then wait until someone else puts in another $31.4 USD to buy more maize locally. At that point the price has climbed back up to $1USD (parity with reserve) and I cash out all my 14 tokens to receive $13.33USD. I have gotten a 33% return on my investment of $10USD and dropped the token price back down to $0.7 USD. If I take my original $10 out of the system, I'll be left with ~3USD of tokens which I can just leave there as a donation or further investment – that will continue to enable trading and circulation. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/investment-modelling192.webp + + + + + + + +Practically we restrict (eq2) how fast someone can cash out their tokens by having them vest over time, to ward off the case where someone drops the token price dramatically in a short period. So as an investor I can take out my profit slowly and must therefore leave in my principal for a longer period - building market confidence. + + + +Also note that if instead of $100 USD in reserve we have $100,000 USD in reserve and create 400,000 CIC tokens (these could be aggregated over many CICs) and our investment is $10,000 USD, I would pull out $13,333 USD in the end and could donate the $3,333 profit. The net effect is that I lent 10K when it was most needed.Rather than extracting wealth from marginalized people, an impact investor has invested capital in boosting the local economy of CIC holders. + + + + + + + +With a CIC portfolio of millions of dollars’ worth of many CICs there is ample room for investment and at the same time - with ~5x the circulation than National Currency we could see billions of dollars of trade in marginalized communities. CICs incentivize wealth creation with minimal capital because they drive internal trade and penalize external trade. Users have abundant internal liquidity, but if a CIC holder really needs reserve (dollars), they can get them (at a small premium which they can afford). All the equations and graphs here can be found on GitHub here. + + `GitHub here. `_ + +#investment #modeling #bondingcurves #CIC + + + +#investment #modeling #bondingcurves #CIC + + + +#investment #modeling #bondingcurves #CIC + + `#investment `_ + +#investment + + `#modeling `_ + +#modeling + + `#bondingcurves `_ + +#bondingcurves + + `#CIC `_ + +#CIC + diff --git a/content/blog/kakuma-refugee.rst b/content/blog/kakuma-refugee.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c17d71e --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/kakuma-refugee.rst @@ -0,0 +1,44 @@ +:title: Kakuma Refugee Testimonial +:author: Amina Godana and Janet Akinyi Otieno +:date: Mar 28 +:slug: kakuma-refugee + +:summary: Nyota explains below how after living in the refugee camp for 10 years, Sarafu has helped her to maintain trade with her community and grow + + + + +After hearing about Sarafu local leaders of a small community group started building a support network in their community. Nyota explains below how after living in the refugee camp for 10 years, Sarafu has helped her to maintain trade with her community and grow their collective farming even when there are no shillings available. + + + +After hearing about Sarafu local leaders of a small community group started building a support network in their community. Nyota explains below how after living in the refugee camp for 10 years, Sarafu has helped her to maintain trade with her community and grow their collective farming even when there are no shillings available. + + `hearing about Sarafu `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/kakuma-refugee30.webp + + + +Here the FHE group in Kakuma are meeting to talk about community farming and community inclusion currencies which they learned more about after a trip to Siaya Kenya.. + + + +Here the FHE group in Kakuma are meeting to talk about community farming and community inclusion currencies which they learned more about after a trip to Siaya Kenya.. + + `FHE group in Kakuma `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/kakuma-refugee50.webp + + + +Here the Kaukuma community leaders traveled to Siaya to learn about how Sarafu is used there and about community farming practices that Sarafu helps to make economically sustainable (circular economy). Communities teaching other communities how to use Community Currency is always the best way to share. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/kakuma-refugee64.webp + + + +This is the beginning of a new community farm in Siaya where the Kakuma team was learning. The poster is showing the intention of the community farm and soil regenerative practices that are being used. Below is a testimonial of one of the farmers in Siaya that taught the Kakuma refugees to follow their example to build a strong local economy. + diff --git a/content/blog/kangemi-pesa-launch.rst b/content/blog/kangemi-pesa-launch.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d64ca85 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/kangemi-pesa-launch.rst @@ -0,0 +1,60 @@ +:title: Kangemi-Pesa Launch Prep and More Currency News +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Mar 27, 2015 +:slug: kangemi-pesa-launch + +:summary: Kangemi-Pesa is launching on April 4th 2015! After six months of preparation the Kangemi Businessness Network has reached over 100... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/kangemi-pesa-launch18.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +Kangemi-Pesa is launching on April 4th 2015! After six months of preparation the Kangemi Businessness Network has reached over 100 members-including small shops, tailors, teachers, suppliers, resalers, restaurants and much more. Each member on the launch day will be allotted 400 Kangemi-Pesa of which 200 goes toward a community fund to pay for trash collection and other community efforts. The Kangemi-Pesa is backed by the goods and services of the community. + + + + + + + +Along with Bangla-Pesa, first launched in 2013 and Gatina-Pesa launched in 2014, Kangemi-Pesa is the third of what will be six community currencies trading in Kenya by the end of this year. Kangemi-Pesa's introduction and launch was suported by Lush Cosmetic. Neighboring Gatina-Pesa in Kawangware will be tradable with Kangemi-Pesa. These business networks form the core of a decentralized banking system for Nairobi County. Coming soon are currencies in Kibera as well as two more in Mombasa County. We are also excited to be supporting the implementation of programs in South Africa and are looking forward to a community currency being launched there in May! + + + + + + + +Experiences from Community Currency users remind us of why these programs are important. John Wacharia has a small Kinyozi (Barber shop), and when there was a system wide power outage for three days, he told us, "Bangla-Pesa allowed me to provide for my family, eat and survive when I could no longer work". These programs form a buffer system against unstable markets by allowing people to trade their goods and services even when they don't have Kenyan shillings. So far each one of these currency programs creates an additional 3 million shillings of trade each year. Networked together, hundreds of these programs could increase the GDP by more than a Billion dollars. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/kangemi-pesa-launch53.webp + + + + + + + + + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/kangemi-pesa-launched.rst b/content/blog/kangemi-pesa-launched.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e43121b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/kangemi-pesa-launched.rst @@ -0,0 +1,60 @@ +:title: Kangemi-Pesa Launched +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Apr 4, 2015 +:slug: kangemi-pesa-launched + +:summary: Overcoming many obstacles in a shaken Kenya, we had an amazing launch today of the third community currency in Kenya! Kangemi-Pesa is... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/kangemi-pesa-launched18.webp + + + + + + + +Overcoming many obstacles in a shaken Kenya, we had an amazing launch today of the third community currency in Kenya! Kangemi-Pesa is also tradeable with Gatina-Pesa their neighboring community, who came out in force to support the program along with the area chief. These two community currencies are the beginning of a grassroots economic network of decentralize monetary systems. + + + + + + + +The event was honored with students and teachers from 8 different schools in the area that will be accepting Kangemi-Pesa for school fees - helping to raise the salaries of local teachers by allowing parents to pay with their goods and services. + + + +We are also on track to launch Lindi-Pesa in Kibera, and two more currencies in Mombasa this year! These programs would not be possible without Nyendo a German organization that works with local schools, LUSH who have helped sponsor our Nairobi programs and DOEN who are helping with our Mombasa programs. Chiemgauer and Regios from Germany also kindly helped with printing of the Kangemi-Pesa. + + + + + + + +Community Currencies represent the foundation of what is rapidly becoming a global movement toward democratic and decentralised monetary systems. With immediate social and financial impacts, these currencies bypass the limitations of crypto-currencies and micro-finance, by enabling resilient markets across Africa. + + + + + + + +Currently community currencies are now trading in areas effecting over 100,000 people with over 500 local businesses in Nairobi and Mombasa. Four more programs have already started this year in Kenya and two in South Africa via FlowAfrica which will put community currencies unlocking the trade potential of over 200,000 people by 2016. Each community currency so far can increase local trade in impoverished communities by as much as 100K EUR each year. Increasing trade in Africa by more than 10 Billion Dollars a year is not only possible but within our reach. Support for these programs has enabled communities to being to sustainably trade goods and services, raising standards of living and even allowing people to pay for school fees. + + + + + + + + + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/kenyan-women.rst b/content/blog/kenyan-women.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..115b5dc --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/kenyan-women.rst @@ -0,0 +1,140 @@ +:title: Kenyan Women - Ahead of the IMF +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Feb 9, 2020 +:slug: kenyan-women + +:summary: Could the IMF and Commercial banks learn from women in rural Kenya how to create a decentralized and de-risked (transparently 100% backed) c + + + ` `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/kenyan-women18.webp + + + + IMF's latest working paper shows that debt creation is the main source of money creation - commercial banks (not central banks) create and inflate the money supply through loan issuance based on market demand. The paper goes on to establish the possibility of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) echoing a the IMF's wish for a Revised Chicago Plan. + + + + IMF's latest working paper shows that debt creation is the main source of money creation - commercial banks (not central banks) create and inflate the money supply through loan issuance based on market demand. The paper goes on to establish the possibility of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) echoing a the IMF's wish for a Revised Chicago Plan. + + *IMF's latest working paper shows that debt creation is the main source of money creation - commercial banks (not central banks) create and inflate the money supply through loan issuance based on market demand. The paper goes on to establish the possibility of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) echoing a the IMF's wish for a Revised Chicago Plan.* + + + IMF's latest working paper shows that debt creation is the main source of money creation - commercial banks (not central banks) create and inflate the money supply through loan issuance based on market demand. The paper goes on to establish the possibility of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) echoing a the IMF's wish for a Revised Chicago Plan. + + `working paper `_ + + + + + +"This is a starting point to explain the systemic flaw of our monetary system, and recurring economic crises pattern." - Vincentius Arnold + + + + + + + +Community Inclusion Currencies built on Central Bank Digital Currency reserves would de-risk and decentralization the commercial banking system. If Central Banks were required to hold 100% reserve in CDBC and issue their own inter-operable credits and not issue / inflate National Currency like they do now - they might use something similar to Community Inclusion Currencies. + + `Community Inclusion Currencies `_ + + + + + +Some highlights of the IMF working paper include: + + + +Some highlights of the IMF working paper include: + + + +Some highlights of the IMF working paper include: + + * "the fact that the money stock is endogenously and elastically driven by demand and constrained loosely by regulation. + * "we highlight that liquid funds are required to back the transfer of newlycreated, initially illiquid loans and deposits in a multi-bank system. Liquid funding needs do not negate the fact that banks create money “out of nothing.” + * "how Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) systems would be designed in terms of credit provision,which, if backed 100 percent by the new digital currency, would resemble the Chicago plan ofthe 1930s + + +For a primer on where the IMF is going with this, they released a Revised Chicago Plan in 2012: + + + +For a primer on where the IMF is going with this, they released a Revised Chicago Plan in 2012: + + `Revised Chicago Plan in 2012 `_ + +"The basic idea is that banks should be required to have full coverage for money they lend; this is called 100% reserve banking, which would replace the fractional reserve banking system and reduce inflation." + + + + + + **How does this relate to Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs)?** + + + + + + +CICs are 100% backed by reserve - (ala the Revised Chicago Plan via a synthetic National Currency ala DAI via Maker DAO and AMA). The reserve is leveraged into a credit supply (CICs) with a variable value based on bonding curves originally created by Eyal Hertzog which he calls the Bancor Protocol. + + **CICs are 100% backed by reserve - (ala the Revised Chicago Plan via a synthetic National Currency ala DAI via Maker DAO and AMA). The reserve is leveraged into a credit supply (CICs) with a variable value based on bonding curves originally created by Eyal Hertzog which he calls the Bancor Protocol.** + + +CICs are 100% backed by reserve - (ala the Revised Chicago Plan via a synthetic National Currency ala DAI via Maker DAO and AMA). The reserve is leveraged into a credit supply (CICs) with a variable value based on bonding curves originally created by Eyal Hertzog which he calls the Bancor Protocol. + + *CICs are 100% backed by reserve - (ala the Revised Chicago Plan via a synthetic National Currency ala DAI via Maker DAO and AMA). The reserve is leveraged into a credit supply (CICs) with a variable value based on bonding curves originally created by Eyal Hertzog which he calls the Bancor Protocol.* + + +CICs are 100% backed by reserve - (ala the Revised Chicago Plan via a synthetic National Currency ala DAI via Maker DAO and AMA). The reserve is leveraged into a credit supply (CICs) with a variable value based on bonding curves originally created by Eyal Hertzog which he calls the Bancor Protocol. + + **CICs are 100% backed by reserve - (ala the Revised Chicago Plan via a synthetic National Currency ala DAI via Maker DAO and AMA). The reserve is leveraged into a credit supply (CICs) with a variable value based on bonding curves originally created by Eyal Hertzog which he calls the Bancor Protocol.** + + +CICs are 100% backed by reserve - (ala the Revised Chicago Plan via a synthetic National Currency ala DAI via Maker DAO and AMA). The reserve is leveraged into a credit supply (CICs) with a variable value based on bonding curves originally created by Eyal Hertzog which he calls the Bancor Protocol. + + + + + + + +If banks were to create credit in the same manner of CICs it would mean that they would lock 100% reserves into a verified on-chain collateral (no more loose regulation). A bank with 1 Million USD of reserves would be able to issue 4 Million Tokens. These tokens would have a variable rate depending on the reserve behind them. We would not call them US Dollars or Kenyan Shillings - they would be the Banks credit (Wells Fargo Cash, Barclays Bucks, etc) and only have a one-to-one value with National currency IF they have sufficient reserve. + + **If banks were to create credit in the same manner of CICs it would mean that they would lock 100% reserves into a verified on-chain collateral (no more loose regulation). A bank with 1 Million USD of reserves would be able to issue 4 Million Tokens. These tokens would have a variable rate depending on the reserve behind them. We would not call them US Dollars or Kenyan Shillings - they would be the Banks credit (Wells Fargo Cash, Barclays Bucks, etc) and only have a one-to-one value with National currency IF they have sufficient reserve.** + + +If banks were to create credit in the same manner of CICs it would mean that they would lock 100% reserves into a verified on-chain collateral (no more loose regulation). A bank with 1 Million USD of reserves would be able to issue 4 Million Tokens. These tokens would have a variable rate depending on the reserve behind them. We would not call them US Dollars or Kenyan Shillings - they would be the Banks credit (Wells Fargo Cash, Barclays Bucks, etc) and only have a one-to-one value with National currency IF they have sufficient reserve. + + **If banks were to create credit in the same manner of CICs it would mean that they would lock 100% reserves into a verified on-chain collateral (no more loose regulation). A bank with 1 Million USD of reserves would be able to issue 4 Million Tokens. These tokens would have a variable rate depending on the reserve behind them. We would not call them US Dollars or Kenyan Shillings - they would be the Banks credit (Wells Fargo Cash, Barclays Bucks, etc) and only have a one-to-one value with National currency IF they have sufficient reserve.** + + + + + + +What is important about this concept is that it de-risks credit issuance and can be done ala secure and transparent blockchain contracts. What is revolutionary about it is that women's groups in Kenya are already doing this. They are locking Kenyan shillings (donor supported) and creating their own credit systems (unique to their village) - without inflation. $100 USD locked into such a CIC reserve creates 400 tokens that are used as a local medium of exchange and being valued locally as a social credit 1:1 with the National Currency. This provides a substitute for lacking Kenyan Shillings - while still allowing exchange into Kenyan Shillings and market stabilization. If a CIC's reserves are depleted and the issuer (a group of women or even a bank) is offering services, market forces will rebuild that reserve in order to mint CICs and purchase those services. CICs are essentially a share of the common's economy using them. + + **What is important about this concept is that it de-risks credit issuance and can be done ala secure and transparent blockchain contracts. What is revolutionary about it is that women's groups in Kenya are already doing this. They are locking Kenyan shillings (donor supported) and creating their own credit systems (unique to their village) - without inflation. $100 USD locked into such a CIC reserve creates 400 tokens that are used as a local medium of exchange and being valued locally as a social credit 1:1 with the National Currency. This provides a substitute for lacking Kenyan Shillings - while still allowing exchange into Kenyan Shillings and market stabilization. If a CIC's reserves are depleted and the issuer (a group of women or even a bank) is offering services, market forces will rebuild that reserve in order to mint CICs and purchase those services. CICs are essentially a share of the common's economy using them.** + + +What is important about this concept is that it de-risks credit issuance and can be done ala secure and transparent blockchain contracts. What is revolutionary about it is that women's groups in Kenya are already doing this. They are locking Kenyan shillings (donor supported) and creating their own credit systems (unique to their village) - without inflation. $100 USD locked into such a CIC reserve creates 400 tokens that are used as a local medium of exchange and being valued locally as a social credit 1:1 with the National Currency. This provides a substitute for lacking Kenyan Shillings - while still allowing exchange into Kenyan Shillings and market stabilization. If a CIC's reserves are depleted and the issuer (a group of women or even a bank) is offering services, market forces will rebuild that reserve in order to mint CICs and purchase those services. CICs are essentially a share of the common's economy using them. + + **What is important about this concept is that it de-risks credit issuance and can be done ala secure and transparent blockchain contracts. What is revolutionary about it is that women's groups in Kenya are already doing this. They are locking Kenyan shillings (donor supported) and creating their own credit systems (unique to their village) - without inflation. $100 USD locked into such a CIC reserve creates 400 tokens that are used as a local medium of exchange and being valued locally as a social credit 1:1 with the National Currency. This provides a substitute for lacking Kenyan Shillings - while still allowing exchange into Kenyan Shillings and market stabilization. If a CIC's reserves are depleted and the issuer (a group of women or even a bank) is offering services, market forces will rebuild that reserve in order to mint CICs and purchase those services. CICs are essentially a share of the common's economy using them.** + + +What is important about this concept is that it de-risks credit issuance and can be done ala secure and transparent blockchain contracts. What is revolutionary about it is that women's groups in Kenya are already doing this. They are locking Kenyan shillings (donor supported) and creating their own credit systems (unique to their village) - without inflation. $100 USD locked into such a CIC reserve creates 400 tokens that are used as a local medium of exchange and being valued locally as a social credit 1:1 with the National Currency. This provides a substitute for lacking Kenyan Shillings - while still allowing exchange into Kenyan Shillings and market stabilization. If a CIC's reserves are depleted and the issuer (a group of women or even a bank) is offering services, market forces will rebuild that reserve in order to mint CICs and purchase those services. CICs are essentially a share of the common's economy using them. + + + + + + + +Current banking policies are not working to enrich or support marginalized communities - rather they are extractive. Could the IMF and Commercial banks learn from women in rural Kenya how to create a decentralized and de-risked (transparently 100% backed) credit system? - I think so. + diff --git a/content/blog/kenyas-food.rst b/content/blog/kenyas-food.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..717ee5e --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/kenyas-food.rst @@ -0,0 +1,193 @@ +:title: Kenya's Food Exports vs Food Aids +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 8, 2013 +:slug: kenyas-food + +:summary: Amazing as it may sound Kenya exports over 3 billion dollars worth of food! The World Food Program says that Kenya has a yearly need of... + + + + + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/kenyas-food24.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +Amazing as it may sound Kenya exports over 3 billion dollars worth of food! + + + + + + + +The World Food Program says that Kenya has a yearly need of $300 million USD to pay for food aid, while exporters brag that Kenya exported roughly $3 billion USD in food products in 2010. + + + +The World Food Program says that Kenya has a yearly need of $300 million USD to pay for food aid, while exporters brag that Kenya exported roughly $3 billion USD in food products in 2010. + + + +The World Food Program says that Kenya has a yearly need of $300 million USD to pay for food aid, while exporters brag that Kenya exported roughly $3 billion USD in food products in 2010. + + `says `_ `brag `_ + + + + + +For every one dollar in food-aid Kenya receives, it exports ten dollars of food! How can this be? + + * When fertile land in Kenya is extremely scarce (less than 10% arable land) and over 1 million people in the country are receiving food aid each year? + `scarce `_ * In a country experiencing mass poverty, where does this $3 billion USD go? + `mass poverty `_ * If Kenya can produce that much food and EXPORT it ... (The cultivation of fruits, vegetables and flowers alone earned + + + + + + + + + ` `_ + +USD in 2011.) Why does it need food aid every year? + + + +Whatever way you want to classify it, Kenya is exporting a lot. In a fair and just world the country should be wealthy and just one starving child should be headline news. Instead Kenya is a country where millions barley survive on less than a dollar a day. + + + +Let this sink in. These numbers boggle the mind . + + + + + + + +Simply put, the companies that are exporting the food, flowers and coffee are mostly foreign owned. The vast majority of the $3 billion dollars does not stay in Kenya. Kenyan minimum wage is about $2 dollars per day. This is not enough money to put children through school and improve your family home. While many Kenyans are employed by these companies, few find the ability to move ahead in life. With poor working conditions and little benefits many Kenyans are simply trapped in these jobs and are unable to save money. + + + + + + + +Is Kenya becoming more and more of a Banana Republic and following the poor example of countries like Guatemala? + + + +Is Kenya becoming more and more of a Banana Republic and following the poor example of countries like Guatemala? + + + +Is Kenya becoming more and more of a Banana Republic and following the poor example of countries like Guatemala? + + `Banana Republic `_ `Guatemala `_ + + + + + +How does the Kenyan political class allow this? The Ministers of Agriculture in Kenya have a long history of making deals that favor large corporations and not common Kenyans. Is this unfettered capitalism? Can a corporation buy up as much land as they want in Kenya, give Kenyans a meager wage and pay off the correct politicians, and walk away with millions in profit? + + + +How does the Kenyan political class allow this? The Ministers of Agriculture in Kenya have a long history of making deals that favor large corporations and not common Kenyans. Is this unfettered capitalism? Can a corporation buy up as much land as they want in Kenya, give Kenyans a meager wage and pay off the correct politicians, and walk away with millions in profit? + + `Ministers of Agriculture `_ + +If NGO's and world-wide aid organizations see the amount of food being exported from Kenya, why are they still sending aid? + + + + + + + +Alan Coyne an international aid worker and human rights activist gives aid organizations the benefit of the doubt by stating, "corruption in Kenya is so ingrained that aid organizations like UNFP can do nothing against it. So they simply give food. Not only is the problem corruption but political power and land ownership has been handed down from generation to generation." Indeed, the richest man in Kenya is Uhuru Kenyata, the son of the first president and owner of at least 500,000 acres. (Currently running for president while also facing charges at the ICC). + + + + + + + +Price Waterhouse Coopers found Kenya to be the most financially corrupt country in the world; yes, above Nigeria and Mexico. Transparency International lists Kenya among the worst countries for corruption. UN reports also list Kenya as having the biggest inequalities in Africa. + + + +Price Waterhouse Coopers found Kenya to be the most financially corrupt country in the world; yes, above Nigeria and Mexico. Transparency International lists Kenya among the worst countries for corruption. UN reports also list Kenya as having the biggest inequalities in Africa. + + `Price Waterhouse Coopers `_ `UN reports `_ + +Regardless of how we got here, current solutions, like food aid, are not solving the problem. + + + +So what are some solutions? + + * Tackle corruption as the major cause of all of Kenya's development problems. Promote Kenyans to take an active roll in making sure Kenyans are not being exploited and can grow their own food. Kenya needs accountable leadership: Look at how both the US and Japan subsidize their farmers and limit imports. + * Kenya instigates regional and a national complementary currency systems to incubate and promote local production similar to the Swiss WIR. + * Kenyans take over management and control of foreign owned corporations; promoting Cooperatives like the Rumuruti Forest Association. + * Businesses make sure that companies are majority locally owned, and are socially responsible to make sure there is no need for food aid. + * International food aid stops! Food aid for Kenya should come from Kenya ... period. Obviously there is enough food being produced in Kenya to feed Kenyans. Aid food kills the market for local industries. + * Foreign aid funding is directed solely at fighting corruption, building cooperatives and supporting Kenyan-owned businesses. + + +Lets put a stop to all this nonsense that is causing more and more people to suffer! + + + + + + + + + + + +#environment #agriculture #corruption #aid + + + +#environment #agriculture #corruption #aid + + + +#environment #agriculture #corruption #aid + + `#environment `_ + +#environment + + `#agriculture `_ + +#agriculture + + `#corruption `_ + +#corruption + + `#aid `_ + +#aid + diff --git a/content/blog/kiberas-lindi-pesa.rst b/content/blog/kiberas-lindi-pesa.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..be3adb0 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/kiberas-lindi-pesa.rst @@ -0,0 +1,80 @@ +:title: Kibera's Lindi-Pesa Gaining Momentum +:author: Robin Gerbaux +:date: Jun 10, 2015 +:slug: kiberas-lindi-pesa + +:summary: June 6th 2015 was bound to be a typical morning in Kibera - but Saturday morning, the inhabitants of Kibera, the biggest slum of Nairobi,... + + + + + + + + +June 6th 2015 was bound to be a typical morning in Kibera - but Saturday morning, the inhabitants of Kibera, the biggest slum of Nairobi, saw their daily routine disturbed by the sound of children, tamtam, klaxons and a megaphone when a vibrant and empowered group marched through the streets, cheering and distributing flyers about something called “Lindi-Pesa“. + + + + + + + +The march was organized by the Lindi Business Network to raise awareness in the community of Kibera about Lindi-Pesa, the third community currency of Nairobi that will be launched in the coming months. The group already has over 120 small businesses pre-registered and waiting for the launch! + + + + + + + +The group that attended the march was composed of members of Lindi Business network that answered the call of the committee members equipped with a megaphone, pupils from member schools, a group of drummers and a dozen boda-boda's (motorcycles). Members of the committees of Kangemi Business Network and Gatina Business organization were also there to represent the already existing currencies (Gatina-Pesa and Kangemi-Pesa). + + + + + + + +The march across Kibera was 3 km long and the lasted two hours. The businesses along the way were given flyers about the community currency and the chairman lost his voice speaking through the megaphone! The walkers were very energetic and even the rain didn’t stop the older members of the troop from dancing to the rhythm of the drums. + + + + + + + +Once the destination was reached, the chairman of Gatina Business Organisation, Francis Wanjala and Lindi Business Network George Owino gave a speech and the participants were offered drinks bought from one of the member. We warmly thank Citizen Radio for covering the event - And also the participation of Nyendo-lernen. Two German students, part of Nyendo-lernen, attended the event, one of whose hands are part of the design of the Lindi-Pesa itself! + + + + + + + +The march was a success and we hope, as the chairman of Gatina Business Organisation told the participants of the march, that the Lindi-Pesa will surpass in users and dynamism all the other currencies launched so far. + + + + + + + +About the author - Robin Gerbaux is studying International Development Studies as a graduate student at the Université Joseph Fourier, in Grenoble, France. He has been investigating community currencies while living in Nairobi. + + + +Many thanks to our partners Nyendo-lernen, Lush Cosmetics and DOEN for making this a reality. + + + +#kibera #nairobi + + `#kibera `_ + +#kibera + + `#nairobi `_ + +#nairobi + diff --git a/content/blog/kilifi-kenya.rst b/content/blog/kilifi-kenya.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ea6f3fe --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/kilifi-kenya.rst @@ -0,0 +1,73 @@ +:title: Kilifi Kenya - a hub for Community Driven Basic Income +:author: Isavary Khabuqwi +:date: Feb 10 +:slug: kilifi-kenya +:modified: Feb 12 +:summary: The current reality is that following Covid-19 many have fallen deeper and deeper into debt. However, most individuals would still not... +:tags: Kilifi,Kenya,debt,Basic Income,community currency + + + +The current reality is that following Covid-19 many have fallen deeper and deeper into debt. However, most individuals would still not openly disclose this reality to avoid the negative connotation that comes with owing. Imagine a world where household debt is no longer an individual burden, but rather a tool to build a strong local economy? Instead of waiting for Kenyan Shillings from the government or donors, basic income programs built via community currencies like Sarafu are communalizing and trading debt to reduce poverty. A perfect example of this is the diverse and welcoming population of Kilifi, who have begun to accept a basic income (locally called Sarafu) for goods and services, as a way of reverting the loss they would have incurred through stagnate loans and markets. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/kilifi-kenya21.webp + + + +Residents of Kilifi like Kimmy Katana above at Red House, are accepting their role in driving economic change by embracing a different outlook to financial freedom. + + + +The implementation of a basic income program in Kilifi, as developed by Grassroots Economics and supported by the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), helps ''Kilifians'' choose to collectively curb the issue of prolonged debt amongst the vulnerable in the community. Thanks to the local sub-chief, Mr. Tony Tuva, the program exists as hope for a better future by empowering communities to build prospering economies. + + + +What Sarafu means for me… + + + +.. image:: images/blog/kilifi-kenya49.webp + + + +When a Kilfi resident, like Pascaline Wanjiku, accepts to receive Sarafu, she offers her customers a way out of debt. This means that rather than continuing my debt streak, I get an opportunity to clear my existing debt with the Kenya shillings I save when I purchase her bed sheets using Sarafu. Apart from helping the community, a user like Jesse Komora (a boda boda) accepting Sarafu from Pascaline for a ride then re-spending it to buy a shirt, is ensuring circulation continues rather than stagnation of debt and local markets. + + + +Market Days + + + +Kilifians come to weekly Sarafu market days to sell goods and services using basic income (Sarafu ya Jamii). One such market happens at Mnarani Chief’s office behind MTG grounds each Sunday and is an ideal place to meet other people who believe in community driven basic income. This is an opportunity to buy and sell with Sarafu to support yourself and the economy while exploring your social-entrepreneurial spirit. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/kilifi-kenya81.webp + + + +.. image:: images/blog/kilifi-kenya96.webp + + + +Anyone can receive a basic income in Sarafu by dialing *384*96# or call 0757628885 for more information. This national service is free and available to all Kenyans thanks to the Red Cross. Kilifians who don’t need a basic income, often support others by giving theirs to those in need and accepting it for goods and services or in place of debt. + + **Anyone can receive a basic income in Sarafu by dialing *384*96# or call 0757628885 for more information. This national service is free and available to all Kenyans thanks to the Red Cross. Kilifians who don’t need a basic income, often support others by giving theirs to those in need and accepting it for goods and services or in place of debt.** + + +Anyone can receive a basic income in Sarafu by dialing *384*96# or call 0757628885 for more information. This national service is free and available to all Kenyans thanks to the Red Cross. Kilifians who don’t need a basic income, often support others by giving theirs to those in need and accepting it for goods and services or in place of debt. + + + +While these are the early days of Kilifi embracing a basic income it is wonderful to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community! + + + +Follow the flow ... + + + +.. image:: images/blog/kilifi-kenya125.webp + diff --git a/content/blog/kwaheri-2015.rst b/content/blog/kwaheri-2015.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a41832b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/kwaheri-2015.rst @@ -0,0 +1,145 @@ +:title: Kwaheri 2015 - Community Service and Results +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 16, 2015 +:slug: kwaheri-2015 + +:summary: Five Community Currency (CC) trading business networks in Kenya have started their end of the year activities, using collected membership... + + + + + + + + +Five Community Currency (CC) trading business networks in Kenya have started their end of the year activities, using collected membership dues in CC as a community fund to care for the needy. A lot has happened this year. With only ~2,000 Euros worth of CC in circulation between five networks, we're seeing as much as 350 Euros of daily trade. This makes a huge impact on the lives of small businesses and schools in informal settlements. + + + + + + + +Trade Volume + + + + + + * Amount in circulation: 216,000 Kenyan Shillings (1,911 EUR) + * Daily Circulation estimate in November. 39,430 Kenyan Shillings. This is 18% of total in circulation traded daily. (358 EUR)* This is a low estimate for average yearly as we approach holiday seasons. + * Monthly Circulation: ~1,118,000 Kenyan Shillings (10,750 EUR) + * Yearly Circulation: ~14,000,000 Kenyan Shillings (129,000 EUR) This as new trade within five low income informal settlements. + + +The amount of trade is more than 200% higher than the amount of funding it has taken to setup these programs and will continue to grow. + + + + + + + +CC Users + + + +CC Users + + + +CC Users + + * Business Network Members: 599 + * Schools: 18 + * Teachers: 72 + * Community Fund beneficiaries outside of Networks( such as service work participants): ~500. + * Saving & Loan Members: ~100 + + +Secondary Users + + + +Secondary Users + + + +Secondary Users + + * Students: 540 + * Family members: ~3000 + * Surrounding communities depending on businesses and schools: 100,000 (at roughly 20k people in each community around the shops) + + +Typical CC Uses + + + +General Trade + + + +General Trade + + + +General Trade + + * Increases to sales and customers + * Not going hungry and stability during poor markets + * Offering CC as change during National Currency sales. + + +Schools + + + +Schools + + + +Schools + + * Higher enrollment and less student debt + * Teacher salary advances + + +Open Air Markets + + + +Open Air Markets + + + +Open Air Markets + + * Selling more stock and getting new clients + * Public usage of CC during event + + +Savings and Loan + + + +Savings and Loan + + + +Savings and Loan + + * Ability to save and invest. Networks savings increasing. + + +Community Services + + + +Community Services + + + +Community Services + + * Waste Collection, care for the needy, sports events, networking and cooking, school events. diff --git a/content/blog/lindi-and.rst b/content/blog/lindi-and.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..14c1837 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/lindi-and.rst @@ -0,0 +1,76 @@ +:title: Lindi and Ng'ombeni Pesa Launched +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Aug 19, 2015 +:slug: lindi-and + +:summary: The 4th and 5th Kenyan Community Currencies were launched last week within a span of 7 days. We now have our 3rd Nairobi Currency in... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/lindi-and18.webp + + + + + + + +The 4th and 5th Kenyan Community Currencies were launched last week within a span of 7 days. We now have our 3rd Nairobi Currency in Kibera, known as the Lindi-Pesa - linking together with Kangemi-Pesa and Gatina-Pesa in Kawangware. In Mombasa, we have Ng'ombeni-Pesa, the first currency to branch out of Bangla-Pesa in Mikindani. These were our first launches to feature our new Community Currency User Guide and Quiz as well as directories for all the business and school members. + + + + + + + +These five Community Currencies in Kenya are significant not only because they network and empower more than 500 small businesses and schools, but also because they are able to grow horizontally by demonstrating to their neighbors how the programs work and what benefits they have. Each community currency is owned and operated by Community Based Organizations (CBOs) which are made up of small businesses and schools in the area that back and issue the currency. + + + + + + + +Lindi-Pesa comes from the Lindi-Location inside East Africa's largest slum – Kibera. With a shifting and growing population Kibera is reported to house up to half a million people, living in extremely harsh conditions. The Lindi Business Network consists of several schools, nurseries and more than 100 small businesses. This group of over 90% women run businesses, has already taken the community currency concept and run with it. The Lindi-Pesa launch was graced by the presence of the area Chief and the Deputy Commissioner officer (DC) who officially cut the ribbon on behalf of local government. + + + + + + + +Ng'ombeni-Pesa or (Cow Money) comes the the Kwa Ng'ombe area of Mikindani, Mombasa, not far from the original Bangla-Pesa location. A group of women took up the call to create a business network after they saw the example of Bangla-Pesa. While smaller than Lindi with roughly 85 members so far, they are growing fast. Women from the group used the currency launch event to put on a fashion show for dresses they created themselves, as well as to exhibit a variety of goods they make and sell - such as liquid detergent soap. In attendance was Hon. Twalib Badii the Member of Parliament who supported Bangla-Pesa during its shaky start in 2003. Also in attendance was a representative of the local Sentator and Women's representative, as well as Mr. Wangare the local Councilor. + + + + + + + +For their help in making these two currencies a reality we offer a special thanks to: + + + +For their help in making these two currencies a reality we offer a special thanks to: + + + +For their help in making these two currencies a reality we offer a special thanks to: + + * For the Lindi and Ng'ombeni Business Networks - for taking on these programs and showing us how to use them. + * Nyendo-lernen who are dedicated to helping Kenyan schools and are featured on the Lindi and Ng'ombeni vouchers. + * Chiemgauer - for helping with the printing and specialty paper + * Stichen DOEN - who supported both currencies through implementation. + * LUSH Cosmetics - who assisted with Kangemi and Lindi-Pesa + * Carol Opondo and Tatjana Posavec for their artistic talents doing the original art and graphic design for the currencies. + * For the Grassroots Economics Team - especially Robin Gerbaux for his work on the directories and user guide - who will be heading back to France in September. + + +South Africa: This last month the 2nd Community Currency following the original Bangla-Pesa model was launched in Kokstad, South Africa. We're extremely proud of the FlowAfrica.org team on there work there and hope they can keep up the momentum. + + + +South Africa: This last month the 2nd Community Currency following the original Bangla-Pesa model was launched in Kokstad, South Africa. We're extremely proud of the FlowAfrica.org team on there work there and hope they can keep up the momentum. + + `FlowAfrica.org `_ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/lindi-business.rst b/content/blog/lindi-business.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..68e7a38 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/lindi-business.rst @@ -0,0 +1,44 @@ +:title: Lindi Business Network Gumbaru Trainings +:author: Daniel Mukosia +:date: Mar 4, 2018 +:slug: lindi-business + +:summary: Empowering women is a great ways to boast our economy . This however doesn't come without facing challenges of Illitracy among most... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/lindi-business18.webp + + + + + + + +Empowering women is a great ways to boast our economy . This however doesn't come without facing challenges of Illitracy among most members. Many of them lack reading and writing skills and others can't understand English. + + + + + + + +GE finds it's important to support the women and men through Gumbaru school. By paying 20 sarafu credit money people are able to assist classes taught by our volunteer Carol where they can learn basic reading and writing skills and thus be able to carry out daily financial transaction without any difficulties. The money received for these lessons is used to purchase chalkdust and pens at LBN shop in Kibera. + + + + + + + +#education #sarafu + + `#education `_ + +#education + + `#sarafu `_ + +#sarafu + diff --git a/content/blog/liquidity-risk.rst b/content/blog/liquidity-risk.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..669eab7 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/liquidity-risk.rst @@ -0,0 +1,63 @@ +:title: Liquidity Risk in Community Currency +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 17, 2017 +:slug: liquidity-risk + +:summary: We're very happy to start the year with a visit from our Director of Risk Management Jimmy Heyns from Belgium with over 18 years of... + + + + + + + + +We're very happy to start the year with a visit from our Director of Risk Management Jimmy Heyns from Belgium with over 18 years of international experience in the Financial Industry. As our community currencies move more and more toward cooperative toolsets for creating liquidity based on assets, we've been seeking to have a stronger and stronger credit policy. + + + + + + + +As of 2016 there are thousands Complementary Currency Programs worldwide. Given this is still an unregulated industry the collateral requirements of the organization issuing community currency don't really exist. In the worst cases organizations can issue much more credit than they have any tangible backing for. + + + +As of 2016 there are thousands Complementary Currency Programs worldwide. Given this is still an unregulated industry the collateral requirements of the organization issuing community currency don't really exist. In the worst cases organizations can issue much more credit than they have any tangible backing for. + + + +As of 2016 there are thousands Complementary Currency Programs worldwide. Given this is still an unregulated industry the collateral requirements of the organization issuing community currency don't really exist. In the worst cases organizations can issue much more credit than they have any tangible backing for. + + * Generally all this credit ends up at the most popular shops + * Those shops stops accepting it because they can't use it fast enough. + * Other shops start to default – causing a chain reaction (reputation risk). + * If everyone then wants to cash out – there isn't even enough euros (collateral) to satisfy them. This is basic Liquidity Risk. The organization is acting like an unregulated bank and issuing tons of uncollateralized credit to consumers. + + +If a community currency is being used in a commercial business – there must be some assurance that, that business won't get stuck with too much community currency. In the simulation there are enough cascading defaults that there is a critical system failure. Essentially the currency was a bubble that could not be sustained. This is bad for businesses and the economy at large. + + + +When we first started we used mutual guarantee. Where members would back other members. And disputes were moderated. This was great at small scale but hard to implement for more than 100 business. So what we did was being to create cooperative businesses that were the liquid and asset collateral basis for the community currency. + + + +So what do we recommend? + + + +So what do we recommend? + + + +So what do we recommend? + + * First that all currency is backed fully in cooperatively owned liquid and physical assets. This means creating cooperative businesses in these communities that offer security for the currency. + * Second we allow for a steam release valve - which we call Credit-clearing. If you keep adding heat to a system – it gets too hot and needs a way to cool off – or it will explode. If business such as schools collect too much currency over a short period of time, we give them a way to exchange for national currency or other assets that the cooperative keeps as collateral. + * The amount of liquid (cash) collateral vs Asset collateral (stock or other assets) that needs to be kept on hand for credit-clearing is based on a risk analysis. We're lucky to have a risk manager on our board that can set our standards higher than those of the banking industry. + `#liquidityrisk `_ + +#liquidityrisk + diff --git a/content/blog/looking-back.rst b/content/blog/looking-back.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2031717 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/looking-back.rst @@ -0,0 +1,202 @@ +:title: Looking Back at 40,000 Blockchain Transactions +:author: Caroline Dama +:date: Jul 12, 2019 +:slug: looking-back + +:summary: So far, after roughly 6 months of piloting we've witnessed 40,000 blockchain transactions! So what does that actually mean? + + + + +So far, after roughly 6 months of piloting we've witnessed 40,000 blockchain transactions! So what does that actually mean? + + + + + + + +4,065 Kenyans representing families living below the poverty line have traded 3,263,081 Kenyan Shillings worth of goods and services (about 30,000 USD) with each other - ensuring more stable trade than with the often scarce Kenyan Shillings. Using their community currencies, like Miyani-Pesa on the Sarafu network, people have supported themselves and bought from each other: + + + +.. image:: images/blog/looking-back27.webp + + * 2,567 daily farming wages have been paid + * 54,928 servings of vegetables + * 5,361 kilos of flour + * 2,506 rides on local transport + * 843 school tuition payments + * 484,404 liters of water + * 59 visits to the doctor + **Note these are general services and products among categories of vendors - many more are being traded.* + + + + + + +(Chart shows enrollment in our pilot programs. Each user is given, free of charge, 400 Community Currency Tokens with which to trade.) + + + + + + + +Most if not at all of these purchases would not have happened otherwise. We're encouraged by community members embracing community currencies to access resources that would otherwise go underutilized, and taking the opportunity to save their valuable Kenyan Shillings. This translates to children staying in school, families being better nourished, workers earning a reliable income, and so much more. + + + + + + + +What are we looking forward to: + + * Open source code and systems that allow any community to create their own medium of exchange to supplement scarce national currencies and create resilient markets. + * Voting systems to help communities manage their currencies, raise local taxes and support social services. + * Connection to stable tokens that allow people to support community currencies that build thriving economies as a new form of Cash Transfer Programming. + * Responding to the worldwide refugee crisis through Refugee Inclusive Community Currencies that help regions develop credit and employ refugees. + * Working with internal savings and loaning women's groups, which are key hubs in the community. + + +What we need to get there: + + * Developers to build an open and full stack solution. + * Supporters and partners to help fund these solutions and spread the information through online courses and resource centers. + * Researchers to analyse data to improve our systems and help spread these concepts. + * Volunteers to work in Kenyan communities to explain and expand on these programs. + + +Community currencies are well-named, in that it takes an entire network of people to make them work. Our thanks go to the community members, ambassadors, volunteers, staff, supporters, and partners who have contributed their time and belief to get us to 40,000 transactions. If you'd like to get involved reach out to us. Here's to the next 40,000 - 80,000 - 100,000! + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +#quarterlyupdate #blockchain #transactions #Kenya #impacts + + + +#quarterlyupdate #blockchain #transactions #Kenya #impacts + + + +#quarterlyupdate #blockchain #transactions #Kenya #impacts + + + +#quarterlyupdate #blockchain #transactions #Kenya #impacts + + `#quarterlyupdate `_ + +#quarterlyupdate + + `#blockchain `_ + +#blockchain + + `#transactions `_ + +#transactions + + `#Kenya `_ + +#Kenya + + `#impacts `_ + +#impacts + +:title: Looking Back at 40,000 Blockchain Transactions +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jul 12, 2019 +:slug: looking-back + +:summary: So far this year, after roughly 6 months of piloting we've witnessed 40,000 transactions! +4,065 Kenyans representing families living below + + + + +So far, after roughly 6 months of piloting we've witnessed 40,000 blockchain transactions! So what does that actually mean? + + + +4,065 Kenyans representing families living below the poverty line have traded 3,263,081 Kenyan Shillings worth of goods and services (about 30,000 USD) with each other - ensuring more stable trade than with the often scarce Kenyan Shillings. Using their community currencies, like Miyani-Pesa on the Sarafu network, people have supported themselves and bought from each other: + + **4,065 Kenyans representing families living below the poverty line have traded 3,263,081 Kenyan Shillings worth of goods and services (about 30,000 USD) with each other - ensuring more stable trade than with the often scarce Kenyan Shillings. Using their community currencies, like Miyani-Pesa on the Sarafu network, people have supported themselves and bought from each other:** + + +4,065 Kenyans representing families living below the poverty line have traded 3,263,081 Kenyan Shillings worth of goods and services (about 30,000 USD) with each other - ensuring more stable trade than with the often scarce Kenyan Shillings. Using their community currencies, like Miyani-Pesa on the Sarafu network, people have supported themselves and bought from each other: + + *4,065 Kenyans representing families living below the poverty line have traded 3,263,081 Kenyan Shillings worth of goods and services (about 30,000 USD) with each other - ensuring more stable trade than with the often scarce Kenyan Shillings. Using their community currencies, like Miyani-Pesa on the Sarafu network, people have supported themselves and bought from each other:* + + +.. image:: images/blog/looking-back26.webp + + + +Enrollment in our pilot programs - each user is given free of charge 400 Community Currency Tokens to trade with + + * 2,567 daily farming wages have been paid + * 54,928 servings of vegetables + * 5,361 kilos of flour + * 2,506 rides on local transport + * 843 school tuition payments + * 484,404 liters of water + * 59 visits to the doctor + * *Note these are general services and products among categories of vendors - many more are being traded. + + +Most if not at all of these purchases would not have happened otherwise. We're encouraged by community members embracing community currencies to access resources that would otherwise go underutilized, and taking the opportunity to save their valuable Kenyan Shillings. This translates to children staying in school, families being better nourished, workers earning a reliable income, and so much more. + + + +What are we looking forward to: + + * Open source code and systems that allow any community to create their own medium of exchange to supplement scarce national currencies and create resilient markets. + * Voting systems to help communities manage their currencies, raise local taxes and support social services. + * Connection to stable tokens that allow people to support community currencies that build thriving economies as a new form of Cash Transfer Programming. + * Responding to the worldwide refugee crisis through Refugee Inclusive Community Currencies that help regions develop credit and employ refugees. + * Working with internal savings and loaning women's groups, which are key hubs in the community. + + +What we need to get there: + + * Developers to build an open and full stack solution. + * Supporters and partners to help fund these solutions and spread the information through online courses and resource centers. + * Researchers to analyse data to improve our systems and help spread these concepts. + * Volunteers to work in Kenyan communities to explain and expand on these programs. + + +Community currencies are well-named, in that it takes an entire network of people to make them work. Our thanks go to the community members, ambassadors, volunteers, staff, supporters, and partners who have contributed their time and belief to get us to 40,000 transactions. If you'd like to get involved reach out to us. Here's to the next 40,000 - 80,000 - 100,000! + + + +Community currencies are well-named, in that it takes an entire network of people to make them work. Our thanks go to the community members, ambassadors, volunteers, staff, supporters, and partners who have contributed their time and belief to get us to 40,000 transactions. If you'd like to get involved reach out to us. Here's to the next 40,000 - 80,000 - 100,000! + + `reach out to us `_ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/looking-towards.rst b/content/blog/looking-towards.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..05808d4 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/looking-towards.rst @@ -0,0 +1,56 @@ +:title: Looking Towards 2015 +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 19, 2014 +:slug: looking-towards + +:summary: 2014 has been an intense year developing the structures to allow community currency programs to one day become accessible across Africa.... + + + + +2014 has been an intense year developing the structures to allow community currency programs to one day become accessible across Africa. Besides our currency programs we have also worked with hundreds of street living youth in Kenya, to help them reintegrate with society. We're looking forward to 2015! In 2014 we: + + + +2014 has been an intense year developing the structures to allow community currency programs to one day become accessible across Africa. Besides our currency programs we have also worked with hundreds of street living youth in Kenya, to help them reintegrate with society. We're looking forward to 2015! In 2014 we: + + + +2014 has been an intense year developing the structures to allow community currency programs to one day become accessible across Africa. Besides our currency programs we have also worked with hundreds of street living youth in Kenya, to help them reintegrate with society. We're looking forward to 2015! In 2014 we: + + * continued to monitor the first and now vibrant community currency program in Kenya. Looking back, our first award winning pilot in 2010 Eco-Pesa gave us the tools to implement and develop Bangla-Pesa starting in 2012 Via mutual credit backing and circulating vouchers. Bangla-Pesa has enabled over 3 million shillings worth of trade in an impoverished informal settlement in Mombasa. We've measured as much as an 80% increase in sales revenue in the community during poor market conditions, through better utilization of excess capacity and interconnectedness between small over 300 informal businesses. + * Set a legal precedent by defending our programs in court. + * enabled networks of businesses to save Kenyan Shillings for investment and cooperative enterprises. + * duplicated Bangla-Pesa now in Nairobi's Kawangware informal settlement with Gatina-Pesa(named after Gatina location where it is centered.) There are 4 schools in Mombasa and 4 so far in Nairobi accepting community currency for school fees, helping to raise and stabilize teachers salaries. + * established community currency as a low cost innovation that can be spread to communities across Africa + * collaborated with and trained the FLOW team in South Africa to implement in two municipalities in South Africa, which will launch community currencies in mid 2015. The team in South Africa led by John Ziniades and Anna Cowen from Cape Town are doing amazing work. The teams of FLOW Ambassadors that they are creating to help implement these programs along with their support from local municipalities really set them apart from other CC programs. + * presented community currencies at an international + + +In 2015 we will: + + + +In 2015 we will: + + + +In 2015 we will: + + * Form a foundation to help establish legislation, expand research and implement more community currency programs. + * Start another 4 currencies in Kenya (2 in Nairobi and 2 more in Mombasa Counties) Thanks to Lush Cosmetics and DOEN! + * Assist in 2 more currencies being implemented in South Africa + * Assist local government to be able to monitor and manage community currency programs. + * We hope - find the support to create an office for East Africa promoting community currency programs. + + +#gatina #bangla + + `#gatina `_ + +#gatina + + `#bangla `_ + +#bangla + diff --git a/content/blog/managing-their.rst b/content/blog/managing-their.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e4a2cfa --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/managing-their.rst @@ -0,0 +1,436 @@ +:title: Managing their Own Economy during Crisis +:author: Ruth Njau & Antony Ngoka +:date: May 23, 2020 +:slug: managing-their + +:summary: She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery. + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/managing-their14.webp + + + +Laurence and his brother together run the Blues Hotel - a small take away restaurant specializing in delicious chapati. Anyone in Mukuru Kayaba’s Kambi Moto village can come buy food there using Sarafu (a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) - 400 Sarafu (USD $4) as well as a basic income is given freely to community members as part of a Red Cross initiative to support local economies during crisis) + + + +.. image:: images/blog/managing-their28.webp + + + +Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati! + + + +Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati! + + + +Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati! + + + +Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati! + + + +Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati! + + + +Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati! + + + +Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati! + + + +Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati! + + + +Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati! + + + +Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati! + + + +Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati! + + + +1 + + + +268 + + + +3 + + + +, + + + +000 + + + +USD + + + +of + + + +! + + + +of + + + +2 + + + +, + + + +600 + + + +USD + + + +of + + + + to purchase cooking oil + + + +, + + + + fuel and wheat flour + + + +for + + + + their business + + + +. + + + + Circular economy + + + +- + + + + circular chapati + + + +! + + + +.. image:: images/blog/managing-their103.webp + + + +Vincent and his mother have used Sarafu for the past 8 months providing different delicacies to the people of Mukuru Kayaba. They have decided to support their community in Mukuru by accepting Sarafu from any customer and also they spend their CIC by buying wheat flour,beans and other products from different outlets. + + + +Over the last month they have had 123 customers and sold $840 USD by accepting Sarafu when Kenyan Shillings is scarce and they have spent roughly the same amount on their own basic needs - creating and maintaining a circular economy. + + + +Over the last month they have had 123 customers and sold $840 USD by accepting Sarafu when Kenyan Shillings is scarce and they have spent roughly the same amount on their own basic needs - creating and maintaining a circular economy. + + + +Over the last month they have had 123 customers and sold $840 USD by accepting Sarafu when Kenyan Shillings is scarce and they have spent roughly the same amount on their own basic needs - creating and maintaining a circular economy. + + + +Over the last month they have had 123 customers and sold $840 USD by accepting Sarafu when Kenyan Shillings is scarce and they have spent roughly the same amount on their own basic needs - creating and maintaining a circular economy. + + + +Over the last month they have had 123 customers and sold $840 USD by accepting Sarafu when Kenyan Shillings is scarce and they have spent roughly the same amount on their own basic needs - creating and maintaining a circular economy. + + + +123 + + + +840 + + + +USD + + + +- + + + +. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/managing-their135.webp + + + +Susan is a mother and tailor in Mukuru. She was started using CICs 2 months ago and she also registered her Women's Savings Group into the network. Susan and the group members work tirelessly in order to provide masks to people in her community by selling them using Sarafu. She uses the currency to purchase food for her family and also save some in the group since national currency is scarce at the moment. + + + +In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan! + + + +In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan! + + + +In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan! + + + +In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan! + + + +In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan! + + + +In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan! + + + +In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan! + + + +756 + + + +USD + + + +of + + + +100 + + + +. + + + +? + + + +! + + + +.. image:: images/blog/managing-their169.webp + + + +This guy is amazing! Victor joined the network of Sarafu users 2 months ago. He is in the jua kali sector and very popular in his area for making metalic doors, desks and even jiko (ovens). He accepts Sarafu in his business since he can as well spend it in order to get food for his family. His business had been stuck due to covid 19 but when he joined Sarafu, customers started coming as they wanted some study desks and metallic doors for their homes and businesses. + + + +Victor in the last month has had 54 clients and sold $1,246 USD worth of his services using Sarafu + + + +Victor in the last month has had 54 clients and sold $1,246 USD worth of his services using Sarafu + + + +Victor in the last month has had 54 clients and sold $1,246 USD worth of his services using Sarafu + + + +Victor in the last month has had 54 clients and sold $1,246 USD worth of his services using Sarafu + + + +Victor in the last month has had 54 clients and sold $1,246 USD worth of his services using Sarafu + + + +Victor in the last month has had 54 clients and sold $1,246 USD worth of his services using Sarafu + + + +in + + + +54 + + + +1 + + + +, + + + +246 + + + +USD + + + +of + + + +.. image:: images/blog/managing-their203.webp + + + +Grace is one of the Red Cross' disaster response team members and is also a caring mother. She has a cereal shop in Mukuru and she feeds more than a hundred households. She joined the network 8 months ago and in this time of the pandemic, she has dedicated her shop to feed even more families by use of the CIC (Sarafu). She has increased her trade volume in order to help families get a meal. In return, Gertrude also spends more of her Sarafu in the community and by doing so, she is able to save the national currency which she uses to buy more stock for her shop. + + + +Grace is one of the Red Cross' disaster response team members and is also a caring mother. She has a cereal shop in Mukuru and she feeds more than a hundred households. She joined the network 8 months ago and in this time of the pandemic, she has dedicated her shop to feed even more families by use of the CIC (Sarafu). She has increased her trade volume in order to help families get a meal. In return, Gertrude also spends more of her Sarafu in the community and by doing so, she is able to save the national currency which she uses to buy more stock for her shop. + + + +Gertrude + + + +Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery. + + + +Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery. + + + +Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery. + + + +Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery. + + + +Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery. + + + +Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery. + + + +Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery. + + + +Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery. + + + +Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery. + + + +2 + + + +, + + + +286 + + + +USD + + + +of + + + +114 + + + +this + + + +2 + + + +, + + + +316 + + + +USD + + + +. + + + +. + diff --git a/content/blog/mangroves-and.rst b/content/blog/mangroves-and.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1b29baf --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/mangroves-and.rst @@ -0,0 +1,173 @@ +:title: Mangroves and the Eco-nomy +:author: Caroline Dama +:date: Mar 9, 2016 +:slug: mangroves-and + +:summary: We've been working to replace the need for Mombasa's Bangladesh residents to import food and conserve their environment. Two schools near... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/mangroves-and18.webp + + + + + + + +We've been working to replace the need for Mombasa's Bangladesh residents to import food and conserve their environment. Two schools near a mangrove forest have: + + + +We've been working to replace the need for Mombasa's Bangladesh residents to import food and conserve their environment. Two schools near a mangrove forest have: + + + +We've been working to replace the need for Mombasa's Bangladesh residents to import food and conserve their environment. Two schools near a mangrove forest have: + + * begun stabilizing eroded soils by planting grasses and trees + * catching rainwater by installing gutters + * planting vegetables + * and conserving the mangrove forests to stabilize spawning locations for crabs + + +February has been a great month. The schools have worked hard at their gardens and have tried to bring in water whenever it is needed even though there was a shortage. Baby vegetable seedlings are starting to sprout and the pioneer plants the lemon grass and bamboo are doing well. + + + + + + + + + + + +PROGRESS REPORT FOR PERMACULTURE GARDENS IN ST. ANGELINE’S AND ST.PETER AND PAUL + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +The setting up of permaculture gardens in the two schools had the following main objectives for Grassroots Economics: + + + +The setting up of permaculture gardens in the two schools had the following main objectives for Grassroots Economics: + + + +The setting up of permaculture gardens in the two schools had the following main objectives for Grassroots Economics: + + * Combat the severe soil erosion in the compounds + * Inculcate in the children a sense of social responsibility + * Boost the nutrition of the families by growing vegetables and fruit trees in the gardens + * Link the schools and the community through use of community currency + + +The objectives are being achieved gradually and the pupils have been working hard at it. Albeit we have had a few challenges but we are on course to set up within six months. + + + +Combating Severe soil erosion. This objective is being achieved by: + + + +Combating Severe soil erosion. This objective is being achieved by: + + + +Combating Severe soil erosion. This objective is being achieved by: + + * i. Setting up tree nurseries that will provide a sustainable way to continuously plant trees even after the targeted six months. The children have set a target of planting trees at least three times their age by the end of the year Tree nurseries have been set for indegenous trees like the Mrabai, Bambakofi and Luceana which will be great pioneer trees as they already grow in the surrounding villages along with the Flamboyant and neem trees. We taught the children to do seed harvesting so we hope to have an explosion of tree species of their choosing as they have fun planting. + * ii. Planting of pioneer trees and plants that will help in covering the ground and also combat soils erosion- this has been started off by the planting of Lemon grass and bamboo which are trees that have roots that can hold soil and are part of companion planting initiatives. The lemon grass can be used for pest control when planted around the vegetable gardens and will also prevent soil loss through erosion. Bamboo planted at the bottom of the slopes will hold water and also when planted at the top will help in cleaning grey water that will run into the kitchen gardens. + * iii. We also ensured to build swales- that will help in slowing water down as it runs down the slope and is a form of natural water harvesting technique. + + +Inculcating a sense of social responsibility in the children.This has been achieved by: + + + +Inculcating a sense of social responsibility in the children.This has been achieved by: + + + +Inculcating a sense of social responsibility in the children.This has been achieved by: + + * i. Holding weekly sensitization classes- for the pupils on the uses of trees and how it is their resposibility to leave the school better than it is. + * ii. We have also partnered with another organizations – so that they can be trained on the benefits of mangroves and how to propagate them. They have also started setting up mangrove nurseries. The mangove will be planted at the beach near the school and it will be their way of giving to the community. + + +Boosting the Nutrition of the community by planting fruit trees and vegetables. We started this off by ensuring the schools had: + + + +Boosting the Nutrition of the community by planting fruit trees and vegetables. We started this off by ensuring the schools had: + + + +Boosting the Nutrition of the community by planting fruit trees and vegetables. We started this off by ensuring the schools had: + + * i. Tanks with gutters- that at the onset of rains they would be able to harvest rain that will in turn nourish the vegetables. + * ii. We also involved the community in digging of swales- that we filled up with manure and dry grass that we left for about for a month that would help in boosting the nutrition content of the severely eroded soils. + * iii. We had the children trained on setting up tree and vegetable nurseries- that they would plant in the swales, and the other small vegetable gardens. Vegetables that are in the seedbed are: Kales, bringles and spinach. We hope to introduce gradually tomatoes, water melons, pumkins and some traditional vegetables as we want them to have a stacked garden with creepers that act as cover crops to retain moisture and other vegetables that grow taller. As for food and fruit trees we will introduce the nitrogen fixing and nutrient enriching Moringa Oliefera whose leaves are medicinal and super rich in nutrients along with paws paws, bananas, grafted mangoes and oranges. We will also introduce sugar cane on areas that pool with water. + * iv. The schools have also been trained on companion planting- so that the know how to plant the vegetables and food trees to ensure maximum yield and using organic pest control methods. + + +So far each school has two kitchen gardens one that will be mostly vegetables and a few food trees and one that will contain fruit trees and vegetables + + + +The schools as part of the Sarafu – Credit community currency. + + + + + + + +At the onset we had meetings with the schools with one of the Bangla-Pesa representatives who would act as a link between the business community and the school. The lady Sylvia Osodo will ensure that when the community is involved in program is involved in the program especially the youth the business network can pay part of the labor fees in Sarafu-Credit from the community basket whenever the need for payment arises. + + + +We envision however the community will gradually take part especially ones within the business network and once we harvest the vegetables we could have the business community buy in part Kenya Shillings and Sarafu-Credit and at a subsidized rate than they would get at the Market and have the schools in turn purchase goods or services from the Business community on normal days and especially during market days. + + + +#bangla #environment #mombasa + + + +#bangla #environment #mombasa + + `#bangla `_ + +#bangla + + `#environment `_ + +#environment + + `#mombasa `_ + +#mombasa + diff --git a/content/blog/marcianas-struggle.rst b/content/blog/marcianas-struggle.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c52efb7 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/marcianas-struggle.rst @@ -0,0 +1,68 @@ +:title: Marciana's Struggle, Porridge and Bangla-Pesa +:author: Morgan Richards +:date: Feb 4, 2014 +:slug: marcianas-struggle + +:summary: Marciana's husband died a long time ago, leaving her with 5 children to care for alone. Even though she is 64 now, and most of her... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/marcianas-struggle18.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +Marciana's husband died a long time ago, leaving her with 5 children to care for alone. Even though she is 64 now, and most of her children are grown, she still bears the burden for caring for her family. Her oldest son, who might have taken on this responsibility, also died, and her oldest daughter is disabled from a bout of TB. Her surviving son was trained as a driver, but he’s been unable to find work, so he, his wife, and his two children live with Marciana, along with Marciana’s disabled daughter and youngest daughter (17 years). Marciana didn’t have the money to send her youngest daughter to secondary school. And, although she received some training as a tailor, she is also unemployed. So, Marciana supports this household from the sale of porridge and a bean and maize soup. The porridge sells for 15ksh ($0.18) and soup for 10ksh ($0.12). She usually makes around 600ksh ($7) a day to feed a family of 7. Technically, this puts her above the international poverty line based on the lower cost of living in Kenya, but, as she leaned her forehead against a pole, looked down at her worn red flip flops and dust covered feet, and told us about her life, we could feel the exhaustion caused by her efforts to keep her family fed and housed, and some sadness at being unable to keep her daughters in school and in good health. + + + + + + + +Things are improving for Marciana now. She became a member of Koru's Bangladesh Business Network in December and started trading the Bangla-Pesa voucher with fellow members. “I take 200 Bangla-Pesa every morning to buy sugar from Mwololo to make my porridge. When I get customers, I will buy fish and then that lady will come to buy my porridge. The same happens when I buy potatoes and water. They all come to get my porridge and I take from them their goods too.” All of these trades happen between members without Kenyan shillings, which means the money from trades which do use Kenyan shillings can be saved and used for other kinds of purchases. Further, when there are larger economic upheavals, the Bangla-Pesa can provide a buffer for the business community. In an effort reduce illegal hawking, and more comprehensively tax small businesses, the local government in Mombasa cleared out many shops in the central business district and in the market area. This left many businesses in Bangladesh without access to their stock, which they used to purchased from in now destroyed shops in the central market. In response to this disruption, Marciana and her customer used Bangla-Pesa to keep business going. “When the market was closed, I was only working with Bangla-Pesa, because that was what people had.” People couldn't buy stock as usual, had fewer products to sell, and so had very few Kenyan Shillings. But, they could still use Bangla-Pesa to buy some stock locally, sell the processed stock for Bangla-Pesa, buy food and necessities with the vouchers and maintain a basic standard of living until they adjusted to the changes in the central market. + + + + + + + +When we spoke with her, Marciana had 400 Bangla-Pesa after a day of trading. The next morning, she would take half that to buy sugar and the rest to buy food and water for herself and her family. As soon as customers come to her, she will repeat the process of using Bangla-Pesa to meet whatever needs she has, “I get it [Bangla-Pesa], then I use it. I used to be without food because we wouldn't have enough Kenyan Shillings, now I can eat even when I don’t have the Kenyan Shillings because I still have the Bangla-Pesa to use.” Every day, businesses in Bangladesh close the business day with goods unsold (some of which will spoil) and services unsold because their fellow businesswomen and men lack the funds to purchase these services. Bangla-Pesa provides a way for businesses to trade this excess capacity among each other. Then, everyone can fully meet their demand for goods and services locally and save their Kenyan Shillings to access medical care and education. We are truly excited to hear more from Marciana and others about how their community currency is helping them raise their standard of living together. + + + +#bangla #women #complementarycurrencies #businesswomen + + + +#bangla #women #complementarycurrencies #businesswomen + + + +#bangla #women #complementarycurrencies #businesswomen + + `#bangla `_ + +#bangla + + `#women `_ + +#women + + `#complementarycurrencies `_ + +#complementarycurrencies + + `#businesswomen `_ + +#businesswomen + diff --git a/content/blog/margrit-kennedy.rst b/content/blog/margrit-kennedy.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..97f4d4a --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/margrit-kennedy.rst @@ -0,0 +1,145 @@ +:title: Margrit Kennedy - Thank You +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 30, 2013 +:slug: margrit-kennedy + +:summary: One of our largest supporters and inspirations has passed on. Our whole team and the community of Bangladesh, Kenya wish to offer... + + + + +One of our largest supporters and inspirations has passed on. Our whole team and the community of Bangladesh, Kenya wish to offer condolences to the friends and family of Dr. Margrit Kennedy. She deeply understood and exposed the fact that our monetary system was broken. She stated that her work on ecological architecture in 1982 led her to the discovery that it is "virtually impossible to carry out sound ecological concepts on the scale required today, without fundamentally altering the present money system or creating new complementary currencies". Some of our work in Kenya was featured in her recent book, "People Money" which you can find here. Without the help of Dr. Kennedy the team might still be in jail and Bangla-Pesa might not have been relaunched. + + + +One of our largest supporters and inspirations has passed on. Our whole team and the community of Bangladesh, Kenya wish to offer condolences to the friends and family of Dr. Margrit Kennedy. She deeply understood and exposed the fact that our monetary system was broken. She stated that her work on ecological architecture in 1982 led her to the discovery that it is "virtually impossible to carry out sound ecological concepts on the scale required today, without fundamentally altering the present money system or creating new complementary currencies". Some of our work in Kenya was featured in her recent book, "People Money" which you can find here. Without the help of Dr. Kennedy the team might still be in jail and Bangla-Pesa might not have been relaunched. + + `here `_ + + + + + +We hope to continue her work in the tradition of academic rigor, holistic approaches and creative thinking + + + + + + + +From Her website: + +As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems: + + + +From Her website: + +As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems: + + + +From Her website: + +As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems: + + + +From Her website: + +As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems: + + + +From Her website: + +As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems: + + + +From Her website: + +As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems: + + + +From Her website: + +As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems: + + * How can we create a sustainable monetary system? + * What characterizes monetary systems which do not collapse repeatedly and which serve us rather than control us? + * Where can we find examples of well-working monetary systems in the past and present? + + +From wikipedia: + +Margrit Kennedy (born November 21, 1939, in Chemnitz) is a German architect, professor, environmentalist, author and world authority on and advocate of complementary currencies and an interest- and inflation-free economy. In 2011, she initiated the movement Occupy Money. + + + +From wikipedia: + +Margrit Kennedy (born November 21, 1939, in Chemnitz) is a German architect, professor, environmentalist, author and world authority on and advocate of complementary currencies and an interest- and inflation-free economy. In 2011, she initiated the movement Occupy Money. + + + +From wikipedia: + +Margrit Kennedy (born November 21, 1939, in Chemnitz) is a German architect, professor, environmentalist, author and world authority on and advocate of complementary currencies and an interest- and inflation-free economy. In 2011, she initiated the movement Occupy Money. + + + +From wikipedia: + +Margrit Kennedy (born November 21, 1939, in Chemnitz) is a German architect, professor, environmentalist, author and world authority on and advocate of complementary currencies and an interest- and inflation-free economy. In 2011, she initiated the movement Occupy Money. + + + +From wikipedia: + +Margrit Kennedy (born November 21, 1939, in Chemnitz) is a German architect, professor, environmentalist, author and world authority on and advocate of complementary currencies and an interest- and inflation-free economy. In 2011, she initiated the movement Occupy Money. + + + + +Kennedy was an architect with a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Ph.D. in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She has worked as an Urban Planner in Germany, Nigeria, Scotland and the United States. In 1991, she was appointed Professor of Ecological Building Technologies at the Department of Architecture, University of Hanover. + + + + +Kennedy was an architect with a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Ph.D. in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She has worked as an Urban Planner in Germany, Nigeria, Scotland and the United States. In 1991, she was appointed Professor of Ecological Building Technologies at the Department of Architecture, University of Hanover. + + + + +Kennedy was an architect with a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Ph.D. in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She has worked as an Urban Planner in Germany, Nigeria, Scotland and the United States. In 1991, she was appointed Professor of Ecological Building Technologies at the Department of Architecture, University of Hanover. + + + +From her obituary in German here. + + + + +On Saturday, Kennedy has died of cancer at the age of 74 years. Kennedy was a warm and charismatic woman who walked curious and interested in their conversation partner. She was also pragmatic. If it was necessary, they could explain their theory in a single minute. Taxi drivers, for example, if the destination was in sight. She was married to the Irish architect Declan Kennedy and lived in the eco-village "life Steyerberg" in Lower Saxony. About three months ago the cancer was diagnosed. Although the strength left, Kennedy was active until the end. + + + + +On Saturday, Kennedy has died of cancer at the age of 74 years. Kennedy was a warm and charismatic woman who walked curious and interested in their conversation partner. She was also pragmatic. If it was necessary, they could explain their theory in a single minute. Taxi drivers, for example, if the destination was in sight. She was married to the Irish architect Declan Kennedy and lived in the eco-village "life Steyerberg" in Lower Saxony. About three months ago the cancer was diagnosed. Although the strength left, Kennedy was active until the end. + + + + +On Saturday, Kennedy has died of cancer at the age of 74 years. Kennedy was a warm and charismatic woman who walked curious and interested in their conversation partner. She was also pragmatic. If it was necessary, they could explain their theory in a single minute. Taxi drivers, for example, if the destination was in sight. She was married to the Irish architect Declan Kennedy and lived in the eco-village "life Steyerberg" in Lower Saxony. About three months ago the cancer was diagnosed. Although the strength left, Kennedy was active until the end. + + + + + + + +Thank you Dr. Margrit Kennedy for being an inspiration to us all. + diff --git a/content/blog/menstrual-cycles.rst b/content/blog/menstrual-cycles.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1b35675 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/menstrual-cycles.rst @@ -0,0 +1,58 @@ +:title: Menstrual Cycles: Barriers to Education +:author: Morgan Richards +:date: Jan 13, 2014 +:slug: menstrual-cycles + +:summary: Why Should Reproductive Health Be a Barrier for Education? All over Kenya girls are missing school today (for many the first day back... + + + + +Why Should Reproductive Health Be a Barrier for Education? + + + + + +All over Kenya girls are missing school today (for many the first day back after the holidays) because of their menstrual cycles. These young women come from poor homes and communities, lacking the funds for both sanitary pads and panties in which to place pads. As a result, these girls miss school—staying home for about a week week, staying seated or laying down, and placing rags between their legs to stem the flow. Since girls average one period a month, this means they miss about 25% of the school year. Imagine the educational impact of this, consistently reducing their opportunities to excel in school and life because missing school means their grades suffer and they may not pass their exams to enter secondary school and college. + + + + + + + +Beyond simply the educational implications of missing school because of menstrual cycles, the indignity of being able to properly care for your reproductive health can be devastating. For the ladies in the audience, you remember your first few years of menstruation. Having your period come at unexpected times and panicking because you didn’t have pads to deal with the flow. Going to the restroom only to discover you had flowed too much. Especially as a girl, wanting to keep your cycles private and feeling intense embarrassment about the whole process. Now imagine if most of your classmates knew when you were on your cycle because that week you missed school. + + + + + + + +Recently, Koru-Kenya teamed up with The Panty Project, which launched a social media campaign in 2012/13 to raise funds and collect new donated panties for distribution in 4 local schools. 348 girls received 5 panties each through The Panty Project. Now, Koru is supporting the Project to continue. + + + + + + + +In December 2013, 50 girls received 5 panties each at the Wema Centre, a partner organization which provides support to orphans and vulnerable children. We paired the distribution of panties (and sanitary pads provided by Wema Centre) with a 3-hour life skills session. It was only meant to last for 2 hours, but the girls enjoyed it so much, they delayed breaking for lunch and just kept talking! They learned about reproductive health, family planning, and how to care for and protect themselves. For many, this was the first time they ever spoke with a group of girls and a trained educator about these topics, and the experience was really freeing. They can’t wait to do it again! + + + + + + + +And, in fact, we will hold another session, although with different girls. We have enough funding available for another distribution for 50 girls through Wema Centre. However, Koru would like to continue providing panties for vulnerable girls. If you would like to support these efforts, please visit our support section of the website which has directions for donating toward The Panty Project. + + + + + + + +Help us continue to remove reproduction and reproductive health as a barrier for girls’ education in Kenya! + diff --git a/content/blog/mikindani-community.rst b/content/blog/mikindani-community.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9b4eb54 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/mikindani-community.rst @@ -0,0 +1,36 @@ +:title: Mikindani Community Currency Market Day +:author: Lydia Anyango +:date: Oct 25, 2015 +:slug: mikindani-community + +:summary: The Kwa Ng'ombe Business Network held their 1st Market day on the 24th October 2015. Members came to sell and trade their goods at the... + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/mikindani-community21.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +The Kwa Ng'ombe Business Network held their 1st Market day on the 24th October 2015. Members came to sell and trade their goods at the event using Ng'ombeni-Pesa and over 50 people from the community who were allowed to purchase some of the community fund in Ng'ombeni-Pesa at a discount. The Kenyan Shillings generated by the event were distributed to the vendors and the community fund replenished. 7 new businesses registered at the event hosted at a local school, and the network continues to grow with the hope of reaching 200 members. + + + + + + + +Halima Hassan from Ng’ombeni Pesa Business Network is shown to the left. She sells cooked food (chapatti, beans, potatoes and Bhajias). "I'm very happy to use Ng’ombeni pesa and today I sold the most within a short period of time compared to any other day." She says, “I am happy today because my potatoes are almost through, yet I have been here for less than one hour. I wish everyday was a market day so that non-members get the chance of buying with our community currency”. + diff --git a/content/blog/motomoto-and.rst b/content/blog/motomoto-and.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..552d3b6 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/motomoto-and.rst @@ -0,0 +1,124 @@ +:title: Motomoto and the Dream Catchers +:author: Morgan Richards +:date: Nov 27, 2013 +:slug: motomoto-and + +:summary: Koru-Kenya’s MotoMoto program has been paired with Wema Centre for the past few months, joining our Poi and Life Skills program with... + + + + +Koru-Kenya’s MotoMoto program has been paired with Wema Centre for the past few months, joining our Poi and Life Skills program with their E-Learning bus to create a unique opportunity for children who spend much of their time on the streets. The approximately 30 children served by the program 3 times a week gain vital knowledge about computers while learning basic reading, writing, and math, as well as gaining self esteem through Poi and life skills through peer education. + + + + + + + +We wanted to share stories about some of these children and youth to give you a better picture of their lives, the challenges they face, and what we hope for them in the future. + + + + + + + +Okello + + + + + + + +Twelve-year old Okello lost both his parents when he was maybe 6 or 7 years old. No one told him how his parents died. He says, “They just got sick and died.” He went to live with his father’s brother after the death of his parents. + + + + + + + +Unfortunately, his aunt disliked the expectation that she care for a child not of her blood or her family’s blood. This attitude toward children who are not blood relations is not uncommon in Kenya, especially in families with scarce resources. She refused to pay for Okello to attend school and instead made him work in the home during the day, including carrying his cousins’ lunches to them at school. Because of this, Okello stopped attending school in Class2, at around 8 years old. + + + + + + + +Four months ago, after living like this for more than 4 years, Okello decided he was through being unloved and treated like a servant. He left Kisumu Manyatta for Mombasa, and has been living in the streets ever since. He sleeps in a place called Maboxini where a number of street children, or ‘survivors” as they prefer to be called, stay in a small community of shacks, tents, and trees. He makes small amounts of money from carting away trash for women who cook and sell food on the streets. He even washes dishes for them sometimes. When there isn’t enough money for food from these small jobs, he digs through the garbage bins outside the many hotels which Mombasa houses. + + + + + + + +Okello has been attending MotoMoto regularly for the past few weeks, since Koru-Kenya started its partnership with Wema Centre. As his look of concentration might suggest, he has worked very hard to learn Poi and is now comfortable with the basics. He remains very enthusiastic to learn more, and we have high hopes he will progress with his fire dancing skills, gaining confidence, self-esteem, and hope for the future as he actualizes his potential, at least in this “small” way. Okello also remains eager to return to school and finish his education. “If I find a chance to go back to school, I will just go.” We also hope he can actualize his potential in this arena also as Koru and Wema Centre make referrals and search for support for Okello. + + + + + + + +Husna + + + + + + + +Husna is one of the youngest participants in the program, at just 6 years old. Pictured here on the far right, she’s eating with a few of the other small children who come to play on the computers from Wema Centre and eat food provided by MotoMoto. She’s not yet old enough for Poi or Life Skills, but we welcome her anyway, hoping her life may improve before she is old enough to take part in these activities. + + + + + + + +Husna doesn’t sleep on the street. She is what’s known as being, “on the streets” rather than “in the streets.” She has a home of sorts, living with her mother. However, instead of going to school, she spends the day sitting with her mother by a Pharmacy, begging. She left school when her father separated from her mother. Like Okello’s aunt’s resistance to caring for him, father’s abandoning their children when they leave their wives is not uncommon here. Our project coordinator has spoken with Husna’s mother, urging her to enroll Husna in free primary education. However, her mother is reluctant to send Husna to school because she will get far less money from begging, perhaps not enough to support the family, without a child present to create sympathy. Unless the situation changes and her mother no longer relies on begging to feed her family, it’s unlikely Husna will ever return to school. When she reaches adolescents, if no other relatives come to help her, she may stay on the streets forever. + + + + + + + +Patrick and Mwaniki + + + + + + + +Patrick and Mwaniki are 21 and 22 years old respectively. Their stories are remarkably similar, representing an unfortunate trend for young Kenyan men. + + + + + + + +Both boys have fairly high levels of education for street-living youth. Patrick completed Form 2 (comparable to his second year in High School), while Mwaniki actually has a secondary school certificate. Both of their parents are alive, still working their farms in the interior of Kenya. Patrick couldn’t finish secondary school because his family didn’t have enough money. He left rural life in Voi because his friends urged him to dream bigger than a simple family farm, sowing dream-seeds of high paying jobs in the city, dreams which led Patrick to Mombasa. Mwaniki left his home in Nyeri with similar dreams. He became a matatu conductor (taking money from passengers who use the minivan-based transportation system in Kenya). The police caught him driving without a license, rather than simply acting as a conductor, and he was jailed for 6 months. After his release, Mwaniki couldn’t find work and his landlord evicted him and seized his possessions. Now, both men live in slum housing, without running water, toilets, or electricity, bathing with buckets outside the shacks they share with other survivors and using public toilets. They make money hawking small goods on the streets for commissions. Patrick, who sells cutlery and other such goods, says they can earn about 250-300ksh ($3-4) a day from hawking. + + + + + + + +Koru embraces the idea of helping such youths return to their rural homes, where life might be more stable for them. However, as Patrick explained, “Even if I go home, they won’t take me back to school. And, it’s shameful going to the city and coming back with nothing.” Dreams of success in the city permeate rural life and failure to attain these dreams brings unbearable shame, chasing away thoughts of going home. Instead, both boys are very enthusiastic about learning Poi. They hope to become competent enough to begin performing in some of the nice hotels and other venues in Mombasa. Although such performances are not the answer to their livelihood needs long-term, they may be able to provide some income in the short term. For the future, both boys are eager to join KEPSA—the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, a program which pays for the living expenses of youth while they pursue internships with different types of businesses. Koru will help them apply as soon as applications are accepted in April. Patrick hopes to get a plumbing internship placement, while Mwaniki, remembering his enjoyment of working on his minivan as a matatu conductor, would like to become a mechanic. KEPSA internships have a high rate of employment following the program. + + + + + + + +The futures of these and the other children and youth who come to MotoMoto have both the potential for a better life and the potential for a great deal more hardship. Although we cannot tackle all of the challenges they face, we hope providing them with the opportunity to learn, gain self-esteem, talk about their struggles, and acquire then life skills to deal with them will bring more good into their lives than they might otherwise have experienced. + diff --git a/content/blog/motomoto-performing.rst b/content/blog/motomoto-performing.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6bf5907 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/motomoto-performing.rst @@ -0,0 +1,160 @@ +:title: Motomoto Performing Arts +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Mar 3, 2013 +:slug: motomoto-performing + +:summary: We've started off the year with two new MotoMoto classes on Tuesday and Thursdays in Mombasa thanks to Burners without Borders. Each... + + + + +We've started off the year with two new MotoMoto classes on Tuesday and Thursdays in Mombasa thanks to Burners without Borders. Each class consists of ten street living youth. We've begun giving them food after each session as a way of giving them focus. + + + + + + + +One of the students is George Kamau . George dropped out of school in second grade because his parents could not pay his school fees. He hasn't been able to find work and has lost hope. He is now addicted to glue sniffing. We hope to see George making it all the way through the program and eventually off the streets. + + + + + + + +For more information about the MotoMoto Circus program and how we work with street living youth in Kenya click here. + + `here. `_ + +#motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi + + + +#motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi + + + +#motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi + + + +#motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi + + `#motomoto `_ + +#motomoto + + `#performingarts `_ + +#performingarts + + `#firedance `_ + +#firedance + + `#burnerswithoutborders `_ + +#burnerswithoutborders + + `#poi `_ + +#poi + +:title: Motomoto Performing Arts +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Nov 25, 2012 +:slug: motomoto-performing + +:summary: Martin Kimani is still spinning it up since 2009! The MotoMoto Circus programhas been working to reach street living youth through... + + + + + + + + +Martin Kimani is still spinning it up since 2009! The MotoMoto Circus programhas been working to reach street living youth through performing arts since 2009 when the project was given a kick start from Burners Without Borders. + + + + + + + +This week we had our Wednesday training and showcase at Makadara Grounds in Mombasa. These kids are trying to change their habits, support eachother and get off drug addiction and the streets. Martin is our lead instructor and works with different groups of street kids multiple times a week. We are also hoping to start a prison program in 2013 to reach those youth that are in jail often being subjected to hard labor. + + + + + + + +See past MotoMoto Videos here. + + + +See past MotoMoto Videos here. + + `here `_ + + + + + +Besides the great help we get from Burners without Borders. We are looking for help with donations of kevlar and old poi sets. If you are able to donate a roll of Kevlaror any other poi stuff that would be great! + + + +Besides the great help we get from Burners without Borders. We are looking for help with donations of kevlar and old poi sets. If you are able to donate a roll of Kevlaror any other poi stuff that would be great! + + `roll of Kevlaror `_ + + + + + +We are also looking for volunteers in 2013. If you can teach poi or want to learn poi - think about doing it in Kenya! + + + + + + + +#motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi + + + +#motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi + + + +#motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi + + + +#motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi + + `#motomoto `_ + +#motomoto + + `#performingarts `_ + +#performingarts + + `#firedance `_ + +#firedance + + `#burnerswithoutborders `_ + +#burnerswithoutborders + + `#poi `_ + +#poi + diff --git a/content/blog/municipal-basic.rst b/content/blog/municipal-basic.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0895c11 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/municipal-basic.rst @@ -0,0 +1,54 @@ +:title: Municipal Basic Income (MBI) via CIC +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 23 +:slug: municipal-basic +:modified: Jan 24 +:summary: Consider the value in decentralized, municipally supported economies (networks of MBIs) - building and supporting local as well as regional +:tags: UBI,Basic Income,municiple,MBI + + + +.. image:: images/blog/municipal-basic18.webp + + + +A municipality, town or local administration is an ideal issuer and anchor for a basic/guaranteed income because the have the means to back it and the intention to build sustainable and thriving local markets– Such a Municipal Basic Income (MBI) can in turn act as a growth medium and network token for Community Inclusion Currencies which allow local groups and businesses to form strong local markets through the MBI network. + + + +In its simplest form a municipality creates a token which is distributed to residents and local projects – and taxed and redistributed as a basic income for those active in the network. This MBI would be backed by the holding tax itself and as well local services offered by the municipality (like 50% off public transport or health services). This is similar to Sarafu in Kenya whose supply is set by the target population – taxed and redistributed. The tax and redistribution incentivizes trade and discourages hoarding. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/municipal-basic47.webp + + + +Businesses and groups of residents can create a Community Inclusion Currency against their production (like a voucher) and offer some of these CICs in exchange for the MBI – in order to support the municipality. This is a measurable form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social enterprise. + + **Businesses and groups of residents can create a Community Inclusion Currency against their production (like a voucher) and offer some of these CICs in exchange for the MBI – in order to support the municipality. This is a measurable form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social enterprise.** + + +This allows business and communities to transparently and measurably connect their vouchers to the greater social service network formed by the MBI. Online marketplace could feature these supporting businesses as a way to drive traffic to them. + + + +The initial supply and taxes collected from holding fees on balances of the MBI could also be used to aid community support networks and for local programs like Food Forests. + + + +A municipality creating such a MBI would have to create a contract against its redemption as well as taxation and redistribution. This contract could be voted on signed and scanned as a pdf and fixed to the MBI token on a blockchain (low-tech). + + + +Supporting business could in turn create their own CIC as a claim against their production (again in a signed contract) and place those CICs into liquidity pools that contain both their contribution of CIC (vouchers) and an amount of the MBI in order to enable traceable exchange between the two. + + + +This means that people could keep their municipality economies thriving by accepting and trading a MBI which can be exchanged in limited amounts for business vouchers (ala liquidity pools with CICs) + + + +While in Kenya we rely on Humanitarian organizations to supply a basic income token - a municipality, or local administration would be a wonderful anchor for community health in this way. The possibilities of MBIs combined with CICs are profound and life affirming. Consider the value in decentralized, municipally supported economies (networks of MBIs) - building and supporting local as well as regional or National economies. + + **While in Kenya we rely on Humanitarian organizations to supply a basic income token - a municipality, or local administration would be a wonderful anchor for community health in this way. The possibilities of MBIs combined with CICs are profound and life affirming. Consider the value in decentralized, municipally supported economies (networks of MBIs) - building and supporting local as well as regional or National economies.** diff --git a/content/blog/municipal-bonds.rst b/content/blog/municipal-bonds.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2f39a4c --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/municipal-bonds.rst @@ -0,0 +1,187 @@ +:title: Municipal Bonds and Community Currency +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jun 24, 2015 +:slug: municipal-bonds + +:summary: A Concept Paper based on observations during the FMDV inspired conference: Conference Resolutions Africa / Marrakesh 2014: Financing... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/municipal-bonds18.webp + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/municipal-bonds32.webp + + + + + + + +A Concept Paper based on observations during the FMDV inspired conference: Conference Resolutions Africa / Marrakesh 2014: Financing African Cities: agenda, alliances and solutions + + `Conference Resolutions Africa / Marrakesh 2014: Financing African Cities: agenda, alliances and solutions `_ + + + + + +Why is this interesting? + + + +Why is this interesting? + + + +Why is this interesting? + + * What if local governments could fund, incredibly underfunded, budgets through the support of the informal sector? Community Currencies could be the solution for sustainable local development and formalizing public and informal sector relationships. + * What if the informal sector paid taxes using their own goods and services and could trust that the money would be well used? The inability to pay and undesirability of tax paying due to corruption and lack of local impact - especially in developing countries is something we must overcome to create a more equitable society. Community Currencies are a way for local areas to tap into underutilized trade capacity, hedge in their own local abundance and use it to promote local development. + * We hope to see an example of such a Municipal Bond purchased in Community Currency this year in South Africa. + + +Jo-Burg did it's first Green Bond in 2014 and more generally Climate Bonds do have a framework (albeit is quite new) "Climate bond, also known as green bond, are a relatively new asset class. Most Climate Bonds are asset-backed, or ringfenced, with investors being promised that all funds raised will only go to specified climate-related programs or assets, such as renewable energy plants or climate mitigation focused funding programs." Creating a new asset class for Municipal Bonds dealing with Community Currencies is touched on below. These bonds could also fit within a Social Impact or Development Impact Bond framework. + + + + + + + +1. Definitions: + + + +1. Definitions: + + + +1. Definitions: + + * Municipal Bonds (MBs) are debt securities issued by a state, municipality or county to finance capital expenditures. We will focus on Municipalities for this paper, but the topics could well be applicable to corporate and other bonds. + * Community Currencies (CCs) for this purpose are debt securities backed by goods and services of local businesses (formal and informal within the community). This group of businesses is below called the Trading Network or Network. CCs in this case are given a value of 1:1 to the National Currency and may be issued on paper or electronically. This preludes many + * Complimentary Currencies which are not locally issued or backed. + * Community Currency Municipal Bonds (CCMBs) are bond that are eligible to be purchased in Community Currency. + * Mixed Community Currency Municipal Bonds (MCCMBs) are bond that are eligible to be purchased using a mixture of National Currency and a Community Currency. + + +We will focus on CCMBs in this paper but the concepts can be readily expanded to MCCMBs. + + + +The CCMB represents an investment made by a CC trading network. The network made up of local businesses is making a loan in CC to the Municipality. The Municipality will use this loan to fund expenditures such as environmental programs or the construction of highways, bridges or schools. + + + + + + + +The investors in this case are a network of businesses trading using a Community Currency. The Bond is purchased by direct transfer of CC from the Network to the Municipality, and transfer of a Bond letter or promissory note to the Network (see MBCC below). + + + +CCMBs specifications: + + + +CCMBs specifications: + + + +CCMBs specifications: + + * Face Value, or Amount of the Bond, will depend on the size of the program, usability of the CC in the program, and size of the trading network. The suggestion is that much lower Face Values with faster turnover could be achieved using a CCMB. + * Coupon, or interest on the Bond, could be as low as 0% depending on the municipalities perceived payoff and risk. Lower interest rates would be appropriate due to the lower relative value of the CC with respect to a National Currency loan. This should also be seen as a low risk investment by the trading network as the Bond's purpose ( community program outcomes ) should benefit them directly or indirectly. Interest should be payable in National Currency as the supply of the CC is generally limited. + * Maturity Time of the Bond could be as low as one month and as high as one year. At the end of this period the bond matures and is payable back in either CC or a mixture of CC and National Currency – along with any interest accrued. + * Expiration Date of the Bond - is the date at which the Bond receipt (MBCC - see below) is no longer redeemable. This is to protect the Municipality from holding outstanding debts. Bond holders – the Business Network as a whole or each of the members individually, keep a receipt of their loan to the municipality and after it matures it can be redeemed at the municipality plus whatever interest has accrued. Definition: + * Municipal Bond Community Currency (MBCC) - The Bond receipt or receipts may be resold and hence used as a Community or Complementary Currency. MBCC usage would temporarily increase the amount of CC in the community. The MBCC would have to look different (or be issued electronically) from the original CC – so that people would know to redeem it for National Currency at the Municipality. The MBCC is a promissory note or notes that are backed by the CCMB promise to repay in Rand or CC - and used as a currency in their own right. This could also be considered a type of Term Currency. + + +2. CCMB program examples + + + +2a. Alien Vegetation Clearing in South Africa + + + + + + + +The municipal council has a mandate to care for the environment but currently lacks sufficient funds - Funds are expected to come the following year. + + + +The program for Alien Vegetation Clearing will cost 10,000 Rand – of which 5,000 is for salaries of day laborers and 5,000 is for transport, administration and material costs. The Municipality only has ,7,500 Rand for the program, hence needs an additional 2,500 Rand. The Muni. Decided that 50% of salaries could be paid for in CC and therefore issues a CCMB by way of printing a MBCC worth 2,500 CC (which is worth 2,500 Rand). + + + + + + + +The Trading Network decided to purchase the CCMB using their community fund, which is a collection of the Networks contributions toward community betterment. The Municipality issues the CCMB using their own MBCC – either in the form of a single receipt or promissory note or many notes worth the total Face Value of the Bond and a clear interest rate, value, maturity and expiration date. + + + +The Network holds the MBCC (promissory note to repay) but may also sell it or use it for other community work, such as setting up a monthly market. + + + +The Municipality holds the CC notes worth 2,500 in National Currency and uses them to begin the program. Note that the workers in the program must agree to being paid partially in CC and partially in National Currency. Once paid in CC the program workers will use the CC for goods and services of the Network members. + + + + + + + +Once the MBCCs maturity date has been reached and before the expiration date (allowing an ample gap between the two), any holder of a MBCC note may redeem it for National Currency from the Municipality in CC or National Currency plus any interest accrued and depending on the rules. + + + +* In the case where the community fund is not enough for the proposed Municipal Program, nor is there enough CC in circulation to purchase the CCMB. + + + +* In the case where the community fund is not enough for the proposed Municipal Program, nor is there enough CC in circulation to purchase the CCMB. + + + +* In the case where the community fund is not enough for the proposed Municipal Program, nor is there enough CC in circulation to purchase the CCMB. + + * Then unallocated CCs could be purchased. Unallocated CCs are those that are printed but have not yet been issued or backed by the Network. It would be disastrous for these unallocated CCs to enter circulation without proper backing as it would undermine the local trust in CCs and cause inflation. In this case it is important that the CCs that enter circulation are later removed without causing harm to the Network through inflation. + * In this case the National Currency returned to the holders of the MBCCs after maturity, should be exchanged for CC (which would then be destroyed or removed from circulation). In other words the MBCCs alone would not be able to redeem the National Currency. A MBCC holder would have to have an equivalent about of CC as well. This CC would be collected by the CC verifier and removed from circulation, at which point the MBCC holder would be able to redeem National Currency plus interest if any. + + +A simple option would be for municipalities to offer a zero interest bond purely purchasable and redeemable in CC from the Community Fund of CC. With the incentive for the Network being that community service is taken care of in CC and the Municipality must also accept enough CC (through taxes or other purchases) to pay back the loan in CC. + + + +#municipalbonds #bonds #communitycurrencies + + + +#municipalbonds #bonds #communitycurrencies + + `#municipalbonds `_ + +#municipalbonds + + `#bonds `_ + +#bonds + + `#communitycurrencies `_ + +#communitycurrencies + diff --git a/content/blog/nairobi-bangla-pesa.rst b/content/blog/nairobi-bangla-pesa.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..60f186b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/nairobi-bangla-pesa.rst @@ -0,0 +1,48 @@ +:title: Nairobi Bangla-Pesa Making Strides +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jul 21, 2014 +:slug: nairobi-bangla-pesa + +:summary: Two settlements in Nairobi are racing to create their own Bangla-Pesa exchange networks. Kawangware and Kangemi groups are already near... + + + + +Two settlements in Nairobi are racing to create their own Bangla-Pesa exchange networks. Kawangware and Kangemi groups are already near the minimum of 100 business members to begin their programs. Last weekend two business owners from Bangladesh came to Nairobi to teach nearly 100 locals how they use Bangla-Pesa. There was a great discussion and a lot of hope that before the end of this year Nairobi will have their own program. This program is being partially supported by Nyendo-lernen and Chiemgauer (another complementary currency program) from Germany who have agreed to help these communities with their printing costs. We hope to have a demo in the next month to show off the efforts of these groups. + + + + + + + +Because of the sucsses in Bangladesh in using Bangla-Pesa to help with school fees, the trading networks in Nairobi are spreading out of three schools in the area. Students from these schools are working on drawing four themes that will be on the community currency, Community, Environment, Education and Economy. + + + +#nairobi #kawangware #bangla #gatina + + + +#nairobi #kawangware #bangla #gatina + + + +#nairobi #kawangware #bangla #gatina + + `#nairobi `_ + +#nairobi + + `#kawangware `_ + +#kawangware + + `#bangla `_ + +#bangla + + `#gatina `_ + +#gatina + diff --git a/content/blog/nairobi-coordinator.rst b/content/blog/nairobi-coordinator.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3af8b4f --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/nairobi-coordinator.rst @@ -0,0 +1,37 @@ +:title: Nairobi Coordinator Inspiration +:author: Daniel Mukosia +:date: Sep 22, 2017 +:slug: nairobi-coordinator + +:summary: For the first three months I started working as a volunteer. I am able to get in touch with different business individuals in all the... + + + + + + + + + + + + +For the first three months I started working as a volunteer. I am able to get in touch with different business individuals in all the three business networks that include Kangemi, Gatina and Lindi that are located in the urban slums. Through interacting with them I was able to understand how they operate their businesses, what they lack and what they don’t, learnt new business ideas. Among other things I discovered that through community currency, members in each business network increased the number of customers and also the number of sales that they made in a day. + + + + + + * During the Market day events different business individuals meet at a specific point where they traded together and exchanged ideas on how to improve their businesses, that is a social impact. + * Education has also been made easier since the students can be able to acquire their tuition without no hustles. + * Transport has been made accessible since Bodaboda that are in the business networks have been able to transport goods/products from the suppliers to the retailers shop. + * Members in each business network never lack market for their commodities. + * Whenever I visit each business individual, I always attend to and try to solve their issues such as teaching them book keeping; the knowledge helps them improve ways on how they can operate their businesses. + * Members have been able to come up with ideas such as Chama savings, table banking and are able to issue loans amongst themselves to expand their businesses. + * Use of the community currency has enabled members to be able to save Kenya Shillings by using Sarafu-Credit (Community Currency. + * There has been an increase in the number of users that is more business members joining the business networks increasing community currency circulation. We have more than 800 users in Nairobi. + * Members of each community network have been able to form cluster groups that has made easier for them to hold meetings and do their weekly and monthly savings in Kenya shillings. + * Members have been able to do or hold community events such as Voluntary Community clean ups that helps the community secure the clean environment, Sports is also involved. + * Community currency has enabled families not to lack food on the table since they can purchase food using community currency. + * Training of members has enabled others members using that knowledge to train other members who do not understand the concept behind community currency (trainer of trainers). + * Community currency has enabled unity among members enabling them solve their own issues apart from using the cc, this has brought understanding amongst themselves that is healthy in a community thriving towards prospering economies. This means that when they come together great things happen. diff --git a/content/blog/nairobis-1st.rst b/content/blog/nairobis-1st.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f44c482 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/nairobis-1st.rst @@ -0,0 +1,52 @@ +:title: Nairobi's 1st Community Currency Anniversary +:author: Ruth Mwangi +:date: Oct 15, 2015 +:slug: nairobis-1st + +:summary: Gatina-Pesa is the first group of 3 Community Currencies in Nairobi to Celebrate their 1st Anniversary on October 10th. With now over 120... + + + + +Gatina-Pesa is the first group of 3 Community Currencies in Nairobi to Celebrate their 1st Anniversary on October 10th. With now over 120 small businesses that trade with each other on a daily basis, these members have begun a merry-go-round saving scheme that allows members to take up soft loans from within the network and refund within a period of 3 - 6 months. Such developments have deepened the trust within this community and encouraged members to become more active in trading using the Gatina-Pesa voucher. + + + + + + + +The 1st Anniversary of the GBO has a great turn-up with a total of 6 Primary Schools in attendance. The local media, Mtaani Radio was also in attendance to cover the event. Guests and members enjoyed entertainment from schools and different local youth groups who presented skits and plays that portrayed the full trading cycle of the Community Currency. Towards the culmination of the event, members were involved in cake cutting to celebrate their first year of successful trade using the Gatina-Pesa. + + + + + + + +Lindi Business Network (LBN) Growing Strong + + + + + + + +Just two months since they had their launch, the Lindi Business Network (LBN) is rapidly growing. Last week, the LBN carried out its first Information Booth which saw 17 new businesses join the network and are already using the Lindi-Pesa. Pamela and Mama Beatrice are business women who operate within the Lindi area of Kibera. Pamela sells Fish while Mama Beatrice sells Tomatoes. These two business women trade with each other using Lindi-Pesa to supplement the National Currency. They also accept change in Lindi-Pesa when the National Currency is scarce. “When I want to buy fish worth Ksh.100 from Pamela, she accepts Ksh. 90 in the National Currency and 10 in the Lindi-Pesa voucher; the 10 Lindi-Pesa voucher I give her acts as a promise that when she comes to my shop to buy Tomatoes, I shall accept some of the payment in Lindi-Pesa. That way, we are both able to save the Kenyan Shillings and use them to cater for other household needs,” says Mama Beatrice. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/nairobis-1st39.webp + + + + + + + +The use of Lindi-Pesa has enabled these women to exchange their goods and services, even when they lack enough money due to poverty and economic downturns. Pamela concludes by noting, “As a business woman in this community, I want to take charge of my family’s livelihood, I want afford my children’s school fees and still have enough to save so that I can expand my business.” + + `#gatina `_ + +#gatina + diff --git a/content/blog/network-integrity.rst b/content/blog/network-integrity.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7ac35f9 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/network-integrity.rst @@ -0,0 +1,253 @@ +:title: Network Integrity is Priceless +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Nov 7, 2020 +:slug: network-integrity + +:summary: It is well know that - In a world where you can buy or sell anything - integrity is priceless. This is just as true when everything can... +:tags: trust,network token,sarafu,currency death cycle,state of trust on state,CDC,SOTOS + + + +.. image:: images/blog/network-integrity18.webp + + **It is well know that - In a world where you can buy or sell anything - integrity is priceless. This is just as true when everything can be bought and sold in a community currency.** + + +I’m often struck by the fundamental question: + + *What you are asking people to adopt with a community currency, really?* + + +At the core of community currency is the golden rule: + + **You offer your goods and services as you would have others offer theirs.** + **aka Pay it forward... aka Trust starts with you....** + **Wait, what?!** + + +That alone sounds completely doomed to fail and here is why….. + + **The Currency Death Cycle (CDC):** + + +.. image:: images/blog/network-integrity75.webp + + * How could I offer my goods or services with a community currency as payment? I would loose goods and services and I don’t trust that I can spend the community currency again! + * No one will accept this community currency from me to purchase their goods and services ! Because they don't think they they will be able to spend it again and just loose their goods or services. + * How could I offer my goods or services with a community currency as payment? Because I would loose goods and services and I don’t trust that I can spend the community currency again! + * No one will accept this community currency from me to purchase their goods and services ! Because they don't think they they will be able to spend it again and just loose their goods or services. + * And so on….. + + +Each time a currency is denied acceptance, the CDC gets worse and worse – its circular reasoning leaves us all wanting, and unwilling to trade with each other – often even when we are cash poor. Whole markets can collapse because of the lack of a medium of exchange - specifically a TRUSTED medium of exchange. Generally that trust must originate somewhere else, with a king, or a central bank. Note that many a community currency has fallen to the CDC. + + **Each time a currency is denied acceptance, the CDC gets worse and worse – its circular reasoning leaves us all wanting, and unwilling to trade with each other – often even when we are cash poor. Whole markets can collapse because of the lack of a medium of exchange - specifically a TRUSTED medium of exchange. Generally that trust must originate somewhere else, with a king, or a central bank. Note that many a community currency has fallen to the CDC.** + + +Each time a currency is denied acceptance, the CDC gets worse and worse – its circular reasoning leaves us all wanting, and unwilling to trade with each other – often even when we are cash poor. Whole markets can collapse because of the lack of a medium of exchange - specifically a TRUSTED medium of exchange. Generally that trust must originate somewhere else, with a king, or a central bank. Note that many a community currency has fallen to the CDC. + + **Each time a currency is denied acceptance, the CDC gets worse and worse – its circular reasoning leaves us all wanting, and unwilling to trade with each other – often even when we are cash poor. Whole markets can collapse because of the lack of a medium of exchange - specifically a TRUSTED medium of exchange. Generally that trust must originate somewhere else, with a king, or a central bank. Note that many a community currency has fallen to the CDC.** + + +Each time a currency is denied acceptance, the CDC gets worse and worse – its circular reasoning leaves us all wanting, and unwilling to trade with each other – often even when we are cash poor. Whole markets can collapse because of the lack of a medium of exchange - specifically a TRUSTED medium of exchange. Generally that trust must originate somewhere else, with a king, or a central bank. Note that many a community currency has fallen to the CDC. + + **Each time a currency is denied acceptance, the CDC gets worse and worse – its circular reasoning leaves us all wanting, and unwilling to trade with each other – often even when we are cash poor. Whole markets can collapse because of the lack of a medium of exchange - specifically a TRUSTED medium of exchange. Generally that trust must originate somewhere else, with a king, or a central bank. Note that many a community currency has fallen to the CDC.** + + +Each time a currency is denied acceptance, the CDC gets worse and worse – its circular reasoning leaves us all wanting, and unwilling to trade with each other – often even when we are cash poor. Whole markets can collapse because of the lack of a medium of exchange - specifically a TRUSTED medium of exchange. Generally that trust must originate somewhere else, with a king, or a central bank. Note that many a community currency has fallen to the CDC. + + + +While the Golden Rule might be enough to withstand a mild CDC in some small communities, there must be some foundational golden nugget for a community currency: + + **Establishing trust in redemption at the full value it was received.** + + +This brings us to national currencies and our current default State of Trust on State (SOTOS): + + **This brings us to national currencies and our current default State of Trust on State (SOTOS):** + **“At least if I hold National Currency I know I can pay for what I need.”** + + +This default state (SOTOS) that we all live in, effectively nullifies the CDC for a national currency because people KNOW they can spend it again - Unless things go really wrong (like in Zimbabwe.... and I hope not the rest of the world soon.) + + **This default state (SOTOS) that we all live in, effectively nullifies the CDC for a national currency because people KNOW they can spend it again - Unless things go really wrong (like in Zimbabwe.... and I hope not the rest of the world soon.)** + + +This default state (SOTOS) that we all live in, effectively nullifies the CDC for a national currency because people KNOW they can spend it again - Unless things go really wrong (like in Zimbabwe.... and I hope not the rest of the world soon.) + + **This default state (SOTOS) that we all live in, effectively nullifies the CDC for a national currency because people KNOW they can spend it again - Unless things go really wrong (like in Zimbabwe.... and I hope not the rest of the world soon.)** + + +This default state (SOTOS) that we all live in, effectively nullifies the CDC for a national currency because people KNOW they can spend it again - Unless things go really wrong (like in Zimbabwe.... and I hope not the rest of the world soon.) + + + +A fundamental question a community currency must try to answer is: + + **How can we create economies, flows and reciprocity without falling into the CDC – without relying solely on government or banks (SOTOS)?** + + +By far the simplest idea is the concept of a voucher. Rather than the State vouching for a currencies redeem-ability – why not a business? + + + +Canadian Tire Money – are denominated vouchers issued by a tire company which accepts them back at face value to the Canadian Dollar for tires. It’s quite simple and they have been in small circulation for decades. + + `Canadian Tire Money `_ + +In Kenya – chamas (such as farmer’s savings groups) can issue a voucher for food they produce and accept it back at face value to Kenyan shillings. + + + +In this case the issuer of the voucher is the entity you trust. If they refuse it, you could seek legal support from the local government, elders, chief etc. Generally vouchers are governed by contract law as promissory notes. + + **How could a voucher like Canadian Tire Money enter general circulation?** + **If I have a tire voucher, can I buy food with it? - Why not, assuming the food seller accepts?** + *If food seller re-spent that voucher later on labor - can it then be redeemed for food? - While not obligated to do so - you might imagine she would have, given she took it in the first place.* + + +But as the voucher starts to circulate farther and farther from people who want tires or even know of the Canadian Tire Company it would start to feel the CDC more and more. :( + + **But as the voucher starts to circulate farther and farther from people who want tires or even know of the Canadian Tire Company it would start to feel the CDC more and more. :(** + + +But as the voucher starts to circulate farther and farther from people who want tires or even know of the Canadian Tire Company it would start to feel the CDC more and more. :( + + **What if, as the voucher entered certain jurisdictions or communities it could be converted into other local vouchers? In other words, what if the food seller could convert the tire voucher into a food voucher – when redeeming it / selling it for other goods and services? - Hence at that point they could choose to make it their own voucher.** + + +What if, as the voucher entered certain jurisdictions or communities it could be converted into other local vouchers? In other words, what if the food seller could convert the tire voucher into a food voucher – when redeeming it / selling it for other goods and services? - Hence at that point they could choose to make it their own voucher. + + + +This choice could be made automatic – even mandatory in some networks: + + **Hence if you accept a tire voucher for payment and redeem it for anything but a tire, then it becomes your voucher and you should redeem it again yourself.** + *But how much are Tire vouchers worth compared to food vouchers? For this conversion to take place, you would need some higher form of Trust, that would establish the relative value of the two vouchers.* + + +But how much are Tire vouchers worth compared to food vouchers? For this conversion to take place, you would need some higher form of Trust, that would establish the relative value of the two vouchers. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/network-integrity257.webp + + + +Here we enter blockchain decentralized infrastructure and blockchain based transparent and immutable contracts as solutions to scaling trust through trustless / formulaic systems. + + **Here we enter blockchain decentralized infrastructure and blockchain based transparent and immutable contracts as solutions to scaling trust through trustless / formulaic systems.** + + +Here we enter blockchain decentralized infrastructure and blockchain based transparent and immutable contracts as solutions to scaling trust through trustless / formulaic systems. + + + +While Canadian Tire Money and the Farmers’ Food vouchers could be great by themselves – in-order to scale without suffering from CDC – they need to be bounded in supply and convertible without a middle man to other vouchers . If we were to apply this binding to syntropic principals for currencies, it would fit under Management: Ensure that the growth of a Community Currency is clearly bounded and its supply and value can’t keep growing forever. + + + +While Canadian Tire Money and the Farmers’ Food vouchers could be great by themselves – in-order to scale without suffering from CDC – they need to be bounded in supply and convertible without a middle man to other vouchers . If we were to apply this binding to syntropic principals for currencies, it would fit under Management: Ensure that the growth of a Community Currency is clearly bounded and its supply and value can’t keep growing forever. + + **While Canadian Tire Money and the Farmers’ Food vouchers could be great by themselves – in-order to scale without suffering from CDC – they need to be bounded in supply and convertible without a middle man to other vouchers . If we were to apply this binding to syntropic principals for currencies, it would fit under Management: Ensure that the growth of a Community Currency is clearly bounded and its supply and value can’t keep growing forever.** + + +While Canadian Tire Money and the Farmers’ Food vouchers could be great by themselves – in-order to scale without suffering from CDC – they need to be bounded in supply and convertible without a middle man to other vouchers . If we were to apply this binding to syntropic principals for currencies, it would fit under Management: Ensure that the growth of a Community Currency is clearly bounded and its supply and value can’t keep growing forever. + + `syntropic principals for currencies `_ + +If the tire voucher issuers wanted to ensure that their vouchers would be convertible to other vouchers there would need to be some point of relative value. Well, this is the perfect use case for a blockchain contract. The contract could transparently establish that for each tire voucher there is an amount of reserve. This reserve could be anything the issuer chose, such as a US dollar stable token. + + **If the tire voucher issuers wanted to ensure that their vouchers would be convertible to other vouchers there would need to be some point of relative value. Well, this is the perfect use case for a blockchain contract. The contract could transparently establish that for each tire voucher there is an amount of reserve. This reserve could be anything the issuer chose, such as a US dollar stable token.** + + +If the tire voucher issuers wanted to ensure that their vouchers would be convertible to other vouchers there would need to be some point of relative value. Well, this is the perfect use case for a blockchain contract. The contract could transparently establish that for each tire voucher there is an amount of reserve. This reserve could be anything the issuer chose, such as a US dollar stable token. + + + +Say that for every tire voucher there is 1:1 backing with Canadian Dollars and if the food voucher we’re similarly backed 1:1 by the same reserve then the relative value of each would be the Reserve over Voucher Supply and they would have equal value to each other. ( P = Reserve / Voucher_Supply = 1 ) + + *Say that for every tire voucher there is 1:1 backing with Canadian Dollars and if the food voucher we’re similarly backed 1:1 by the same reserve then the relative value of each would be the Reserve over Voucher Supply and they would have equal value to each other. ( P = Reserve / Voucher_Supply = 1 )* + + +But if the food voucher was only partially backed say 50% backed by Canadian Dollars then it would have less value than the tire voucher. Hence 1 Tire voucher would be worth 2 Food vouchers. + + + +By backing in National Currency we have not saved ourselves from the problem of excessive SOTOS – (our State of Trust on State). But what if instead of a national currency we created or chose a trusted network token with no intrinsic value to national currency, but rather other goods and services? Such a Network Token could be created by a non-profit foundation that seeks to help communities in need. This Network token would be a pivoting point for establishing relative value between all the vouchers that use it as a reserve. This is what we have in Kenya with Sarafu as our network token. + + **By backing in National Currency we have not saved ourselves from the problem of excessive SOTOS – (our State of Trust on State). But what if instead of a national currency we created or chose a trusted network token with no intrinsic value to national currency, but rather other goods and services? Such a Network Token could be created by a non-profit foundation that seeks to help communities in need. This Network token would be a pivoting point for establishing relative value between all the vouchers that use it as a reserve. This is what we have in Kenya with Sarafu as our network token.** + + +By backing in National Currency we have not saved ourselves from the problem of excessive SOTOS – (our State of Trust on State). But what if instead of a national currency we created or chose a trusted network token with no intrinsic value to national currency, but rather other goods and services? Such a Network Token could be created by a non-profit foundation that seeks to help communities in need. This Network token would be a pivoting point for establishing relative value between all the vouchers that use it as a reserve. This is what we have in Kenya with Sarafu as our network token. + + + +By backing in National Currency we have not saved ourselves from the problem of excessive SOTOS – (our State of Trust on State). But what if instead of a national currency we created or chose a trusted network token with no intrinsic value to national currency, but rather other goods and services? Such a Network Token could be created by a non-profit foundation that seeks to help communities in need. This Network token would be a pivoting point for establishing relative value between all the vouchers that use it as a reserve. This is what we have in Kenya with Sarafu as our network token. + + `Sarafu `_ + +The means that the trust established by the tire voucher issuer can now be transferred to the food voucher issuer. In other words, since both the the food voucher and the tire voucher can be converted to their reserve in Sarafu – their value can be known automatically and they can be accepted anywhere that uses Sarafu. Hence Sarafu as a network token becomes an agreement between voucher issuers. + + + +In this case Sarafu is a bootstrap in Kenya. If businesses can accept Sarafu then they can all begin to accept their vouchers from each other – as they are all convertible. + + + +You might object and say – “you have merely delayed the CDC (Currency Death Cycle)” but perhaps not - as long as Sarafu is redeemable for something some of the network needs over time. If Sarafu is backed only by National Currency (with occasional buy outs) we are still in SOTOS, but what if such a network token like Sarafu could be backed by the flour from a large maize mill – or even another voucher like Canadian Tire Money themselves. + + **You might object and say – “you have merely delayed the CDC (Currency Death Cycle)” but perhaps not - as long as Sarafu is redeemable for something some of the network needs over time. If Sarafu is backed only by National Currency (with occasional buy outs) we are still in SOTOS, but what if such a network token like Sarafu could be backed by the flour from a large maize mill – or even another voucher like Canadian Tire Money themselves.** + + +You might object and say – “you have merely delayed the CDC (Currency Death Cycle)” but perhaps not - as long as Sarafu is redeemable for something some of the network needs over time. If Sarafu is backed only by National Currency (with occasional buy outs) we are still in SOTOS, but what if such a network token like Sarafu could be backed by the flour from a large maize mill – or even another voucher like Canadian Tire Money themselves. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/network-integrity337.webp + + + +Here today in Kenya we have 16 Million Sarafu network tokens,that has been distributed freely into a population of 40,000 Kenyan farmers, shop keepers, schools and so on. With occasional purchases of Sarafu from donors and the development of cooperative businesses that act as backing. Communities are getting ready now to take the Sarafu they are using and lock it into a contract (like the Bancor Protocol) on a blockchain which will then mint their own voucher (token, Community Inclusion Currency). + + + +Here today in Kenya we have 16 Million Sarafu network tokens,that has been distributed freely into a population of 40,000 Kenyan farmers, shop keepers, schools and so on. With occasional purchases of Sarafu from donors and the development of cooperative businesses that act as backing. Communities are getting ready now to take the Sarafu they are using and lock it into a contract (like the Bancor Protocol) on a blockchain which will then mint their own voucher (token, Community Inclusion Currency). + + + +Here today in Kenya we have 16 Million Sarafu network tokens,that has been distributed freely into a population of 40,000 Kenyan farmers, shop keepers, schools and so on. With occasional purchases of Sarafu from donors and the development of cooperative businesses that act as backing. Communities are getting ready now to take the Sarafu they are using and lock it into a contract (like the Bancor Protocol) on a blockchain which will then mint their own voucher (token, Community Inclusion Currency). + + `Sarafu `_ `Bancor Protocol `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/network-integrity355.webp + + + +Groups of women farmers, shop keepers, teachers and so on in chamas have come together and planned to issue a voucher for their specific goods and services – signed and approved by local authorities – and backed with a reserve of Sarafu; Once the social and blockchain contracts are signed, then they can spend those vouchers in another village where people can convert them to their own vouchers (via Sarafu as a Network Token). Because of the commitment to redeem their own vouchers and their relative value to Sarafu, which is the reserve in all the CICs in villages around them – there can be a state of mutual trust and avoidance of the Currency Death Cycle (CDC) beyond the sole State of Trust of State (SOTOS). The concept here is a community of currencies providing a network of stability - or Canadian Tire Money like vouchers multiplied by the number of businesses and chamas across Kenya that see value in issuing their own credit while lacking Kenyan Shilllings. + + **Groups of women farmers, shop keepers, teachers and so on in chamas have come together and planned to issue a voucher for their specific goods and services – signed and approved by local authorities – and backed with a reserve of Sarafu; Once the social and blockchain contracts are signed, then they can spend those vouchers in another village where people can convert them to their own vouchers (via Sarafu as a Network Token). Because of the commitment to redeem their own vouchers and their relative value to Sarafu, which is the reserve in all the CICs in villages around them – there can be a state of mutual trust and avoidance of the Currency Death Cycle (CDC) beyond the sole State of Trust of State (SOTOS). The concept here is a community of currencies providing a network of stability - or Canadian Tire Money like vouchers multiplied by the number of businesses and chamas across Kenya that see value in issuing their own credit while lacking Kenyan Shilllings.** + + +Groups of women farmers, shop keepers, teachers and so on in chamas have come together and planned to issue a voucher for their specific goods and services – signed and approved by local authorities – and backed with a reserve of Sarafu; Once the social and blockchain contracts are signed, then they can spend those vouchers in another village where people can convert them to their own vouchers (via Sarafu as a Network Token). Because of the commitment to redeem their own vouchers and their relative value to Sarafu, which is the reserve in all the CICs in villages around them – there can be a state of mutual trust and avoidance of the Currency Death Cycle (CDC) beyond the sole State of Trust of State (SOTOS). The concept here is a community of currencies providing a network of stability - or Canadian Tire Money like vouchers multiplied by the number of businesses and chamas across Kenya that see value in issuing their own credit while lacking Kenyan Shilllings. + + **In a world where you can buy or sell anything with community currency – Network Integrity is Priceless.** + + +Hence a trusted Network token that holds together various community currencies is extremely important. Note that nation states like Kenya could and should enable a decentralized value driven economy to form themselves and spread it by issuing their own Central Bank Digital Currencies that could be used as reserves and Network Tokens. But we can’t wait for that to happen and even then, we don't want to be in excess SOTOS. + + **Hence a trusted Network token that holds together various community currencies is extremely important. Note that nation states like Kenya could and should enable a decentralized value driven economy to form themselves and spread it by issuing their own Central Bank Digital Currencies that could be used as reserves and Network Tokens. But we can’t wait for that to happen and even then, we don't want to be in excess SOTOS.** + + +Hence a trusted Network token that holds together various community currencies is extremely important. Note that nation states like Kenya could and should enable a decentralized value driven economy to form themselves and spread it by issuing their own Central Bank Digital Currencies that could be used as reserves and Network Tokens. But we can’t wait for that to happen and even then, we don't want to be in excess SOTOS. + + **Let’s enable credit creation by the masses – just as Canadian Tire Money has shown us – but do it on a public ledger (blockchain) using Network Tokens to link all these vouchers together into a decentralized economy based on real value. Someday there will be open competition and collaboration among Network Tokens to cover all that we want to value.** + + +Let’s enable credit creation by the masses – just as Canadian Tire Money has shown us – but do it on a public ledger (blockchain) using Network Tokens to link all these vouchers together into a decentralized economy based on real value. Someday there will be open competition and collaboration among Network Tokens to cover all that we want to value. + + + +Bootstrapping such a decentralized grassroots economy is not only possible, it needs to happen. The cost of rehabilitating our soils, feeding and educating the masses, and fulfilling all the SDGs has no budget on this planet! + diff --git a/content/blog/new-bills.rst b/content/blog/new-bills.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..939ad5b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/new-bills.rst @@ -0,0 +1,92 @@ +:title: New Bills for a New Economy +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Mar 31, 2017 +:slug: new-bills + +:summary: We attended a meeting on DOEN's New Economy program, where our newest version of community currency bills were unveiled in Amsterdam. The... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/new-bills18.webp + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/new-bills32.webp + + + + + + + +We attended a meeting on DOEN's New Economy program, where our newest version of community currency bills were unveiled in Amsterdam. The new bills are printed in Germany on special paper provided by STRO. They are the most secure and advanced bills we've ever used! + + + +We attended a meeting on DOEN's New Economy program, where our newest version of community currency bills were unveiled in Amsterdam. The new bills are printed in Germany on special paper provided by STRO. They are the most secure and advanced bills we've ever used! + + + +We attended a meeting on DOEN's New Economy program, where our newest version of community currency bills were unveiled in Amsterdam. The new bills are printed in Germany on special paper provided by STRO. They are the most secure and advanced bills we've ever used! + + `DOEN's New Economy program `_ `STRO `_ + + + + + +These bills will go into circulation first in a rural area near Mombasa with up to 4000 farms, 10 schools and 30 local shops. They represent cooperative assets in the form of a maize mill as well as a community market place. The program is part of a Food Security measure. + + + + + + + +We were also honored to visit TimeLab in Ghent this month and also give a talk to like-minded people throughout Belglum. + + + +We were also honored to visit TimeLab in Ghent this month and also give a talk to like-minded people throughout Belglum. + + `TimeLab `_ + + + + + +Other news: In the Kawangware slum this month, more than 100 Dollars worth of Community Currency circulated among three schools providing schools fees for over 400 students. + + + +#sarafu #newbills #doen #stro + + + +#sarafu #newbills #doen #stro + + + +#sarafu #newbills #doen #stro + + `#sarafu `_ + +#sarafu + + `#newbills `_ + +#newbills + + `#doen `_ + +#doen + + `#stro `_ + +#stro + diff --git a/content/blog/new-business.rst b/content/blog/new-business.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2939005 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/new-business.rst @@ -0,0 +1,95 @@ +:title: New Business in Kawangware +:author: Robin Gerbaux +:date: Apr 21, 2015 +:slug: new-business + +:summary: Since its implementation, 8 months ago, Gatina-Pesa in Nairobi's Kawangware slum has had various benefits to its members. Some of them... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/new-business18.webp + + + + + + + +Since its implementation, 8 months ago, Gatina-Pesa in Nairobi's Kawangware slum has had various benefits to its members. Some of them have seen their number of customers increase while others have seen improvements in their daily sales. By spending their Kenyan Shillings and supplementing a small percentage of this with Gatina-Pesa, these members are able to trade with each other even when Kenyan Shillings are scarce - hence allowing more wealth to be created within the network. + + + + + + + +To increase the circulation of this currency, the majority of the members have embraced the principle of reciprocity which makes them both suppliers and customers of each other. + + + + +Another impact is identified by a barber who is a member of the Gatina Business Organization (GBO), on the regularity of his customers. Members of the business network tend to use more Gatina-Pesa during harder economic times, such as mid-month. + + + + +Another impact is identified by a barber who is a member of the Gatina Business Organization (GBO), on the regularity of his customers. Members of the business network tend to use more Gatina-Pesa during harder economic times, such as mid-month. + + + + +Another impact is identified by a barber who is a member of the Gatina Business Organization (GBO), on the regularity of his customers. Members of the business network tend to use more Gatina-Pesa during harder economic times, such as mid-month. + + + + + + + +Since its inception, the GBO has been running a common savings program that allows members to get involved in a merry-go-round (a traditional credit scheme widespread in Kenya). The members willing to participate were required to save at least Ksh. 200 ($2) every month. Having saved a considerable amount of money, these members recently decided to start a loaning program. So far, 6 members of the GBO have received loans between Ksh. 3000 ($30) and Ksh. 8000 ($80) therefore enabling them to either get into product/service diversification or increase their amount of stock. These loans need to be paid back within 3 months with an interest of 10% (which goes back to the group savings) and some of these members have already started repaying. The interest accrued will be kept in the GBO Bank Account in order to increase the loaning capacity of the organization for the next members willing to benefit from this program. + + + + + + + +But these are not the only benefits of being part of the network, as Rose, a member of GBO tells us. Rose sells chips ‘french fries’ and is a mother of three. Rose has benefited purely from being part of the business network itself. When asked what she did before learning about the GBO, she said, “I was sitting in the house, not doing anything”. + + + + + + + +A few months ago, one of her neighbors, a member of the organization invited her to attend one of their network meetings and it was then that she realized there were new opportunities. “When I joined the organization, I saw that I could do something; that I can do business. We sit with people, they tell you something to do… you see, you can change your life”, she narrates. With the advice from other members and a capital of Ksh. 1000 ($10) from the networks savings, she opened a little chips kiosk by the roadside. According to her, this business, “... is not bad but I just stay there because I want to get something for my children, to eat…you know how Kenya is expensive nowadays”. When asked where she learned how to manage her business (calculating the profit and knowing how much stock to buy) she said, “I learned from the network meetings. When I went there I saw I could do this and that and get money. So I started like that; I got the information from the network meetings”. Rose also received valuable business advice from other members including a shop owner whose business is located next to hers. + + + + + + + +However, while Rose has benefited from being part of the network, she hasn’t yet benefited fully from using Gatina-Pesa, as she was not aware of all members near to her who used this currency therefore making trade using the Community Currency quite difficult. These are some of the challenges members of these networks may encounter from time to time. To solve these challenges, two solutions have been put in place: a Directory was created and an Information Booth was set-up in a strategic location within the Gatina area. Also a user guide and quiz have been developed to make sure members understand how to use the Community Currency. + + + +Since some members located in the same area did not know each other, an aspect that prohibited them to trade with each other using Gatina-Pesa, the idea of having a directory was quite timely. The directory is a small booklet that is issued to each member of the network once they sign up. It consists of a list of all active members using and accepting Gatina-Pesa. Alongside the names of the members, the reader can find their goods and services, contacts and location. The directory therefore helps the members to know each other and facilitate the circulation of the Gatina-Pesa Community Currency. There has been positive feedback regarding the use of these directories as more and more members have begun trading with each other. + + + + + + + +An Information Booth was also set up in a strategic location to raise awareness about Gatina-Pesa and to invite businesswomen and businessmen to become members of the network. New sign-ups were followed by a training workshop to help them understand how to use Gatina-Pesa. Setting up this Information Booth solved the problem of members being located too far from each other hence not being able to spend or receive Gatina-Pesa. The booth set-up in the Gatina area saw 30 new business owners trained and registered as members of the GBO. Monitoring of these new businesses has begun and so far positive feedback has been recorded as most members are already experiencing the benefits of trading with each other using Gatina-Pesa. + + + + + + + +Gatina-Pesa is one of 5 Community Currency programs now in Kenya - as it becomes more and more integrated into it's community it is also networking ans sharing with the other networks across Kenya. As the network is strengthened and expanded, the benefits already identified for the members are likely to increase and spread to the entire community, as more wealth is created and trade within the slum the slum has increased. + diff --git a/content/blog/news-from.rst b/content/blog/news-from.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..131b6b6 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/news-from.rst @@ -0,0 +1,48 @@ +:title: News from Brazil +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: May 8, 2015 +:slug: news-from + +:summary: Every now and then we get news of great things happening in Brazil. Here is a wonderful blog that details some things happening there.... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/news-from18.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +Every now and then we get news of great things happening in Brazil. Here is a wonderful blog that details some things happening there. http://www.reconomy.org/community-currencies-in-brazil-interview/ The team hopes to be going there in October, sharing and bringing back a lot of new ideas! + + + +Every now and then we get news of great things happening in Brazil. Here is a wonderful blog that details some things happening there. http://www.reconomy.org/community-currencies-in-brazil-interview/ The team hopes to be going there in October, sharing and bringing back a lot of new ideas! + + `http://www.reconomy.org/community-currencies-in-brazil-interview/ `_ + + + + + + + + + +#brazil #communitycurrencies + + `#brazil `_ + +#brazil + + `#communitycurrencies `_ + +#communitycurrencies + diff --git a/content/blog/ngombeni-pesa-artwork.rst b/content/blog/ngombeni-pesa-artwork.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..06d2d35 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/ngombeni-pesa-artwork.rst @@ -0,0 +1,48 @@ +:title: Ng'ombeni-Pesa Artwork +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Apr 20, 2015 +:slug: ngombeni-pesa-artwork + +:summary: The Ng'ombeni-Pesa Community Based Organization has been formed. They are a neighboring slum to Bangladesh in Mombasa County and live in... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/ngombeni-pesa-artwork18.webp + + + + + + + +The Ng'ombeni-Pesa Community Based Organization has been formed. They are a neighboring slum to Bangladesh in Mombasa County and live in a devastating situation. Ng'ombe means cow in Kiswahili and Ng'ombeni means the place of the cows. Sadly there have been no cows in this area for nearly 20 years, and it now forms an area with the cheapest housing in Mombasa. (No utilities, and poorly built mud houses, with rusting iron sheets.) But there is a vibrant group of (mostly) women business owners who want to change all this. + + + + + + + +At our 3rd large scale community meeting on April 18th 2015 we talked with a potential 50 new members of the group that represent schools, churches and many small businesses. At the meeting four pieces of art that had been based on requests from the community were presented. The art was created by our own Carol Opondo, the artists for Bangla-Pesa, and the results are stunning. There are four themes for the four denominations of vouchers that will be used as the community currency. The themes are community, environment, education and economy; since the community currency ties them all together to improve livelihoods. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/ngombeni-pesa-artwork41.webp + + + + + + + + + + + + + + `#ngombeni `_ + +#ngombeni + diff --git a/content/blog/no-nonsense.rst b/content/blog/no-nonsense.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7027bb9 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/no-nonsense.rst @@ -0,0 +1,61 @@ +:title: No Nonsense Bangla-Pesa Crew Getting Ready +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Nov 13, 2013 +:slug: no-nonsense + +:summary: The Bangla-Pesa crew is getting ready for our November 23rd re-launch. We have confirmed guests from parliament, the governors office,... + + + + +The Bangla-Pesa crew is getting ready for our November 23rd re-launch. We have confirmed guests from parliament, the governors office, police, district and other local authorities as well as the Women's Rep. for the County. + + + + + + + +Our agenda for the day includes: + + + +Our agenda for the day includes: + + + +Our agenda for the day includes: + + * A match with the Bangla-Pesa volley ball team. + * Displays of various media on Bangla-Pesa including our newest animation. + * Speeches from honored guests, lawyers and community members + * An enactment drama of Bangla-Pesa past present and future. + * Program's Official re-Launch Ribbon Cutting + + +Look out for the Bangla-Pesa street sign. Emma Onyango will operating out of various shops in the community accepting registrations in the program. + + + + + + `Bangla-Pesa was featured on Public Radio International today. `_ + +#bangla #complementarycurrencies #grassrootseconomicsnews + + + +#bangla #complementarycurrencies #grassrootseconomicsnews + + `#bangla `_ + +#bangla + + `#complementarycurrencies `_ + +#complementarycurrencies + + `#grassrootseconomicsnews `_ + +#grassrootseconomicsnews + diff --git a/content/blog/not-your.rst b/content/blog/not-your.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b656081 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/not-your.rst @@ -0,0 +1,56 @@ +:title: Not Your Typical Vegetable Kiosk +:author: Lydia Anyango +:date: Mar 10, 2017 +:slug: not-your + +:summary: This is Julius Odhiambo. He owns a vegetable kibanda and has been using Community Currency called Bangla-Pesa, which is part of the... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/not-your18.webp + + + + + + + +This is Julius Odhiambo. + + + + + + + +He owns a vegetable kibanda and has been using Community Currency called Bangla-Pesa, which is part of the Sarafu-Credit network, outside Mombasa since 2013. Julius is happy with the Bangla-Pesa because he has increased his sales. “I only started with selling 3kgs of tomatoes alone but now I a whole crate of tomatoes in a day, sukuma wiki, cabbages, onions etc. And this is because I both use Bangla-Pesa and many people come to buy from my stall using Banla-pesa”, he says. When Julius realized that he was getting many customers, he decided to take a risk and increase his stock of tomatoes and other vegetables too since he was making good profit. “I have also become a supplier of vegetables in 5 of the restaurants around here because they top up their payments in Bangla-pesa which they receive from their customers,” he adds. Julius uses Bangla-Pesa Credit to buy his lunch and food for his family. He also buys water, charcoal and gets his shoes repaired using the Bangla-Pesa. + + + + + + + +By enabling Julius and a network of businesses and schools to issue a circulating private credit (community currency) as a voucher for their goods and services the local economy's velocity of money increases, because it no longer depends on scarce and seasonal National Currency - but rather purely on productive capacity. A zero interest Sarafu-Credit line is issued to members of business networks based on their productive capacity as well as cooperative assets. In the Bangla-Pesa network the members co-own a local wholesale shop which provides collateral backing for the Bangla-Pesa, so that if Julius has too much Bangla-Pesa to use, he is guaranteed to be able to exchange it for the wholesale products and profits from the cooperative. + + + + + + + +This system creates an interest free source of credit and market stability for the businesses of an community of over 20,000 people. Grassroots Economics is currently working with over 1,000 businesses in Kenya and hoping to spread access to these programs to marginalized communities across Kenya over the next few years. + + + +#bangla #duka + + `#bangla `_ + +#bangla + + `#duka `_ + +#duka + diff --git a/content/blog/one-church.rst b/content/blog/one-church.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1916de4 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/one-church.rst @@ -0,0 +1,54 @@ +:title: One Church building a Value driven Economy +:author: Ruth Njau +:date: Jun 26, 2020 +:slug: one-church + +:summary: CIC (Sarafu) has taught people the power of circular trade and sharing and they will never go back to struggling for cash. + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/one-church18.webp + + + +Samson Dzeha Nyanje was born 1972. He is a pastor at Apostolic Ministry of Kenya and has been supporting his community since 1999 in Mkanyeni, Kwale at the age of 27 years. + + + +Dzeha learned about CICs (locally called Sarafu) two years ago from Nadzua Mwero, a leader in a nearby Women’s Group. By introducing CICs his congregation has been able to continue offering tithing when they have no national currency and in return he has been able to purchase goods and services from his congregation to help the needy in his community get food. His first Sunday after introduction, Pastor Dzeha collected 250 CC and 100 ksh as offering, almost twice the typical offerings. Offerings have grown over time and he now has enough to support pastors under his supervision and get his basic needs met for his community. Since more people feel they have something to offer with CICs, the congregation has over doubled to 84 members, 35 adults and 49 children. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/one-church47.webp + + + +The pastor is currently paying workers to renovate the church using CICs and he is also saving part of his CICs in a local group (chama). Dzeha also managed to get a loan from his savings groups both in CICs and Kenya shillings and he has been able to start a small cereal shop. Dzeha buys the cereals locally from other farmers and he is able to sell to his congregation after church. + + + +The past + + + +By redistributing CICs to those in need the church now feeds over 100 different families in a month using CICs. Dzeha also mentioned that before CICs, people used to eat only one meal a day and it was mostly beans (since majority are farmers and they plant beans and maize) however now they can afford to buy rice for their families using CIC. + + + +Dezha states that “Sarafu has taught people the power of circular trade and sharing and they will never go back to how they were before always struggling to get cash. We will continue eating three meals a day since we learnt how to help each other rather than fight each other for money.” + + + +He quotes “ If it were not for Sarafu, I would not be where I am. Sarafu has expanded my horizons. I am now a business owner and also offering services in my community using it. This was a dream back in 2018. I am able to save the national currency and I can now comfortably educate all my children” “Our church can now better support the community even when there are no Kenyan shillings due to poor markets and crisis.“ + + + +.. image:: images/blog/one-church88.webp + + + +Dzeha’s church is a pillar of support representing the majority of CIC trade in the community. In just the last month during the COVID crisis the church has: + + * Received 97,303 CICs in 252 transactions from 181 people, + * Spent 126,638 CIC in 248 transactions to 42 people. This represents as much as 6000 individual meals in a community! diff --git a/content/blog/panty-distribution.rst b/content/blog/panty-distribution.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..87cff55 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/panty-distribution.rst @@ -0,0 +1,72 @@ +:title: Panty Distribution Success +:author: Morgan Richards +:date: Jun 29, 2014 +:slug: panty-distribution + +:summary: In May, we told you about an incredible synergy of Star Wars (http://www.501st.com/), Roller Derby (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.... + + + + + + + + + + + + +In May, we told you about an incredible synergy of Star Wars (http://www.501st.com/), Roller Derby (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/), and amazing, concerned, generous people that generated more than $1300 and 363 pairs of panties. Thanks to all of you who made this a reality! + + + +In May, we told you about an incredible synergy of Star Wars (http://www.501st.com/), Roller Derby (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/), and amazing, concerned, generous people that generated more than $1300 and 363 pairs of panties. Thanks to all of you who made this a reality! + + + +In May, we told you about an incredible synergy of Star Wars (http://www.501st.com/), Roller Derby (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/), and amazing, concerned, generous people that generated more than $1300 and 363 pairs of panties. Thanks to all of you who made this a reality! + + `http://www.501st.com/ `_ `http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/ `_ + +In June, we put that money and those panties to use. Given Koru-Kenya’s strong ties to Bangladesh, Kenya and the great need there, we were able to reach out to 363 girls in the informal settlement. It’s difficult to properly convey the challenges faced by these schools, their administration, teachers, and students. Two schools rest on a cliff side overlooking what remains of a gorgeous mangrove forest on a salt water creek. Unfortunately for them, erosion is a constant threat to the integrity of the school, which could be washed away by a strong rain. + + + + + + + +Still the administration and teachers work hard to provide for the students. On both panty distribution days they heroically rounded up the excited girls and helped us to keep them calm as we distributed panties and sanitary towels. The girls were full of questions, their first coming from one brave young lady in the front of the class who determinedly raised her hand to ask about sanitary pads, “Can you please tell us how to use these?” This (with the help of a demonstration voluntarily and unexpectedly given by one of the older girls in the first two schools) and all the many other questions were answered during the course of the reproductive life skills sessions. + + + + + + + +Remarkably, there were panties left over even after our target of 350 girls was surpassed (by 13 girls). We turned our attention to another vulnerable population with which Koru-Kenya works, street living children. Our life skills coordinator struggled to access these girls because street-living girls and women are especially vulnerable and cautious about interacting with strangers. Still, our life skills coordinator is well known in the area, and, when parents heard what we were offering, they did bring 18 of their daughters for a life skills session and panty distribution. + + + + + + + +We also had a number of physical donations of panties which were too large for our beneficiaries. These panties were donated to the local health clinic in Bangladesh. + + + + + + + +Education is a basic human right, for everyone. Menstruation is a basic body function, for girls. + + + + + + + +We believe menstruation shouldn't threaten education for those who need it the most, disadvantaged girls facing an uphill battle against a patriarchal society that is changing, though slowly. The need is great and it remains. There were so many girls in Bangladesh alone that we could not reach. If this is something that moves you, please consider donating to continue removing this barrier to education, one girl at a time. + diff --git a/content/blog/permaculture-school.rst b/content/blog/permaculture-school.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..772f4f1 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/permaculture-school.rst @@ -0,0 +1,20 @@ +:title: Permaculture School Farm Via Bangla-Pesa +:author: Caroline Dama +:date: Nov 25, 2015 +:slug: permaculture-school + +:summary: Two neighboring schools St. Peter's & Paul's and St. Angeline are being trained and equipped to design, build and maintain a community... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/permaculture-school18.webp + + + + + + + +Two neighboring schools St. Peter's & Paul's and St. Angeline are being trained and equipped to design, build and maintain a community food garden and tree nursery for mangrove restoration using permaculture techniques. A group of local businesses (The Bangladesh Business Network) will support the program by helping to provide labor and purchasing produce from the garden using a community currency (Bangla-Pesa) that can also be used for paying school fees and for local goods and services. The sustainability of the program comes from its ownership by the schools and integration into a larger network of businesses, schools and parents using a community currency called Bangla-Pesa. One of the challenges of community currencies is that they depend on backing of local goods and services. If all vegetables come from outside the community this limits currency circulation. Hence developing a good garden is a great import replacing business that drastically reduces the transport needed for distribution. This Monday and Tuesday the community held a ground breaking ceremony and begun digging swales to prevent erosion. These swales will be filled with manure and grass and let to compost until school restarts in January - when roof water catchment will be installed and the garden will be sewn with nutritious vegetables. The community will also be reforesting a mangrove forest at the base of the schools. We hope this model of community school garden will be a great success and replicated in all our community currencies. We greatly appreciate all the support for this program from the Permaculture International Public Fund based in Australia. + diff --git a/content/blog/post-election.rst b/content/blog/post-election.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..959d74b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/post-election.rst @@ -0,0 +1,76 @@ +:title: Post Election 'Syndrome' and New Economies +:author: Lydia Anyango +:date: Nov 10, 2017 +:slug: post-election + +:summary: Election violence broke out in areas across Kenya this year and was concentrate in the lowest income areas. There is still a lot of... + + + + + + + + +Election violence broke out in areas across Kenya this year and was concentrate in the lowest income areas. There is still a lot of uncertainty and much of Kenya's economy is still in what people call Post Election Syndrome where the usual amounts of money coming into the slums isn't because larger markets have been disrupted. + + + + + + + +Lydia Anyango reporting from Mombasa: + + + + + + + +The streets of Mikindani and Bangladesh are almost empty. It is not usual to see these streets like this. They are normally flocked by people buying, selling and others just running up and down. This is what we call Post Election ‘Syndrome’. People have fled to upcountry for ‘safety’ while others are just indoors. It clear that the recent elections and current political situation has caused serious economic instability. + + + + + + + +Khadija a woman selling vegetables is known by most people in the community. Regardless of the post election economy, she still opens her business very early in the morning. I ask her if she is not worried of getting into loss if her mboga doesn’t sell, “I am not worried and in fact I’ll sell it all before you know it. I don’t only depend Kenyan Shillings. Here we use Ng’ombeni-Pesa (NP) especially at a time when the economy is down like now,” she says. “Why should I worry when I can also use community currency to meet my daily needs?” She adds. Khadija wishes that the whole country embraces the use of alternative currency so that people won’t worry and would still meet their needs when the Kenyan Shillings goes down. + + + + + + + +In Bangladesh, I come across this old man, Francis Muyula. He looks happy and you might wonder why, yet he if just a cobbler. I sought to know why. In Swahili Mr Muyula says, “Mimi sina hofu kwa sababu hata kama hakuna pesa ya Kenya, siwezi lala njaa kwa sababu mimi natumia Bangla-pesa kununua chakula”. (I am not worried even though I don’t have Kenyan shillings now because I have Bangla-Pesa (BP) so I cannot sleep hungry.) He says that his customers are from the Bangladesh slum community so they pay him with BP which he uses to buy food within the community. + + + +Despite the situation rolling over the country, the economy of the Bangladesh community seems not to have received as strong blow. + + + + + + + +The community in Mombasa have been trading using Sarafu Credit (SC) for almost four years and to them trade goes on as usual even when the Kenyan currency is low. + + + + + + + +Daniel Mukosia reporting from Nairobi: + + + + + + + +Rebba Nyarotso in Nairobi does bead work and tailors sweaters and scarfs. She started using Community Currency more than one and half years ago and is actively trading using Gatina-Pesa. She has increased her profits by gaining more sales and customers who are part of the business network.This has enabled her earn profits that made her expand her business. This year when the elections were held on the 26th of October, violence erupted in Kawangware areas (Stage 2,Congo, 56 mwisho) among others. The impact of this resulted in shutting down most of Nairobi's slum economies. If it had not been for the community currency users Rebba says she wouldn't have been able to buy food. Mama mboga were no where to be found and she made no sales,no transportation was easily available and if it was,then it was beyond her reach. + diff --git a/content/blog/preliminary-research.rst b/content/blog/preliminary-research.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cc52122 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/preliminary-research.rst @@ -0,0 +1,180 @@ +:title: Preliminary Research Results 2017 +:author: Thibaud Dezyn +:date: Jun 17, 2017 +:slug: preliminary-research + +:summary: Grassroots Economics currently facilitates Community Currency programs for 1140 businesses across 5 communities which report both social... + + + + +Grassroots Economics currently facilitates Community Currency programs for 1140 businesses across 5 communities which report both social and economic impacts. A new program currently started in Kwale country without impact data. Both community demographics as well as impact of the Community Currency programs were surveyed. + + + + + + + +Social Impacts: + + + + + + + +Environmental Services: 57% of members (684) report Community Currency being used for environmental programs (Such as trash collection and community gardens) + + + + + + + +Willing to continue: 93% of members (1114) want the program to continue and increase the amount of Sarafu-Credit in the community. + + + +Education: 23% of members report using Sarafu-Credit for school fees (276 students with increased education) + + + + + + + +Trust: 77% of members say that trust in the community has increased. + + + + + + + +Gifting: When asked “How much over the last month did you give (in money professional services and time) to support people or groups without expecting compensation?” + + + + + + + +Non-using Groups averaged 191 KSH (equivalent) Monthly + + + + + + + +Community Currency users averaged 855 KSH (equivalent) monthly. + + + +347.48% Higher amounts of gifting for those using Community Currency + + + + + + + +Economic Impacts: + + + + + + + +Usage with Kenyan Shillings: Based on 505 businesses surveyed across 5 networks an average of 36.6% of sales are being accepted in Community + + + + + + + + + + + +Currency: + + + + + + + +Food Security: 6% increase in daily food purchases are being made by members using Community Currency + + + + + + + +Job Creation: 17% of members report hiring new employees because of the program (206 jobs created). This is over a 100% increase from baseline. + + + + + + + +Customers: 57% of members report increases to customers and 65% report increases to sales because of the program. + + + + + + + +Member retention: Overall we have issued a zero-interest credit to 1700 members totaling roughly 7200 EUR and retained 1140 members (95%). + + + + + + + +Community Currency usage over time.(Average daily amount of CC usage). We find the longer people are in the program the more Community Currency they are using. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/preliminary-research120.webp + + + +.. image:: images/blog/preliminary-research131.webp + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/preliminary-research145.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +#survey #sarafu + + `#survey `_ + +#survey + + `#sarafu `_ + +#sarafu + diff --git a/content/blog/progress-in.rst b/content/blog/progress-in.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8dcfbcb --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/progress-in.rst @@ -0,0 +1,45 @@ +:title: Progress in South Africa +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: May 9, 2015 +:slug: progress-in + +:summary: One of our partner programs in South Africa was recently featured on the news. "An exciting new era may be dawning for the Kokstad... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/progress-in18.webp + + + + + + + +One of our partner programs in South Africa was recently featured on the news. + + + + + + + +"An exciting new era may be dawning for the Kokstad community as it promises to boost the economy and save money, not only­ for businesses, but also for the community. This phenomenon will be brought about with the proposed introduction of the K-rand, a currency exclusive to Kokstad. This was revealed at a presentation made by Fostering Local Well-being­ (Flow) ambassadors at the Kokstad community hall on Tuesday­. Kokstad has been selected as one of two towns for a national Treasury-funded pilot project being conducted in conjunction with University of Cape Town to test the idea, which is successful in other parts of the world." + + + + + + + +Click here to read the full story: http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/East-Griqualand-Fever/Kokstad-cu... + + ` http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/East-Griqualand-Fever/Kokstad-cu... `_ + + + + + +Click here for the follow-up story after a visit from our team: http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/East-Griqualand-Fever/Community-... + + ` http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/East-Griqualand-Fever/Community-... `_ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/proof-of.rst b/content/blog/proof-of.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9f64508 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/proof-of.rst @@ -0,0 +1,272 @@ +:title: Proof of Impact +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Dec 13, 2018 +:slug: proof-of + +:summary: Blockchain based Proof of Impact for Community Currencies + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/proof-of18.webp + + + + + + + +In 2010 - 9 years ago - we started printing paper notes and giving them out to community members as mutual-credit vouchers (community currencies) for each other’s goods and services. There isn't enough national currency in these underserved communities, yet there is an abundance of goods and services on offer – with no money to trade it with. + + **In 2010 - 9 years ago - we started printing paper notes and giving them out to community members as mutual-credit vouchers (community currencies) for each other’s goods and services. There isn't enough national currency in these underserved communities, yet there is an abundance of goods and services on offer – with no money to trade it with.** + + +In 2010 - 9 years ago - we started printing paper notes and giving them out to community members as mutual-credit vouchers (community currencies) for each other’s goods and services. There isn't enough national currency in these underserved communities, yet there is an abundance of goods and services on offer – with no money to trade it with. + + + + + + + +With these paper vouchers, we saw trade happening in economic downturns where normally trade would be stagnating. We saw groups trading in cycles with each other and developing trust and market resilience. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/proof-of42.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +....But we really had no idea exactly how much trade of community currencies there was and hence little clue as to the actual amount of underutilized capacity in those communities. With paper bills we would attempt to track serial numbers to understand the circulation – but the task was far too tough … until now. + + + + + + + +Now community currencies are created cryptographically as tokens on the POA.network blockchain with the inherent ability to be tradable to other tokens via the Bancor Protocol. We can now issue these Liquid Community Currencies at no cost of printing and are able to measure their impacts through every single transaction. + + + + + + + +With this data we can now tell how much trade is possible in the absence or lack of National Currency and we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg of what human potential could look like if not constrained by a scarce medium of exchange. + + **With this data we can now tell how much trade is possible in the absence or lack of National Currency and we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg of what human potential could look like if not constrained by a scarce medium of exchange.** + + + + + + +In the last month we’ve just begun digitizing our paper based community currencies and created an initial 382 blockchain wallets among school teachers, fruit sellers, salons, boda boda operators and many more (growing at roughly 100 wallets a week). + + **In the last month we’ve just begun digitizing our paper based community currencies and created an initial 382 blockchain wallets among school teachers, fruit sellers, salons, boda boda operators and many more (growing at roughly 100 wallets a week).** + + +.. image:: images/blog/proof-of82.webp + + **How it works: Each user receives roughly $4USD of tokens with a soft-pegged value to the National currency – but no exchangeability whatsoever for National currency. The tokens are exchangable solely by the goods and services of the community members – like a circulating communal voucher. People trade their tokens on feature phones - with no internet needed (via our own open source USSD systems).** + + +How it works: Each user receives roughly $4USD of tokens with a soft-pegged value to the National currency – but no exchangeability whatsoever for National currency. The tokens are exchangable solely by the goods and services of the community members – like a circulating communal voucher. People trade their tokens on feature phones - with no internet needed (via our own open source USSD systems). + + + +How it works: Each user receives roughly $4USD of tokens with a soft-pegged value to the National currency – but no exchangeability whatsoever for National currency. The tokens are exchangable solely by the goods and services of the community members – like a circulating communal voucher. People trade their tokens on feature phones - with no internet needed (via our own open source USSD systems). + + + +How it works: Each user receives roughly $4USD of tokens with a soft-pegged value to the National currency – but no exchangeability whatsoever for National currency. The tokens are exchangable solely by the goods and services of the community members – like a circulating communal voucher. People trade their tokens on feature phones - with no internet needed (via our own open source USSD systems). + + + +How it works: Each user receives roughly $4USD of tokens with a soft-pegged value to the National currency – but no exchangeability whatsoever for National currency. The tokens are exchangable solely by the goods and services of the community members – like a circulating communal voucher. People trade their tokens on feature phones - with no internet needed (via our own open source USSD systems). + + `with no internet needed `_ + +Beyond our usual physical surveys; to verify impacts based on blockchain data, each transaction is matched to the goods and services being offered on that wallet ID then aggregated to for a confidence score to verify impacts on various Sustainable Development Goals such as education and food security. + + **Beyond our usual physical surveys; to verify impacts based on blockchain data, each transaction is matched to the goods and services being offered on that wallet ID then aggregated to for a confidence score to verify impacts on various Sustainable Development Goals such as education and food security.** + + +Beyond our usual physical surveys; to verify impacts based on blockchain data, each transaction is matched to the goods and services being offered on that wallet ID then aggregated to for a confidence score to verify impacts on various Sustainable Development Goals such as education and food security. + + + +We are also implementing a negative interest rate (demurrage) that causes the tokens to migrate over time to a community fund that is redistributed as a basic income. + + + + + + + +These community currencies are generally not financially preferable to National Currency because of their limited acceptability and unconvertability to fiat - yet because Kenyan Shillings are in such chronic short supply; over the last month we have seen transactions totaling $9,652 USD in value among 5 communities in disperse informal settlements (slums) across Kenya. This is amazing and not what you will find in typical economics textbooks. + + **These community currencies are generally not financially preferable to National Currency because of their limited acceptability and unconvertability to fiat - yet because Kenyan Shillings are in such chronic short supply; over the last month we have seen transactions totaling $9,652 USD in value among 5 communities in disperse informal settlements (slums) across Kenya. This is amazing and not what you will find in typical economics textbooks.** + + +These community currencies are generally not financially preferable to National Currency because of their limited acceptability and unconvertability to fiat - yet because Kenyan Shillings are in such chronic short supply; over the last month we have seen transactions totaling $9,652 USD in value among 5 communities in disperse informal settlements (slums) across Kenya. This is amazing and not what you will find in typical economics textbooks. + + + + +What does this mean? + + **What does this mean?** + + +These informal settlements are very large (over 100k people minimally) and we haven’t even reached 1% of one community yet - but let’s say we had (and will very soon); then at full capacity, one community, in one month, should be able to increase their trade by more than $200,000. USD! + + + +.. image:: images/blog/proof-of120.webp + + + +If after only a month of pilot trading, $10k of circulation can be seen. It means an end to poverty, as we know it, is possible through the redesign of our economic systems. Money, for lack of a better word, can be created by people in underserved and marginalized areas, backed by their own goods and services. + + **If after only a month of pilot trading, $10k of circulation can be seen. It means an end to poverty, as we know it, is possible through the redesign of our economic systems. Money, for lack of a better word, can be created by people in underserved and marginalized areas, backed by their own goods and services.** + + +If after only a month of pilot trading, $10k of circulation can be seen. It means an end to poverty, as we know it, is possible through the redesign of our economic systems. Money, for lack of a better word, can be created by people in underserved and marginalized areas, backed by their own goods and services. + + + + + + + +To put it in perspective a transaction of these Liquid Community Currencies valuing only: + + + +To put it in perspective a transaction of these Liquid Community Currencies valuing only: + + + +To put it in perspective a transaction of these Liquid Community Currencies valuing only: + + * USD $0.20, is a meal being eaten, when before someone was going hungry. + * USD $3.00 is enough to pay for a term of school tuition fees. + + +By simply providing a means of exchange (liquidity for underutilized capacity), we can enable vast supply and vast demand to meet and unlock trade that provides food security and education. + + **By simply providing a means of exchange (liquidity for underutilized capacity), we can enable vast supply and vast demand to meet and unlock trade that provides food security and education.** + + +By simply providing a means of exchange (liquidity for underutilized capacity), we can enable vast supply and vast demand to meet and unlock trade that provides food security and education. + + **By simply providing a means of exchange (liquidity for underutilized capacity), we can enable vast supply and vast demand to meet and unlock trade that provides food security and education.** + + +By simply providing a means of exchange (liquidity for underutilized capacity), we can enable vast supply and vast demand to meet and unlock trade that provides food security and education. + + + + + + **"If this doesn’t show that poverty is a systemic symptom of a poor monetary system** + **– I don’t know what could." - Prof. Ester Barinaga Lund University** + + + + + + +This data is available on the blockchain along with surveys for each user next year for researchers. While this work has just begun, with enough support, we expect it to reach a phase transition next year as organic growth begins to spread the concept farther and farther. + + + + + + + +As a non-profit foundation we are seeking support on all sides to make sure these seeds of new economies grow, and communities worldwide can duplicate and expand on this work. While we are standing on the shoulders of giants of generosity to get this far, we still very much need support. + + + + + + + +Please support Grassroots Economics Foundation. + + + +Please support Grassroots Economics Foundation. + + `support `_ + + + + + +Beyond making a donation – no matter how small – please also consider supporting in other ways: + + + +We need all manner of volunteers, programmers, community managers, tech support, data analysts, field support, educational videos and materials and so on. Contact us. + + `Contact us. `_ + + + + **Here is to a wonderful 2019!** + + +#proofofimpact #blockchain #digitalcurrency #communitycurrency #donate #volunteer + + + +#proofofimpact #blockchain #digitalcurrency #communitycurrency #donate #volunteer + + + +#proofofimpact #blockchain #digitalcurrency #communitycurrency #donate #volunteer + + + +#proofofimpact #blockchain #digitalcurrency #communitycurrency #donate #volunteer + + + +#proofofimpact #blockchain #digitalcurrency #communitycurrency #donate #volunteer + + `#proofofimpact `_ + +#proofofimpact + + `#blockchain `_ + +#blockchain + + `#digitalcurrency `_ + +#digitalcurrency + + `#communitycurrency `_ + +#communitycurrency + + `#donate `_ + +#donate + + `#volunteer `_ + +#volunteer + diff --git a/content/blog/queen-of.rst b/content/blog/queen-of.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..69d0535 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/queen-of.rst @@ -0,0 +1,56 @@ +:title: Queen of Katwe +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 31, 2017 +:slug: queen-of + +:summary: If there is one movie this year that captures the life we see here in East Africa each day it is the Queen of Katwe. There is so much... + + + + + + + + +If there is one movie this year that captures the life we see here in East Africa each day it is the Queen of Katwe. There is so much sadness and so much beauty and potential. We're so grateful that people can see the slums in this way and think about the chronic financial situation there. Sadly a huge number of people living in rural areas would rather move to the slums. The rural to urban migration is larger than it has ever been. According to UN Habitat: In our world, one in eight people live in slums. In total, around a billion people live in slum conditions today. This not only amounts to a rather unacceptable contemporary reality but to one whose numbers are continuously swelling. In less than 20 years those number could double! + + + + + + + +How do community currencies help? If you watch Queen of Katwe you will notice that no bank is offering credit to people in the slums. Far less than 50% of the population has any access to banking. Over the last 20 years MFIs and banks have largely pulled out of such areas due to high default rates. + + + + + + + +Community Currencies bring together networks of mainly women-run small businesses and empowers them to create their own rotating credit. These networks can create a buffer of credit that stays flowing int he community so that when the national currency leaves there is still the ability to trade. This simple concept drastically changes the local dynamic to support and grow local businesses. It means that thousands of people are walking around an area that are insensitized to buy from cooperative businesses run by the network. + + + + + + + +Please consider making a donation or connecting us with people that can help spread these programs to places like Katwe. + + + +Please consider making a donation or connecting us with people that can help spread these programs to places like Katwe. + + `donation `_ + + + + + + + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/recommoning--.rst b/content/blog/recommoning--.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d5bcede --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/recommoning--.rst @@ -0,0 +1,143 @@ +:title: ReCommoning - Chama Cycles for Governance & Debt Reboot +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jul 25, 2020 +:slug: recommoning-- + +:summary: We are learning together about this absolutely virtuous cycle of ReCommoning. + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/recommoning--18.webp + + + +Traditional women’s groups (chama in Kiswahili) come together to save and give eachother loans. Interest or fees are added to users' savings then divided back out and debts are cleared at the end of each year, and the cycle begins again. They also elect a new board of directors so it reboots the debt and governance cycles. + + + +We are learning together about this absolutely virtuous cycle of ReCommoning where communities learn from mistakes and bring themselves together around common goals and problems! + + **We are learning together about this absolutely virtuous cycle of ReCommoning where communities learn from mistakes and bring themselves together around common goals and problems!** + + +We are learning together about this absolutely virtuous cycle of ReCommoning where communities learn from mistakes and bring themselves together around common goals and problems! + + **Currencies: What if a group created their own credit not with just national currency backing but with commitments of goods and services as well? What if they still put in at least 25% collateral behind that (instead of 100% as they do now) and bonded it to the credit – such that anyone could add to the collateral to create more credit – and anyone could liquidate their credit to pull out the collateral.** + + +Currencies: What if a group created their own credit not with just national currency backing but with commitments of goods and services as well? What if they still put in at least 25% collateral behind that (instead of 100% as they do now) and bonded it to the credit – such that anyone could add to the collateral to create more credit – and anyone could liquidate their credit to pull out the collateral. + + + +We call this sort of credit system a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) – or Sarafu ('currency' in Kiswahili as it is called in Kenya). + + **We call this sort of credit system a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) – or Sarafu ('currency' in Kiswahili as it is called in Kenya).** + + +We call this sort of credit system a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) – or Sarafu ('currency' in Kiswahili as it is called in Kenya). + + + +So far no one has built explicit debt reboots into CICs (blockchain based smart contracts)– but they do have some intrinsic ability to be steered socially into cyclical motifs - just as traditional groups have been cooperativley steering their chamas. + + **So far no one has built explicit debt reboots into CICs (blockchain based smart contracts)– but they do have some intrinsic ability to be steered socially into cyclical motifs - just as traditional groups have been cooperativley steering their chamas.** + + +So far no one has built explicit debt reboots into CICs (blockchain based smart contracts)– but they do have some intrinsic ability to be steered socially into cyclical motifs - just as traditional groups have been cooperativley steering their chamas. + + + +Based on action research done with community group participation this social function has been imagined to work something like this and will be tested over the next years: + + **Setup: A community group or chama puts in $1000 USD worth of digital asset into a reserve – which I’ll often call a collateral fund. The same community also commits to accepting (aka redeeming) 4,000 tokens 1:1 with 1$ USD for their goods and services. With this contract solidified (on and off chain): they create 4000 CIC (called locally X1 chama tokens) and 2000 (50%) of those tokens go to the liquidity providers (who contributed reserve and commitments) and 2000 go to voted on community projects with designated account holders that pay for things like communal farming and elderly care.** + + +Setup: A community group or chama puts in $1000 USD worth of digital asset into a reserve – which I’ll often call a collateral fund. The same community also commits to accepting (aka redeeming) 4,000 tokens 1:1 with 1$ USD for their goods and services. With this contract solidified (on and off chain): they create 4000 CIC (called locally X1 chama tokens) and 2000 (50%) of those tokens go to the liquidity providers (who contributed reserve and commitments) and 2000 go to voted on community projects with designated account holders that pay for things like communal farming and elderly care. + + **Setup: A community group or chama puts in $1000 USD worth of digital asset into a reserve – which I’ll often call a collateral fund. The same community also commits to accepting (aka redeeming) 4,000 tokens 1:1 with 1$ USD for their goods and services. With this contract solidified (on and off chain): they create 4000 CIC (called locally X1 chama tokens) and 2000 (50%) of those tokens go to the liquidity providers (who contributed reserve and commitments) and 2000 go to voted on community projects with designated account holders that pay for things like communal farming and elderly care.** + + +Setup: A community group or chama puts in $1000 USD worth of digital asset into a reserve – which I’ll often call a collateral fund. The same community also commits to accepting (aka redeeming) 4,000 tokens 1:1 with 1$ USD for their goods and services. With this contract solidified (on and off chain): they create 4000 CIC (called locally X1 chama tokens) and 2000 (50%) of those tokens go to the liquidity providers (who contributed reserve and commitments) and 2000 go to voted on community projects with designated account holders that pay for things like communal farming and elderly care. + + **Setup: A community group or chama puts in $1000 USD worth of digital asset into a reserve – which I’ll often call a collateral fund. The same community also commits to accepting (aka redeeming) 4,000 tokens 1:1 with 1$ USD for their goods and services. With this contract solidified (on and off chain): they create 4000 CIC (called locally X1 chama tokens) and 2000 (50%) of those tokens go to the liquidity providers (who contributed reserve and commitments) and 2000 go to voted on community projects with designated account holders that pay for things like communal farming and elderly care.** + + +Setup: A community group or chama puts in $1000 USD worth of digital asset into a reserve – which I’ll often call a collateral fund. The same community also commits to accepting (aka redeeming) 4,000 tokens 1:1 with 1$ USD for their goods and services. With this contract solidified (on and off chain): they create 4000 CIC (called locally X1 chama tokens) and 2000 (50%) of those tokens go to the liquidity providers (who contributed reserve and commitments) and 2000 go to voted on community projects with designated account holders that pay for things like communal farming and elderly care. + + **Trade: The CIC issuers here (a group of women running local businesses) trade with eachother to buy from eachother, they can also cash out (liquidate) their CIC for Kenyan Shillings – this will lower the excahnge value each time. The issuers are responsible to accept back as much as they use/spend- (a.k.a keeping a zero or neutral trade balance).** + + +Trade: The CIC issuers here (a group of women running local businesses) trade with eachother to buy from eachother, they can also cash out (liquidate) their CIC for Kenyan Shillings – this will lower the excahnge value each time. The issuers are responsible to accept back as much as they use/spend- (a.k.a keeping a zero or neutral trade balance). + + + +Other community members not part of the creation process may choose to work or sell goods for the CICs. By the end of the year the community fund of the CIC should be depleted. That means people in the community have done work for the commons and been rewarded fairly for it - they can then use these tokens to buy from eachother or committed goods and services from the issuers or liquidate their tojkens to pull out collateral. + + **Other community members not part of the creation process may choose to work or sell goods for the CICs. By the end of the year the community fund of the CIC should be depleted. That means people in the community have done work for the commons and been rewarded fairly for it - they can then use these tokens to buy from eachother or committed goods and services from the issuers or liquidate their tojkens to pull out collateral.** + + +Other community members not part of the creation process may choose to work or sell goods for the CICs. By the end of the year the community fund of the CIC should be depleted. That means people in the community have done work for the commons and been rewarded fairly for it - they can then use these tokens to buy from eachother or committed goods and services from the issuers or liquidate their tojkens to pull out collateral. + + + +.... And impotantly, now that the year is over the Chama needs to reCommon and clear debts and choose new community projects and governance. How can this bedone with a CIC? + + **.... And impotantly, now that the year is over the Chama needs to reCommon and clear debts and choose new community projects and governance. How can this bedone with a CIC?** + + +.... And impotantly, now that the year is over the Chama needs to reCommon and clear debts and choose new community projects and governance. How can this bedone with a CIC? + + **.... And impotantly, now that the year is over the Chama needs to reCommon and clear debts and choose new community projects and governance. How can this bedone with a CIC?** + + +.... And impotantly, now that the year is over the Chama needs to reCommon and clear debts and choose new community projects and governance. How can this bedone with a CIC? + + **Cycle: Given the flexibility of smart contract protocols the chama can choose to reCommon the CIC by pooling their CIC back together and pulling out the reserve. They then put this reserve into a new CIC (called locally X2 chama tokens). Again say ~$1,000 dollars is in the X2 token chama reserve and they again commit to accepting $4,000 worth of goods and services for these tokens (pegging them to the national currency). Of these 4,000 X2 tokens that are created, 50% are again distributed to the contributing chama members and 50% is for this years community projects.** + + +Cycle: Given the flexibility of smart contract protocols the chama can choose to reCommon the CIC by pooling their CIC back together and pulling out the reserve. They then put this reserve into a new CIC (called locally X2 chama tokens). Again say ~$1,000 dollars is in the X2 token chama reserve and they again commit to accepting $4,000 worth of goods and services for these tokens (pegging them to the national currency). Of these 4,000 X2 tokens that are created, 50% are again distributed to the contributing chama members and 50% is for this years community projects. + + **Cycle: Given the flexibility of smart contract protocols the chama can choose to reCommon the CIC by pooling their CIC back together and pulling out the reserve. They then put this reserve into a new CIC (called locally X2 chama tokens). Again say ~$1,000 dollars is in the X2 token chama reserve and they again commit to accepting $4,000 worth of goods and services for these tokens (pegging them to the national currency). Of these 4,000 X2 tokens that are created, 50% are again distributed to the contributing chama members and 50% is for this years community projects.** + + +Cycle: Given the flexibility of smart contract protocols the chama can choose to reCommon the CIC by pooling their CIC back together and pulling out the reserve. They then put this reserve into a new CIC (called locally X2 chama tokens). Again say ~$1,000 dollars is in the X2 token chama reserve and they again commit to accepting $4,000 worth of goods and services for these tokens (pegging them to the national currency). Of these 4,000 X2 tokens that are created, 50% are again distributed to the contributing chama members and 50% is for this years community projects. + + + +This combined with the typical yearly chama cycle on debt and governance rebooting creates a virtuous reCommoning cycle. + + **Issues:** + * How are commitments and trade balance for the CIC issuers maintained? Since the system is on a public ledger the address of who has spent all their CIC but not accepted any back – is public knowledge. + * What about the X1 tokens that are not liquidated? What happens as X1 and X2 tokens co-exist? This is similar in a way to forking code. X1 and X2 though are by definition able to connect and trade with each other. X1 has the possibility to re-absorb the reserve behind X2 just as X2 has the ability to pull the reserve out of X1. This could form into a natural balance – such as with 2 villages near each other both creating Y1 and X1. + + +Since any chama can make another CIC out of an existing CIC (including their own). The eco-system of these currencies is extremely potent in its potential to create a patchwork of resilent decentralized economic systems. + + + +Note that practically in our (USSD mobile phone based – no internet needed) wallet we encourage users to have auto-convert on- such that they choose their home token – which will be the one that any incoming CIC will be (auto) converted to. Hence users can at anytime choose which CIC they wish to be holding. + + *Note that practically in our (USSD mobile phone based – no internet needed) wallet we encourage users to have auto-convert on- such that they choose their home token – which will be the one that any incoming CIC will be (auto) converted to. Hence users can at anytime choose which CIC they wish to be holding.* + + +Note that practically in our (USSD mobile phone based – no internet needed) wallet we encourage users to have auto-convert on- such that they choose their home token – which will be the one that any incoming CIC will be (auto) converted to. Hence users can at anytime choose which CIC they wish to be holding. + + + +This is such a rich field - I should also mention there is a HUGE variable space here on building Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) for voting systems, commitement contracts, CIC creation, cycles etc, as well as variations to the bonding curve equations. + + **What do you think?** + * On the idea of having micro-economies with connected corresponding micro-currencies created in this way, and having a natural life cycle? + * Is this truley a mutual credit among the creators? Can anyone choose to take part in it in the 1st or second or 3rd cycles? + * Is this a good, efficent, equitable, practial way to connect community currencies? + * What other reserves or baskets of reserves could communites hold for their CICs? + *These are a few of the many questions we are trying to find out together. Join us.* + + +Contact us: info(@)grassecon.org + + + +Or visit us on Telegram: https://t.me/CICBlockchain + diff --git a/content/blog/recycling-debt.rst b/content/blog/recycling-debt.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0f7841f --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/recycling-debt.rst @@ -0,0 +1,89 @@ +:title: Recycling Debt (Kusaga Deni, Kubali Sarafu) +:author: Isavary Khabuqwi +:date: Mar 13 +:slug: recycling-debt + +:summary: Imagine having to endure constant reminders and threatening messages from predatory lenders your entire life. Imagine going out of... +:tags: debt,defaulters,lenders,debtors + + + +.. image:: images/blog/recycling-debt18.webp + + + +Imagine having to endure constant reminders and threatening messages from predatory lenders your entire life. + + + +Imagine going out of business because you’ve loaned out too many of your products to people in need. + + + +This is daily life here in Kenya + + **Debtors suffer: People are taking on debts from payment apps, banks, shops, friends and family at a break-neck speed, because they see no other option. This is why we have millions Kenyans listed as loan defaulters by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and increasing suicide rates of debtors.** + + +Debtors suffer: People are taking on debts from payment apps, banks, shops, friends and family at a break-neck speed, because they see no other option. This is why we have millions Kenyans listed as loan defaulters by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and increasing suicide rates of debtors. + + + +Debtors suffer: People are taking on debts from payment apps, banks, shops, friends and family at a break-neck speed, because they see no other option. This is why we have millions Kenyans listed as loan defaulters by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and increasing suicide rates of debtors. + + `suicide `_ **Lenders suffer: Not all lenders are predatory. When small businesses lend out their products they often never get paid back. They end up holding the debts of so many friends, family, neighbors that they go out of business. How much debt are you willing to hold for a friend, family, neighbor, colleague, acquaintance until they pay you back?** + + +Lenders suffer: Not all lenders are predatory. When small businesses lend out their products they often never get paid back. They end up holding the debts of so many friends, family, neighbors that they go out of business. How much debt are you willing to hold for a friend, family, neighbor, colleague, acquaintance until they pay you back? + + + +This situation creates what is known as economic gridlock (see video), strife and a culture that doesn’t care for each other. Frankly speaking, I believe we’ve been rendered unable to pay our debts by so many broken systems - we simply can’t solve this problem with the current national economic system which condones and profits off of it. + + + +As a woman in her thirties and a single mother by choice, I’ve endured poverty because my urgency for money makes me vulnerable to borrowing - but I would have never thought I would have found help from the Red Cross. I always thought the Kenya Red Cross Society helped with disasters only - but it turns, out they are helping fix the disaster of our economy as well, by building a public free infrastructure for sharing our collective value called Community Inclusion Currencies (Sarafu in Kenya). Sarafu is a community driven basic income that helps individuals and small businesses achieve a debt recycling lifestyle - ending economic gridlock. Call Kenya Red Cross toll free 0800-720-577 to learn more. + + *As a woman in her thirties and a single mother by choice, I’ve endured poverty because my urgency for money makes me vulnerable to borrowing - but I would have never thought I would have found help from the Red Cross. I always thought the Kenya Red Cross Society helped with disasters only - but it turns, out they are helping fix the disaster of our economy as well, by building a public free infrastructure for sharing our collective value called Community Inclusion Currencies (Sarafu in Kenya). Sarafu is a community driven basic income that helps individuals and small businesses achieve a debt recycling lifestyle - ending economic gridlock. Call Kenya Red Cross toll free 0800-720-577 to learn more.* + **The fact is 2020 was a tough year! We discovered how to incorporate hunger into our food diet in order to achieve our dreams. After the debt streak most of us have suffered, are we still willing to come together to help each other escape the debt gridlock and the “rat race”?** + + +The fact is 2020 was a tough year! We discovered how to incorporate hunger into our food diet in order to achieve our dreams. After the debt streak most of us have suffered, are we still willing to come together to help each other escape the debt gridlock and the “rat race”? + + **Recycle Debt - accepting and using community driven basic income is a solution we can all get behind. Sarafu are created for each and every Kenyan that registers using any phone by dialing *384*96# Safaricom with no charges or *483*46# on other networks.** + + +Recycle Debt - accepting and using community driven basic income is a solution we can all get behind. Sarafu are created for each and every Kenyan that registers using any phone by dialing *384*96# Safaricom with no charges or *483*46# on other networks. + + **Lenders are Heroes: When someone comes to you asking for a loan of money or product, ask them for Sarafu in return. Ensure that you hold a level that does not affect your business’ or personal financial flow and before you accept anymore, seek out your friends, families and debtors to help you spend it. This protects lenders form accruing too much debt and gives them away to spend their debt (kusaga deni).** + + +Lenders are Heroes: When someone comes to you asking for a loan of money or product, ask them for Sarafu in return. Ensure that you hold a level that does not affect your business’ or personal financial flow and before you accept anymore, seek out your friends, families and debtors to help you spend it. This protects lenders form accruing too much debt and gives them away to spend their debt (kusaga deni). + + **Debtors support Lenders: Rather than keep asking for loans you can create your own Sarafu, which will help you purchase goods and services when you’re short of cash. Reach out to people that are generously holding Sarafu for work and accept it for your work and spend it among a network of your peers like is the case with Kilifi Kulture.** + + +Debtors support Lenders: Rather than keep asking for loans you can create your own Sarafu, which will help you purchase goods and services when you’re short of cash. Reach out to people that are generously holding Sarafu for work and accept it for your work and spend it among a network of your peers like is the case with Kilifi Kulture. + + + +Debtors support Lenders: Rather than keep asking for loans you can create your own Sarafu, which will help you purchase goods and services when you’re short of cash. Reach out to people that are generously holding Sarafu for work and accept it for your work and spend it among a network of your peers like is the case with Kilifi Kulture. + + `Kilifi Kulture `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/recycling-debt129.webp + + **Kusaga deni, kubali Sarafu! Refusing our old notion of debt and accepting the use of a basic income (Sarafu) is a viable solution in promoting circular trade to help the economy thrive. It’s quite easy to see a useful tool when you need it.** + + +Kusaga deni, kubali Sarafu! Refusing our old notion of debt and accepting the use of a basic income (Sarafu) is a viable solution in promoting circular trade to help the economy thrive. It’s quite easy to see a useful tool when you need it. + + + +As someone who has suffered from financial depression, I maintained a routine that gave me the strength to face my peers. Not many are strong enough to do so, and those are the people whose hands we need to hold. If you’re willing to share your strength with those around you, then you’re a hero. + + + +Contact us to join a group of economic heroes in Kenya. + + `Contact us to join a group of economic heroes in Kenya. `_ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/red-cross.rst b/content/blog/red-cross.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5ca7a68 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/red-cross.rst @@ -0,0 +1,421 @@ +:title: Red Cross brings Community Currency to Kisauni +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Apr 25 +:slug: red-cross + +:summary: The results of an introduction to community currency have changed economies and lives. +:tags: Red Cross,Kisauni,covid + + + +Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness raising and street theater began in January 2021. The following case studies are taken from the week of April 23rd 2021 and their successes continue to ripple out across the region. While Kisauni is only a small part of Kenya; through word-of-mouth over 50,000 households and small businesses in vulnerable areas have registered to be part of the Sarafu Network since 2020 and have traded roughly 3 Million USD of goods and services among each other using a blockchain ledger - on simple phones without the need for internet. + + *Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness raising and street theater began in January 2021. The following case studies are taken from the week of April 23rd 2021 and their successes continue to ripple out across the region. While Kisauni is only a small part of Kenya; through word-of-mouth over 50,000 households and small businesses in vulnerable areas have registered to be part of the Sarafu Network since 2020 and have traded roughly 3 Million USD of goods and services among each other using a blockchain ledger - on simple phones without the need for internet.* + + +Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness raising and street theater began in January 2021. The following case studies are taken from the week of April 23rd 2021 and their successes continue to ripple out across the region. While Kisauni is only a small part of Kenya; through word-of-mouth over 50,000 households and small businesses in vulnerable areas have registered to be part of the Sarafu Network since 2020 and have traded roughly 3 Million USD of goods and services among each other using a blockchain ledger - on simple phones without the need for internet. + + *Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness raising and street theater began in January 2021. The following case studies are taken from the week of April 23rd 2021 and their successes continue to ripple out across the region. While Kisauni is only a small part of Kenya; through word-of-mouth over 50,000 households and small businesses in vulnerable areas have registered to be part of the Sarafu Network since 2020 and have traded roughly 3 Million USD of goods and services among each other using a blockchain ledger - on simple phones without the need for internet.* + + +Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness raising and street theater began in January 2021. The following case studies are taken from the week of April 23rd 2021 and their successes continue to ripple out across the region. While Kisauni is only a small part of Kenya; through word-of-mouth over 50,000 households and small businesses in vulnerable areas have registered to be part of the Sarafu Network since 2020 and have traded roughly 3 Million USD of goods and services among each other using a blockchain ledger - on simple phones without the need for internet. + + **By Emmanuel Mbui** + + +Economic imbalance, insecurity, dependency and luck of money are the challenges experienced by most people in Kisauni. Thanks to Red Cross, partnering with Grassroots economics foundation for introducing CICs, Community Inclusion Currency (locally Sarafu or 'currency' in Kisawhili); a medium of exchange that builds trust and unites members of a community. Sarafu helps people pool the locally available resources and provides a fair space for exchange within the community. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross34.webp + + + +In Kenya, Mombasa County, Kisauni sub county, in Manyani village, we find Jackton Mwema (pictured above), a tailor in his community. Jackton spends most of his time mending other people clothes. By doing this, he is able to support his family from the little cash he gets. Like any other member in his community, Jackton is not an exception to economic trauma which is why he joined the Sarafu network. He is now linked to other members of Sarafu within the community who have other goods or services (Fresh water, vegetables, shops) to offer to one another. + + + +Jackton at his place of work in Manyani village accepts payment in sarafu for the service that he provides, which he latter spends it to buy other goods and services from other members in the community. + + + + + + + +Jackton is not the only one who benefits from Sarafu, in the same village of Manyani, we meet another beneficiary. Victoria Kylo. The owner of a small Duka (shop) in the village, she joined the network and accepts a small percentage of the payment in Sarafu. Victoria is in the same trading circle with Jackton and other members. Victoria uses her Sarafu to buy mboga(vegetables) and services like repairing her clothes from Jackton and to buy cold water from their neighbor. + + + +The two have also manage to invite other people in by explaining how Sarafu works, giving a testimonial example through themselves. Now their trading group has four active members. + + + +Due to Covid 19 Pandemic and its effects on the economy at large, most of the people have not been able to cater for their basic needs. The ones greatly affected being the vulnerable in the community. A ray of hope was brought upon these communities with the introduction of Community Inclusion Currencies which helps them get their basic needs and has also helped them in minimizing debt collection which was a great challenge to them. Here are some testimonials from different users in different locations. + + **By Amina Godana** + + +Mshomoroni Area in Mjambere Ward: Its an area where the local economy is not that sustainable this is because most of the young and able youths have engaged themselves in illegal activities such as theft and high level of insecurity in the area. This is due to financial trauma. This has however begun to change with the introduction of community inclusion currencies since anyone can accept and use Sarafu even when they do not have a business. He/she can offer services in the community and be paid with CIC and later spend on other business. + + + +Here are some testimonials of users who have benefited with the usage of sarafu in the area. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross93.webp + + + +Mwanahamisi Kiti: A mother of three who sells Samaki (fish) by the road side is very grateful for the introduction of Sarafu to her business she says she can now get the daily needs this is because there is an increase in customers to her business and the sarafu she gets she can comfortably buy charcoal from Patricia Munyaka who is her immediate neighbor. (She also spends her sarafu to buy groceries from Irene Matoke and buy Utensils from Suleiman Mohammed.) + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross115.webp + + + +Patricia Munyaka (pictured above): She is the bread winner of her family has a small Makaa (charcoal) business which she says the sales have increased when she embraces the sarafu concept. She further explains how she has reduced debt holding in her business which was a major challenge to her but now she accepts sarafu instead of debts. This has greatly helped her business in terms of restocking. She uses her sarafu to buy fish from Mwanahamisi Kiti and also accepts sarafu from her and also buys groceries from Irene Matoke. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross141.webp + + + +Irene Matoke (pictured above): She runs a grocery kiosk she was introduced to the system by Mwanahamisi Kiti who shared her success story with her. Upon hearing this she was excited and joined the network with no hesitations since she was a witness on how sarafu has helped her friend Mwanahamisi. She buys fish from Mwanahamisi and sells her grocery to her and also spends her sarafu to buy charcoal from Patricia. + + + +Suleiman Mohammed (not pictured) where he sells Malimali (utensils and other stuff) he depends on that business to put food on the table he is delighted to be a member of sarafu since he can get his basic needs. He buys Fish from Mwanahamisi and she in turn buys utensils from him. + + **By Janet Otieno Akinyi** + + +SARAFU CHANGING LIVES! Imagine being evicted from your house because of an accumulated rent arrears together with your 5 children. This is the sad story of Fatuma Mzee, a 35 year old residing in Mjambere, Kisauni, Mombasa Kenya of Sarafu. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross185.webp + + *“My husband lost his work in 2016 and that pushed us to the toughest experiences ever in our lives. We struggled through different casual works just to put up with the bills-rent, fees,food,water and electricity. Life became even harder when our landlord could not tolerate us anymore, who would put up with 6 months arrears anyway? We were evicted!* + *My family decided to look for a smaller house. It is then that we moved to Mjambere. I have been here for 7 months. I started my Juice, Ice and Ice Cubes business. Through Sarafu I was able to provide at least one meal a day for my family.* + *In mid February 2021, I was lucky and overjoyed to know about Sarafu as it was introduced to my community. Through Sarafu, I have been able to unite with my neighbors, I’ve gained trust with them and this has enabled me to form my network of trade. I can easily get my basic needs from my network and the sales in my business have also increased. I’m grateful to Sarafu and I’m looking forward to referring more people to Sarafu so that I can grow my network.” Fatuma narrated.* + + +Among the users in Fatuma’s network are: + + * Ezline Chepkemboi: Ezline sells locally made detergents-jik,liquid soap and washing powders. Fatuma is no longer worried about her laundry since Ezline has her sorted. Ezline is also glad that she can get cold drinking water from Fatuma whenever the sun gets unbearably hot. + * Celly Jerotich: who just joined Fatuma’s network is so excited about the concept. A widow and a mother to 2 adorable daughters runs her grocery shop just adjacent to Fatuma’s place. Fatuma therefore has her grocery needs sorted and Celly is also glad to be receiving juice and detergents from Ezline and Fatuma. + * Rose Karimi: runs a small shop where she sells flour,rice,sugar,salt,cooking oil among other products. Talking to her about Sarafu,she was optimistic and happy that it was introduced to them. She stated that Sarafu has made it easier for them to get their basic needs. Karimi being in Fatuma’s network, is sure of getting products from other small vendors around her as she also allows them to buy from her in Sarafu. + * Linet Saru: is a new addition to Fatuma’s network. A single mother of two narrated that Sarafu will help her cub poverty as she feels more empowered to grow her local economy through her network. Linet is a fish vendor and she’s glad to have joined Fatuma’s network since they will all gain from one another using Sarafu. + + +I find it amazing how community inclusion currency (Sarafu) can support and sustain the long-term resilience of the marginalized communities like Mjambere! The initiative delivered to Kisauni by Kenya Red Cross Society,Danish Red Cross and Grassroots Economics Foundation has impacted Kisauni residence in a positive way as it has not only strengthened and supported the vulnerable households but also created unity within the community. + + **By Joyce Kamau** + + +Mjambere is a community within Kisauni sublocation whose population includes people from the grassroots. When the pandemic struck most people from the community were already struggling to put food on the table. This is an example of vulnerable communities which live from hand to mouth. + + + +Most people from this community are small business people who own small shops, Grocery kiosk, fishermen, food vending, casuals etc. Due to lack of consistency flow on Kenya shillings, some people struggle to get sell their goods, find work or get basic needs and hence end up being in debts. Covid-19 pandemic has made lives incredibly difficult all over the world with dwellers of Mjambere in Kisauni being no exception. + + + +Execution of Sarafu network by Grassroots economy in conjunction with Kenya Red Cross in Kisauni community for the first time has been well received- it being a tool for trading where Kenyan shillings is lacking/not enough. Through Monthly statistics,its evident that sarafu has been circulating among users in transacting goods and services which has so far is creating a healthy and sustainable community in the face of economic crisis. + + + +Below are examples of success stories from a group of users who form a good trading loop amongst themselves; + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross275.webp + + + +Mathew Musyoka a resident of Mjambere community is a middle aged man who runs a Chemist . + + + +With the surge of Covid 19, Musyoka has been willing to accept Sarafu for Surgical Masks from the community as a way of preventing the spread of Covid-19 and to help people save Ksh for other amenities. His daily limit on how much Sarafu he will accept for Masks is unlimited since he will still have some more stock even after selling some with KSH and made enough profit to enable him restock. This is his corporate social responsibility for his community. He also accepts Sarafu for over the counter medicines. + + + +Mathew has also benefited by buying goods from other vendors like Esther Mutua who sells ground nuts and baked potatoes commonly knows as Viazi Karai. + + + +Christine is a food vendor from Mathew’s network and whose son at one point got sick and She was able to get some OTC medicine from Mathew’s chemist. Christine on the other hand is supporting the community by accepting Sarafu for her chapati. + + + +Abdallah’s family comprises of seven members and their source of income solely depends on daily sales from their family grocery kiosk. He is greatful with the introduction of community currency now that he can meet other basic needs for the family while using his trade networks among Christine and Mathew. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross317.webp + + + +Zaiwabu Moraa a grocer lady located a few meters from Mathew’s chemist is also connected to this active network and has supported her network by accepting sarafu for groceries and fries. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross339.webp + + + +Luvuno Kiti a fish monger is also been connecting with Zaiwabu trading fish to groceries using sarafu this two are immediate neighbors. She has been happy to accept 50 sarafu on a daily basis from other users and later spend to to buy groceries from Zaiwabu and Mahamri (triangle bread) from her other neighbor who operates a hotel. + + + +These small businesses are good examples of how people build trust amongst themselves, help others in the community while using a form of local credit (Community Inclusion Currency) to grow their economy and meet their basic need. Community based currency traders from this village have been successful in meeting their daily needs as well as getting more customers . + + + + + +:title: Red Cross CIC Pilot Survey - Mukuru Kenya +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Sep 27, 2020 +:slug: red-cross +:modified: Sep 28, 2020 +:summary: Staggering Impact: 169,270,038 Sarafu traded between 39,217 users in 267,479 transactions on a blockchain during stagnate markets. +:tags: results,survey,Red Cross + + + +After several years of Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs) being used independently in post Red Cross and WFP intervention sites and a year of planning, Red Cross began to actively pilot the use of CICs in urban livelihoods programs in March 2020- which quickly turned into an improvised COVID response system. By May 2020 a Red Cross field survey was undertaken to understand the huge increase of CIC transaction data coming in. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross17.webp + + *Red Cross small group training session.* + + +The CIC implementation methodology included: (1) a disbursement of Sarafu (CIC) tokens to individuals and community groups in the urban settlement through training carried out by volunteer Community Based Disaster Response Teams. (2) Additional Sarafu distributed based on economic data. (3) Purchase of Sarafu using Mpesa from selected community groups and vendors. (4) Further training was given to community groups such that they may be able to create and use their own CIC in the future (this transition is planned for November 2020). + + + +The general theory was that residents need a medium of exchange to support and trade with each other - especially when National Currency is getting more and more scarce. By distributing Sarafu and triggering additional Sarafu injections based on economic data - circulation via local trade and consumption can be incentivized and aid funds can be better targeted to multiply impacts. + + + +The survey was carried out by Red Cross staff and volunteers: + + * Date of Analysis: 25th to 30th May 2020 + * Area of survey: Mukuru Kayaba (Pop. 83,000) (Pop of Sarafu users 4000) + * Number of respondent: Female 391, Male 228 Total: 619 + * Goal: To understand the impact of Sarafu and give qualitative understanding of the statistics for users. + + +Brief Analysis: + + + +Notably the survey shows significant increases of commerce, food consumption, impact on income, access to clean water, toilets, soap, clinics & medicine. On the negative side some users found it harder to restock their items, and found that merchants would inflate prices when accepting CIC. + + + +Looking beyond the survey done in May - from transaction and demographic data we can look back at the year so far as follows: + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross97.webp + + + +The above graph shows the trade volume and number of transactions daily for 2020. The peak of transactions occurred in April coinciding with the Red Cross pilot in Mukuru as well as COVID reactions starting. Peaks in enrollments (bottom orange lines) coincide with Red Cross (CBDRT) enrollment drives. Surprisingly the general shape in terms of volume and number of transactions has been fairly steady despite a moratorium on expansion at this pilot stage. + + + +Note that while less than half of CIC users in Kenya are in Mukuru / Nairobi - similar increases in rural areas outside Nairobi are also seen - likely due to COVID awareness. Although the percentage of users in Mukuru is small comared to all of Kenya their trade number have been by far the highest - likely due to Red Cross' CBDRT involvement in helping teach users how to trade with one another for mutual aid. + + **The impact in Nairobi's Mukuru settlement so far is impressive and represents roughly three quarters of the total usage in Kenya: In Mukuru, we've seen 110,425,747 Sarafu traded between 7,678 users in 143,133 transactions on a blockchain. If equated to Kenyan Shillings in value, we have witnessed over $1,016,682 USD worth of trade of basic goods and services among vulnerable populations - at a time when the economy has been stagnate. This is based on a distribution of 4,745,211 Sarafu (~$43,688 USD) to vulnerable people in the area - seeing this entire amount changing hands so far ~23 times on average and categorized by gender, products and locations has given us a huge amount of insight into the nature and fragility of various markets.** + + +The impact in Nairobi's Mukuru settlement so far is impressive and represents roughly three quarters of the total usage in Kenya: In Mukuru, we've seen 110,425,747 Sarafu traded between 7,678 users in 143,133 transactions on a blockchain. If equated to Kenyan Shillings in value, we have witnessed over $1,016,682 USD worth of trade of basic goods and services among vulnerable populations - at a time when the economy has been stagnate. This is based on a distribution of 4,745,211 Sarafu (~$43,688 USD) to vulnerable people in the area - seeing this entire amount changing hands so far ~23 times on average and categorized by gender, products and locations has given us a huge amount of insight into the nature and fragility of various markets. + + **The impact across Kenya is staggering: Overall across Kenya in 30 locations (predominately rural), we've seen 169,270,038 Sarafu traded between 39,217 users in 267,479 transactions on a blockchain via simple phones without internet access. If equated to Kenyan Shillings in value, we have witnessed over $1,560,382 USD worth of trade of basic goods and services among vulnerable populations - at a time when the economy has been stagnate. 16 Million Sarafu have been distributed (~$147,492 USD) across Kenya to reach this effect.** + + +The impact across Kenya is staggering: Overall across Kenya in 30 locations (predominately rural), we've seen 169,270,038 Sarafu traded between 39,217 users in 267,479 transactions on a blockchain via simple phones without internet access. If equated to Kenyan Shillings in value, we have witnessed over $1,560,382 USD worth of trade of basic goods and services among vulnerable populations - at a time when the economy has been stagnate. 16 Million Sarafu have been distributed (~$147,492 USD) across Kenya to reach this effect. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross138.webp + + *Typical Shop accepting the Sarafu CIC* + + +The next pilot stage, where community groups create their own CICs will be a return to where we were last November when groups were assisted to create their own currencies. For technical reasons we had to replace all the previous CICs with their reserve - a single CIC called Sarafu, which will again be used as a reserve for further CICs in the upcoming months. + + + +While we continue to understand the long term impacts and sustainability in Mukuru and other areas, Red Cross is further expected to run a pilot in a new area to try and improve on these results. Should they be reproducible and sustainable we hope to see similar programs rolled out wherever Red Cross is dealing with crisis response and recovery. We're very excited! + + **While we continue to understand the long term impacts and sustainability in Mukuru and other areas, Red Cross is further expected to run a pilot in a new area to try and improve on these results. Should they be reproducible and sustainable we hope to see similar programs rolled out wherever Red Cross is dealing with crisis response and recovery. We're very excited!** +:title: Red Cross' Impact Continues Post Cash +:author: Caroline Dama +:date: Aug 10, 2019 +:slug: red-cross + +:summary: "Community Currencies have enabled food insecure communities to sustainably feed themselves post Red Cross support" - Mwanamuna Sw + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross18.webp + + **"Community Currencies have enabled food insecure communities to sustainably feed themselves post Red Cross support" - Mwanamuna Swale** + + + + + + +Grassroots Economics has had the pleasure of working with Mwanamuna for the last 8 years across the Kinango sub-county. Red Cross had been engaged in a food insecurity relief program that involved paying groups of farmers to collectively farm in a Cash Transfer Program. For years Mwanamuna trained these groups of over 4000 farmers in the area and saw increased harvests and communal support. + + + + + + + +While this program brought people together and provided years of needed food support, when the program funding from WFP began to run out Red Cross' ability to pay these farmers was coming to and end. They saw the need for a transition toward community self-financing and the communities led the way. One Mwanamuna's farming groups, the Miyani FDP (Food Distribution Point) Group began to adopt a method that was going on elsewhere on the coast of Kenya. + + + + + + **They created their own Community Currency.** + + + + + + +Using a cooperative maize mill as focal point they began to issue vouchers for maize milling to community members to pay for the collective farming work. These vouchers began to circulate more and more while being accepted at more and more shops, schools, salons and so on, until they began to act as a community currency. + + + + + + + +In late 2018 they replaced their paper vouchers for a feature phone based system that enabled their community currency to spread to the 20 neighboring villages! + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross67.webp + + + + Today there are over 2000 users in the Kinango area using community currencies to trade with eachother for their basic needs. Users like Kwekwe (see photo), who runs her family business selling chapatis and the okra that her husband grows on their family land. National and community currency that she does not spend on basic needs is saved in the weekly chama (savings group) meetings. + + + + Today there are over 2000 users in the Kinango area using community currencies to trade with eachother for their basic needs. Users like Kwekwe (see photo), who runs her family business selling chapatis and the okra that her husband grows on their family land. National and community currency that she does not spend on basic needs is saved in the weekly chama (savings group) meetings. + + `2000 users `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/red-cross83.webp + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Kwekwe can now feed her family and take part in communal activities post Red Cross Cash Transfer Programming even when there are little Kenyan Shillings and ongoing insecure conditions. + + + + + + **We're so proud to support this community driven development!** + + +We're so proud to support this community driven development! + + + +#RedCross #Kenya #Cash #CashTransferProgram #CTP #WFP + + + +#RedCross #Kenya #Cash #CashTransferProgram #CTP #WFP + + + +#RedCross #Kenya #Cash #CashTransferProgram #CTP #WFP + + + +#RedCross #Kenya #Cash #CashTransferProgram #CTP #WFP + + + +#RedCross #Kenya #Cash #CashTransferProgram #CTP #WFP + + `#RedCross `_ + +#RedCross + + `#Kenya `_ + +#Kenya + + `#Cash `_ + +#Cash + + `#CashTransferProgram `_ + +#CashTransferProgram + + `#CTP `_ + +#CTP + + `#WFP `_ + +#WFP + diff --git a/content/blog/refugee-economics.rst b/content/blog/refugee-economics.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e1a1df7 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/refugee-economics.rst @@ -0,0 +1,60 @@ +:title: Refugee Economics in Kakuma Kenya +:author: Marcelin Munga Petro +:date: Feb 13 +:slug: refugee-economics + +:summary: Short description of FHE community based organization. dear sir/madam Greetings, I'm MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO a Congolese by nationality... +:tags: refugee,kakuma,sarafu + + + +.. image:: images/blog/refugee-economics18.webp + + + +Short description of FHE community based organization. + + + +dear sir/madam + + + +Greetings, I'm MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO a Congolese by nationality being recognized under UNHCR as a refugee in side kakuma refugee camp. + + + +I'm the founder and CEO of FHE organization that mean Farming and Health Education, the organization include 31 members who are contributing their own efforts and ideas in order to push the FHE vision, mission and objectives. FHE is Community Based Organization that works in Kakuma refugee camp to address the dire of health, protection and psychological needs of the children their families and the communities, with one of our strategy focuses being strengthen the community based protection mechanism. Enabling communities to be done active in protection. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/refugee-economics61.webp + + + +In addition FHE includes in its permaculture gardens and trainings, health testing and counseling training course, the pure COUNSELLING TRAINING COURSE, hygiene and sanitation training course component that seeks to improve the over all of adult education in kakuma refugee camp. + + + +In this regard,we are conducting adult education or training vocational center and doing some awareness in the community with the aim being to engage individual discussion on adult education and other programs carried out by the FHE as well as to create self environment for the communities. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/refugee-economics86.webp + + + +With our program objectives, a basic income of SARAFU curbs some of the gaps that are facing. Often our members fall into debt - but when members use Sarafu this helps even in membership monthly contribution, and our group can also offer training to the community for Sarafu. If enough of us refugees trade with each other we don't suffer from missing Kenyan Shillings and debts. I can decide to buy food for my family using Sarafu to fill the gap of missing Shillings - and I can accept the Sarafu back for my teaching or food from my garden - even when we have no SHILLINGS! We all work together as a community. + + + +We kindly request for support from Red Cross and other Humanitarian organizations in helping us spread Sarafu training to the rest of Kakuma to improve and give hope to the refugee community. + + + +best regards + + + +F.H.E CEO MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO + diff --git a/content/blog/refugee-inclusive.rst b/content/blog/refugee-inclusive.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fb1225e --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/refugee-inclusive.rst @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +:title: Refugee Inclusive Community Currencies (RICCs) +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jun 27, 2019 +:slug: refugee-inclusive + +:summary: Responding to Refugee Crisis This is the current and biggest humanitarian global crisis in our lifetimes and we all need to play a part.... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/refugee-inclusive18.webp + + + + Responding to Refugee Crisis + + **Responding to Refugee Crisis** + + + + + + +This is the current and biggest humanitarian global crisis in our lifetimes and we all need to play a part. + + + + + + + +"We are now witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. An unprecedented 70.8 million people around the world have been forced from home. Among them are nearly 25.9 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. There are also millions of stateless people who have been denied a nationality and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and freedom of movement.In a world where nearly 1 person is forcibly displaced every two seconds as a result of conflict or persecution" - UNHCR + + **"We are now witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. An unprecedented 70.8 million people around the world have been forced from home. Among them are nearly 25.9 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. There are also millions of stateless people who have been denied a nationality and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and freedom of movement.In a world where nearly 1 person is forcibly displaced every two seconds as a result of conflict or persecution" - UNHCR** + + +"We are now witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. An unprecedented 70.8 million people around the world have been forced from home. Among them are nearly 25.9 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. There are also millions of stateless people who have been denied a nationality and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and freedom of movement.In a world where nearly 1 person is forcibly displaced every two seconds as a result of conflict or persecution" - UNHCR + + + +"We are now witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. An unprecedented 70.8 million people around the world have been forced from home. Among them are nearly 25.9 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. There are also millions of stateless people who have been denied a nationality and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and freedom of movement.In a world where nearly 1 person is forcibly displaced every two seconds as a result of conflict or persecution" - UNHCR + + + +"We are now witnessing the highest levels of displacement on record. An unprecedented 70.8 million people around the world have been forced from home. Among them are nearly 25.9 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. There are also millions of stateless people who have been denied a nationality and access to basic rights such as education, healthcare, employment and freedom of movement.In a world where nearly 1 person is forcibly displaced every two seconds as a result of conflict or persecution" - UNHCR + + `movement.In `_ `UNHCR `_ + + + + + +Our dream is supporting social and economic inclusion of refugees worldwide by developing and enabling Refugee Inclusive Community Currencies (RICCs). With this hope Grassroots Economics has partnered with Red Cross and Bancor on a plan to apply Community Currency systems in such humanitarian crisis. This plan was jointly submitted to GSMA and Department for International Development (DFID) as part of the 3rd round of their results based financing grant pool. This new financial infrastructure bridges credit gaps, empowers micro-entrepreneurs in low income communities and refugee camps to establish their own financial independence, and builds thriving regional economies. + + + + + + + +A short description of the program and technology can be found here: + + + +A short description of the program and technology can be found here: + + `here `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/refugee-inclusive64.webp + + * Donations and Cash Transfer funds the initial reserve for the creation of RICCs tokens + * Red Cross, together with Grassroots Economics, works with a local community to ensure buy-in and understanding and trains local ambassadors who train users and distribute RICCs for local barter trade among regional communities. + * Local circulation of RICCs among and between communities enables economic development and integration while gathering evidence for those who should receive additional aid. + * KYC’ed users are able to convert RICCs to eMoney and the aid pool can be refilled through local and international support and investment. + **Previous Success with Grassroots Economics and Red Cross working to end Chronic Need:** + + + + + + +Grassroots Economics came in at the tail end of a Cash For Work program in (Red Cross Kwale-Kenya and WFP). We were invited into the existing Red Cross organized and trained group in Miyani Village and empowered them with the ability to create their own voucher system with the goal of continuing the Red Cross communal farming efforts. The vouchers (Miyani-Pesa) have enabled the community to pay their members to do the communal farming work in the same manner as Red Cross - and the community accepts the vouchers back in many locations (such as maize milling) - creating local circulation and economic development (going back to an economy that thrived over a hundred years in their culture pre-colonization). In the area around Miyani there are currently close to 2000 users of the Vouchers (now blockchain Tokens with the Bancor Protocol) trading roughly 500,000 Kenyan shillings a month for basic food security and other needs. The Miyani FDP (Food Distribution Point). Due to this work the Miyani Group that Red Cross developed and trained to do Cash For Work is the only one remaining in the entire county still doing their communal activities due. + + **Grassroots Economics came in at the tail end of a Cash For Work program in (Red Cross Kwale-Kenya and WFP). We were invited into the existing Red Cross organized and trained group in Miyani Village and empowered them with the ability to create their own voucher system with the goal of continuing the Red Cross communal farming efforts. The vouchers (Miyani-Pesa) have enabled the community to pay their members to do the communal farming work in the same manner as Red Cross - and the community accepts the vouchers back in many locations (such as maize milling) - creating local circulation and economic development (going back to an economy that thrived over a hundred years in their culture pre-colonization). In the area around Miyani there are currently close to 2000 users of the Vouchers (now blockchain Tokens with the Bancor Protocol) trading roughly 500,000 Kenyan shillings a month for basic food security and other needs. The Miyani FDP (Food Distribution Point). Due to this work the Miyani Group that Red Cross developed and trained to do Cash For Work is the only one remaining in the entire county still doing their communal activities due.** + + +#refugee #redcross #refugeecrisis + + + +#refugee #redcross #refugeecrisis + + `#refugee `_ + +#refugee + + `#redcross `_ + +#redcross + + `#refugeecrisis `_ + +#refugeecrisis + diff --git a/content/blog/regenerative-agriculture.rst b/content/blog/regenerative-agriculture.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1cfa55d --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/regenerative-agriculture.rst @@ -0,0 +1,70 @@ +:title: Regenerative Agriculture - Field Visit Report +:author: James Thiong’o +:date: Dec 20, 2020 +:slug: regenerative-agriculture + +:summary: The motivation given by accepting community currency will eventually be repaid with their ability to use it to purchase food from the farm. +:tags: regen,agroforestry,syntropic,kwale,food security,food forest + + + +.. image:: images/blog/regenerative-agriculture18.webp + + + +The 17th of December 2020, I visited Syntropic Agroforestry demo plots with Wilfred Chibwara in Kwale which are utilizing community currency to support setup and maintenance and will be redeemed for food as harvest begin. Thanks to initial trainings by Roland van Reenen they have come a long way from when they started. Special thanks to Mwanaidi Ibrahim, Naduwa Mwero and Jacob Mwatumbi for all their hard work! Here are my observations and recommendations: + + + +The 17th of December 2020, I visited Syntropic Agroforestry demo plots with Wilfred Chibwara in Kwale which are utilizing community currency to support setup and maintenance and will be redeemed for food as harvest begin. Thanks to initial trainings by Roland van Reenen they have come a long way from when they started. Special thanks to Mwanaidi Ibrahim, Naduwa Mwero and Jacob Mwatumbi for all their hard work! Here are my observations and recommendations: + + + +The 17th of December 2020, I visited Syntropic Agroforestry demo plots with Wilfred Chibwara in Kwale which are utilizing community currency to support setup and maintenance and will be redeemed for food as harvest begin. Thanks to initial trainings by Roland van Reenen they have come a long way from when they started. Special thanks to Mwanaidi Ibrahim, Naduwa Mwero and Jacob Mwatumbi for all their hard work! Here are my observations and recommendations: + + `Roland `_ `started `_ **Visit to Miyani Syntropic Agroforestry Farm.** + + +In the first demo plot, besides the trees, bananas, and casava different crops were planted including maize, cucumber and okra. Currently, maize has matured and will be harvested soon! It is looking much better than nearby mono-cropped farms which we hope will soon adopt the technique. Cucumber and okra will also start producing in the coming weeks. A few more crops are now being planted including kale and capsicum but the planting is very sparse. + + + +After maize is harvested, all the maize stalks should be used for mulching the beds. When harvesting maize ensure that the root mass of the maize remains intact in the soil. (Don't uproot it!). Only chop the upper part of the maize stalks and let the roots remain and decompose in the soil. + + + +Another tall crop such as sunflower should be planted to replace the maize. Sunflower is drought resistant hence can survive with little water in the dry season. After 3 months, during the onset of the long rains in March/April. The sunflower will be ready to be harvested, seeds dried and used as food (roasted sunflower seeds or used as chicken feeds). Sunflower stalks can be chopped and dropped as mulch therefore enriching the soil. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/regenerative-agriculture70.webp + + + +Recommendations. + + * Ensure that the soil is completely covered with thick mulch. This can be any type of plant matter be it grass, weeds and tree leaves. Cover the entire bed, on top and the sides. Secondly, mulch all the paths with logs and tree branches. Mulching will help preserve water in the soil and keep off weeds. Additionally, when the mulch decomposes it will add into the soil organic matter. + * Start planting a living hedge around the demo plots. This will act as a windbreak and a sunscreen to reduce the intensity of the sun. The plot is highly exposed to the elements and would result in slow growth of crops. + * Plant intensively and diverse crops in every space. Currently, only a few crops have been planted. These crops are also sparsely planted. This is not efficient use of space and water. Fill up all the empty spaces with different crops such as nitrogen fixers e.g cow peas (kunde) and pigeon peas (mbaazi), insect repellents such as dhania and lemon grass to keep away pests, flowering crops to attract pollinators and pest predators and increase the the number of biomass crops. These include vetiver grass, moringa, nappier grass and tithonia. This will ensure that there's continuous production of biomass which will be used to cover and build the soil. + + +It takes a while to get accustomed to how intensely one can plant when coming from the usual mono-crop farming - Kai Njeri + + `Kai Njeri `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/regenerative-agriculture103.webp + + + +In conclusion, the group has done a great job in starting up the projects. Seeing even this level of growth in a semi-arid environment that was classified as food-insecure is amazing. However, the groups will need support on the succession in the next round of crops and to continue monitoring. The motivation of the community given by accepting community currency will eventually be repaid with their ability to use it to purchase food from the farm. Motivation to continue maintaining the gardens is especially important during the first year of establishment. This is due to the fact that during the first year that's when most of the challenges crop up, such as pests and disease, crop failures and building of the soil. + + **I look forward to supporting them through this journey!** + + +Kind regards, + + + +James Thiong'o + + `Permaculture Design, Organic Farming and Regenerative Agriculture Consultant `_ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/registration-and.rst b/content/blog/registration-and.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..03f81ea --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/registration-and.rst @@ -0,0 +1,100 @@ +:title: Registration and Exchange Visits +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: May 10, 2014 +:slug: registration-and + +:summary: Registration Last week the Bangladesh Business Network was 'finally' given it's official registration papers with the Kenyan Government... + + + + +Registration + + + +Last week the Bangladesh Business Network was 'finally' given it's official registration papers with the Kenyan Government as a community based organization. This means they can now open a bank account and start collecting savings as a group based on their use of the Bangla-Pesa Community Currency. The atmosphere is very excited, as this also opens the business network up to promised assistance from the local government for training and infrastructure development. The BBN currently has 181 members (mostly self-employed women living in dire conditions) using roughly 10,000 Bangla-Pesa daily. The community of Bangladesh has opened the doors for many many other communities to take part. + + + + + + + +Exchange Visit + +A community group of 10 people from the town of Bungoma traveled over 20 hours by bus, all the way across Kenya, to reach Bangladesh. After they spent two days with us learning about the program and talking with community members there were extremely excited about setting up there own community currency. Take a look at our statistics to find out why. + + + + + + + +This is one of dozens of groups around Kenya wanting to setup their own programs. So what is stopping them? The initial costs of printing bills with security features. With your help we can kick start these programs all over Kenya. Please consider supporting our campaign. + + + + + + + +Meet Rose Ouma! + +She’s a 49 year-old main provider for a household of 8, including 4 children. She was born in Suba, in Western Province of Kenya, but she moved from her home upcountry and now she lives in Ganahola, another one of the communities where we are hoping to spread complementary currencies. + + + +Meet Rose Ouma! + +She’s a 49 year-old main provider for a household of 8, including 4 children. She was born in Suba, in Western Province of Kenya, but she moved from her home upcountry and now she lives in Ganahola, another one of the communities where we are hoping to spread complementary currencies. + + + +Meet Rose Ouma! + +She’s a 49 year-old main provider for a household of 8, including 4 children. She was born in Suba, in Western Province of Kenya, but she moved from her home upcountry and now she lives in Ganahola, another one of the communities where we are hoping to spread complementary currencies. + + + +Meet Rose Ouma! + +She’s a 49 year-old main provider for a household of 8, including 4 children. She was born in Suba, in Western Province of Kenya, but she moved from her home upcountry and now she lives in Ganahola, another one of the communities where we are hoping to spread complementary currencies. + + + +Meet Rose Ouma! + +She’s a 49 year-old main provider for a household of 8, including 4 children. She was born in Suba, in Western Province of Kenya, but she moved from her home upcountry and now she lives in Ganahola, another one of the communities where we are hoping to spread complementary currencies. + + + +Rose supports her large family selling “omena” which are small (about the size of a pen cap) dried fish which are a very popular source of protein and iron, often whole eaten deep fried or stewed. She sells one kilogram of omena for less than $2. On good days, she sells around $11 worth of omena. On bad days, she might only have one customer, selling only $2 worth of omena. On those days, Rose doesn’t earn enough money to pay for her families basic needs and some of her stock may rot or be eaten by her family, reducing her earning potential in the future. + + + + + + + +It doesn’t have to be this way. + + + +Rose’s friends and neighbors want to buy her omena. It’s a popular protein staple. But during bad economic times, their businesses also suffer and they too don’t have the money to buy food from her for their families. + + + + + + + +A community currency changes this. It gives them a means of exchange, even when Kenyan shillings are scarce due to poverty, economic downturns, or months of high expenditure (i.e., when school fees are paid). So, Rose can use her community currency to buy food, water, and cooking fuel to keep her family going, while her friends use their vouchers to buy omen from her. + + + + + + + +Right now, Rose is still at the mercy of her community’s economic vulnerability, struggling to provide for her family while living on the edge. You can help change that by giving to this campaignand bringing a community currency to Rose and Ganahola. + diff --git a/content/blog/respect-on.rst b/content/blog/respect-on.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4607648 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/respect-on.rst @@ -0,0 +1,82 @@ +:title: Respect on the streets +:author: Morgan Richards +:date: Apr 16, 2014 +:slug: respect-on + +:summary: Friday, April 11th, Koru-Kenya hosted a dialogue on street harassment. The original event was intended to be a rally, held on the 4th in... + + + + +Friday, April 11th, Koru-Kenya hosted a dialogue on street harassment. + + + + + + + +The original event was intended to be a rally, held on the 4th in alignment with International Anti-Street Harassment Week. Due to local unrest in the form of protests during that week, we changed both the venue and the form of the event to an indoor dialogue. Given this fluid beginning, perhaps we should have anticipated that this event would continue this pattern of emergence, surprising even Koru staff in the direction it took. + + + +The order of the event was supposed to go something like this: Introduction  Street Harassment Defined  Myths and Facts  Global Statistics  What Can We Do About Harassment  + + + + + +Although our dynamic presenters touched on all of these topics, the event became focused on the definition of street harassment and myths and facts, as these topics generated so much discussion and debate. + + + + + + + +We had about 30 people in attendance, many of them street living children and youth and many of them male. Because of this, the definition of street harassment took on a much broader scope and generated unexpected debate. Although we had ladies in the audience talking about their experiences with more “traditional” forms of street harassment, being followed, whistled at, and otherwise hassled by men who are treating them like sex objects. The street boys talked about their own experiences with street harassment—how they are sometimes approached by men and women for sex, and about how they are chased away from public spaces and called names just for being homeless. Then, we even had a man (not from the street) share that another man had groped him in a matatu (bus). This led to the important point that street harassment is not just about men harassing women. It’s not even just about people sexualizing each other. It’s about a lack of respect. + + + + + + + +From this, one person made the claim that people probably shouldn’t talk with strangers in public at all. This generated heated debate, as the street children argued that they depend on hawking goods to strangers (and begging) for a living which requires some interaction. In response, we handed out fliers detailing what should and shouldn't be said to people in public places. We also talked about how body language and intent transformed interaction into harassment. If someone wants to objectify you or otherwise verbally hurt or disrespect you, that is harassment. But, we also talked about how the victim defines harassment. If he or she is tired of being talked to in public, as so many women are, tired of being the center of attention, even well-meaning passer-bys can make that person feel harassed. + + + + + + + +The overwhelming message generated from these discussions was the idea that we have to be careful with each other. + + + + + + + +We need to respect each other and imagine what life is like on both sides of the coin. That street child shouting at you to buy something is a person. That young man greeting a woman on the street with a smile may not mean the smile to be a leer. But, women and men and children, everyone, has a right to for their presence and passage on the street to go unremarked upon, to be in public places without other people feeling free to comment on their person or their body or any other aspect of themselves. + + + + + + + +The discussion concluded with presentations from the Mombasa Child Protection Officer and a representative from Wema Centre (who spoke about the International Day of the Street Child, which was the day following our event). These presentations reinforced the value and rights of street children, but also their responsibility to contribute to more respectful streets, as their presence is such a fundamental part of this public place. + + + +Finally, we held a MotoMoto performance as a way of ending the event on a fun note, and two of our brightest students displayed their talents to a very appreciative crowd. + + + + + + + +We still haven’t completely answered the question of how should we interact with each other in public places. There is still debate and questioning that must happen. But at least, for a little while, we had a forum for that discussion, which is so very rare in Kenya. + diff --git a/content/blog/retreat-and.rst b/content/blog/retreat-and.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d36ff75 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/retreat-and.rst @@ -0,0 +1,64 @@ +:title: Retreat and Renewal +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Sep 27, 2015 +:slug: retreat-and + +:summary: September marked the first official renewal event for Bangla-Pesa after more than 2+ years in circulation (Starting in May 2013). The... + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/retreat-and21.webp + + + + + + + +September marked the first official renewal event for Bangla-Pesa after more than 2+ years in circulation (Starting in May 2013). The event featured the neighboring community's Ng'ombeni-Pesa, several local politicians, the Chief's office, children's choir, several schools and members. New Bangla-Pesa was printed in Germany (with the support of Stichting DOEN), with a new expiration date of December 2016. + + + + + + + +At the renewal event each active member could return up to 400 expired Bangla-Pesa to be exchanged Bangla-Pesa with new designs and dates. The sum of 400 minus the amount they exchange goes directly into the community fund, to award those members who were able to collect 400 before the event and top back up the community fund. Over 8,000 Bangla-Pesa was exchanged at the event and we expect much more over the next week. Also presented was a new user guide and a Business Directory for members of the network. + + + + + + + +Also in September was our first formal retreat/workshop with three Community Currency Trading Networks in Nairobi. The workshop had 30 attendees from the committees and key members and stakeholders from networks in Kibera (Lindi-Pesa), Kangemi (Kangemi-Pesa) and Kawangware (Gatina-Pesa) including Nyendo-lernen a program focused on schools in the area. The retreat covered: + + + +Also in September was our first formal retreat/workshop with three Community Currency Trading Networks in Nairobi. The workshop had 30 attendees from the committees and key members and stakeholders from networks in Kibera (Lindi-Pesa), Kangemi (Kangemi-Pesa) and Kawangware (Gatina-Pesa) including Nyendo-lernen a program focused on schools in the area. The retreat covered: + + + +Also in September was our first formal retreat/workshop with three Community Currency Trading Networks in Nairobi. The workshop had 30 attendees from the committees and key members and stakeholders from networks in Kibera (Lindi-Pesa), Kangemi (Kangemi-Pesa) and Kawangware (Gatina-Pesa) including Nyendo-lernen a program focused on schools in the area. The retreat covered: + + * The current situation of Complementary and Community Currencies world wide + * Strategies for new business creation including permaculture based school gardens. + * Challenges and Discussion around Community Currency usage + * Sharing and examples from members and school groups on how Community Currency is being used effectively. + * Study of the user guide, field guide and directories + * Roles and responsibilities of Business Network Committees + * Savings and Loan programs + * Planning until the end of the year. + + +Thanks for our guest speakers Guida Santos, Tristan Dissaux, Robin Gerbaux and Irmgard Wutte. + + + +Finally we are happy to be in anticipation of our first school based food garden business model as part of the CC trading network. We hope this garden can feed more than 400 students and the community around them, and be something we can take to the over 20+ schools currently using Community Currency. + diff --git a/content/blog/roller-derby.rst b/content/blog/roller-derby.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..db4fe70 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/roller-derby.rst @@ -0,0 +1,60 @@ +:title: Roller Derby + Star Wars = Panties +:author: Morgan Richards +:date: May 19, 2014 +:slug: roller-derby + +:summary: Last Sunday marked the culmination of partnerships with an unexpected collection of people who came together to support the education and... + + + + +Last Sunday marked the culmination of partnerships with an unexpected collection of people who came together to support the education and reproductive health of school-aged girls in Kenya. The Oklahoma City Outlaws Roller Derby team (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/), and the 501st Legion (http://www.501st.com/), a Star Wars fan club and charity/volunteer organization, can together for PANTY WARS. + + + +Last Sunday marked the culmination of partnerships with an unexpected collection of people who came together to support the education and reproductive health of school-aged girls in Kenya. The Oklahoma City Outlaws Roller Derby team (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/), and the 501st Legion (http://www.501st.com/), a Star Wars fan club and charity/volunteer organization, can together for PANTY WARS. + + + +Last Sunday marked the culmination of partnerships with an unexpected collection of people who came together to support the education and reproductive health of school-aged girls in Kenya. The Oklahoma City Outlaws Roller Derby team (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/), and the 501st Legion (http://www.501st.com/), a Star Wars fan club and charity/volunteer organization, can together for PANTY WARS. + + `http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/ `_ `http://www.501st.com/ `_ + + + + + +Panty Wars was a special roller derby bout dedicated to collecting panties and funds for school girls in Kenya. While many school girls receive sanitary pads through the Government of Kenya, poor and vulnerable girls frequently lack panties in which to place sanitary pads. As a result, they miss about a week of school each month during their periods (read more here link). Derby Girls and the Star Wars fans alike objected to this unnecessary barrier to girls’ education, and they decided to do something about it. + + + + + + + +On the side of the Oklahoma City Outlaws, each fan who came to the bout with a package of panties received $2 off their ticket. Otherwise, $2 from every ticket was donated to the Panty Project. The owner of the skate rink also pledged to double the money raised. During halftime, a video produced by the team at Koru-Kenya and the Roller Girls described this challenge to the life chances of girls and young women to the audience could fully understand the cause. + + + + + + + +The 501st joined these fundraising efforts months in advance, designing and marketing a collector’s patch featuring the cause and selling the patches online and at the bout. They brought a team of certified costumers playing roles form Darth Vader to Princess Leia with whom fans could interact and have pictures taken. They even brought an R2D2 unit, dressed in panties, who collected donations after the halftime video. + + + + + + + +In total, the event brought in $1350 and 363 pairs of panties. More donations may follow, but right now, that’s another 350 girls provided with panties! Our expectations for this event were blown away, and we are incredibly touched by the enthusiasm of strangers for the struggles of Kenyan girls and young women. + + + + + + + +In the next month, we will identify beneficiaries and local partners for sanitary pad provision, like Wema Centre, who has already been providing sanitary pads as we provide panties. And then the fun begins, as we hold reproductive health life skills trainings, providing both the knowledge and resources (pads and panties) for these girls to keep going to school, despite their menstrual cycles. + diff --git a/content/blog/rural-community.rst b/content/blog/rural-community.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..96e1e58 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/rural-community.rst @@ -0,0 +1,72 @@ +:title: Rural Community Currencies for Food Security +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Feb 8, 2018 +:slug: rural-community + +:summary: The Miyani area in Kenya has been identified by Red Cross and the World Food Program as food insecure for over 5 years. Red Cross along... + + + + + + + + +The Miyani area in Kenya has been identified by Red Cross and the World Food Program as food insecure for over 5 years. Red Cross along with WFP have been providing cash to the community and promoting agroforestry along with Green World Campaign. These programs have been wonderful but there has been little to no introduction of new businesses or jobs to really allow that cash to circulate in the community. Instead injections of cash into these areas quickly funnel back out of the area to do things like milling maize. + + + + + + + +Grassroots Economics has another solution: Create local businesses in the area (like water distribution and maize milling) and issue a credit to the schools, small businesses and farmers in the area. Farmers will be issued a credit that can be used for school fees, milling their maize, sending their kids to day care, collecting water and so on. Backstopping this credit as collateral will be flour produced by a cooperative maize mill. Credit will flow in example from farmer to school fees. Schools will increase needed salaries for teachers who will buy maize flour. The maize mill will in turn use the credit to buy raw maize from the farmers and so on. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/rural-community34.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +This creates a virtuous cycle of trade, education and food production in a community that is both food and cash starved. This is Grassroots Economics' first venture in Kenya outside the slums and we are tremendously excited about the potential. Since the majority of slum dwellers have migrated from rural areas due to such insecurity, the ability to tackle these issues holistically in both urban and rural economies will truly put our community currencies to the test and change how development is done. + + + + + + + +Environmental Service Credits: In addition to creating a credit that moves through the community, profits from cooperatives businesses also support community currency as a reward for environmental services. in partnership with Green World Campaign we reward students that plant and tend to indegenious trees and also farming groups that promote water conservation and agroforesty. This creates not only a sustainable market economy also importantly a green one. + + + + + + + +#communitycurrencies #foodsecurity #miyani + + + +#communitycurrencies #foodsecurity #miyani + + `#communitycurrencies `_ + +#communitycurrencies + + `#foodsecurity `_ + +#foodsecurity + + `#miyani `_ + +#miyani + diff --git a/content/blog/rural-miyani-pesa.rst b/content/blog/rural-miyani-pesa.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c1bd648 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/rural-miyani-pesa.rst @@ -0,0 +1,68 @@ +:title: Rural Miyani-Pesa Launched +:author: Lydia Anyango +:date: Aug 18, 2017 +:slug: rural-miyani-pesa + +:summary: Today we launched our first rural community currency! The event went well to initiate and train the first 20 members and set up a local... + + + + + + + + +Today we launched our first rural community currency! The event went well to initiate and train the first 20 members and set up a local market day. + + + + + + + +Our first cooperative maize milling factory has been set up as backing for a rural community currency which will start circulation in the following months. The factory mills local maize and issues vouchers for its flour. The vouchers are issued for environmental service work managed by Green World Campaign and as a mutual-credit to hundreds of local businesses, farmers, schools and clinics. The community has also set up their first local weekly market as a hub for trade. We're really excited about this first rural community currency! + + + + + + + +The initial capital and effort to get the maize mill going came from our sponsors and the local community. The community currency is backed by the inventory of the maize mill as a last resort as well as the goods and services of the farmers, shops and schools in the area. We expect a community currency in rural areas like Miyani to fully circulate on a weekly basis. This is slower than in Urban areas because the circulation is focused on weekly markets and less on daily spending. We expect significant increases in local employment in the next year as well as incomes. Program management and growth in program is supported by the maize milling operation. As sales grow, there is reinvestment into the mill and the sales will grow to neighboring communities. This is a tool for the Miyani community to build is resilience over the next decade. + + + + + + + +Environmental Service Credits: In addition to creating a credit that moves through the community, profits from cooperative businesses also support community currency as a reward for environmental services. In partnership with Green World Campaign, we reward students who plant and tend to indigenous trees and also farming groups that promote water conservation and agroforesty. This creates not only a sustainable market economy, but also importantly a green one. Environmental services by Green World Campaign include agroforestry, environmental education and water catchment. Community members taking part in those services, like tree planting, can then use the vouchers in the community and the cycle continues. + + + +#rural #maizebacked #miyani #communitycurrencies + + + +#rural #maizebacked #miyani #communitycurrencies + + + +#rural #maizebacked #miyani #communitycurrencies + + `#rural `_ + +#rural + + `#maizebacked `_ + +#maizebacked + + `#miyani `_ + +#miyani + + `#communitycurrencies `_ + +#communitycurrencies + diff --git a/content/blog/rural-sarafu.rst b/content/blog/rural-sarafu.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3ee5082 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/rural-sarafu.rst @@ -0,0 +1,44 @@ +:title: Rural Sarafu Network - CIC Impacts +:author: Janet Akinyi +:date: Nov 25, 2020 +:slug: rural-sarafu +:modified: Nov 26, 2020 +:summary: Rosemary Owino is a widow from Siaya village in Siaya County. She has wanted desperately to curb her own poverty and make ends meet for... +:tags: rural,food security,blockchain,fish + + + +.. image:: images/blog/rural-sarafu18.webp + + + +Rosemary Owino is a widow from Siaya village in Siaya County. She has wanted desperately to curb her own poverty and make ends meet for the 6 children that are under her care. She started a fish business where she buys fish, smokes or fries them and sells to the people in her community under a tree in their local market - but because Kenyan Shillings are so scarce there are few people to buy her fish. + + + +She was able to join a women's group (chama) called Kwe Kende - A group that trades and supports each other using Sarafu (a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) which is created and traded on a blockchain using simple feature phones with no internet). Through this chama, Rosemary has been able to find support within the network and she has been able to sell her fish in both Sarafu and Kenyan Shillings. + + + +Rosemary cites that Sarafu has created possibility for sustainable living within her community. Through Sarafu, her fish sales have increased and she has been able to save the Kenyan Shillings that she then uses to pay her children's school fee. She has also been able to meet her needs through getting other goods like: flour, tomatoes, vegetables, water and charcoal among other goods from the Sarafu users in her network. + + + +Rosemary is grateful to use Sarafu and says "It helps me practice the sharing our pastors preach in church". She is hopeful that through the use of Sarafu, her business will continue to thrive and be of great impact to the people in her community. + + + +Overall the Sarafu Network of CIC users in Kenya is comprised primarily of 40,000 users in both urban and rural areas. Roughly 50% of the network is rural and has traded over 100Million Sarafu tokens this year (valued locally at roughly 1 Million USD of goods and services) between each other to offer basic support and trade goods and services. The majority of the trade is for contributions to chamas and church groups, food stuffs, farming and other labor. In October 2020 rural users traded over 8Million Sarafu among each other for food stuffs alone. + + + +Overall the Sarafu Network of CIC users in Kenya is comprised primarily of 40,000 users in both urban and rural areas. Roughly 50% of the network is rural and has traded over 100Million Sarafu tokens this year (valued locally at roughly 1 Million USD of goods and services) between each other to offer basic support and trade goods and services. The majority of the trade is for contributions to chamas and church groups, food stuffs, farming and other labor. In October 2020 rural users traded over 8Million Sarafu among each other for food stuffs alone. + + `Sarafu Network `_ + +The economic outlook in rural Kenya is not good right now; as less and less Kenyan Shillings reach rural areas markets have began to collapse. CICs like Sarafu help keep markets moving and communities together. + + + +Special thanks to Emma Onyango - one of the founding members of Bangla-Pesa - who came out to Siaya to teach this Rosemary and her chama how they can support themselves with community currency. + diff --git a/content/blog/rural-villages.rst b/content/blog/rural-villages.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..23a67c7 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/rural-villages.rst @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +:title: Rural Villages Coping with COVID-19 +:author: WIlfred Chibwara +:date: Mar 25, 2020 +:slug: rural-villages + +:summary: Communities can support each other and keep vital food systems and trade alive using a blockchain based vouchers system (Community... + + + + +Communities can support each other and keep vital food systems and trade alive using a blockchain based vouchers system (Community Inclusion Currencies) accessible on any feature phone (no internet required). 12,000 Users have signed up across Kenya to help strengthen their local communities. Community groups (chamas) in Kenya are being supported by Red Cross and other donors like DOEN to convert their Sarafu to Kenyan Shillings. Aid can be provided with Sarafu directly to those who need it. Please call 0757628885 in Kenya to enroll or find out more. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/rural-villages24.webp + + + +Tsuma Njirai is a cereal seller at Makobeni village has been selling cow peas and Green grams with Sarafu to the community. Since the government gave out the directive that people should not accept paper money she has been selling her cereals purely with Sarafu to help those without Kyenuan Shillings to access the commodity. She has drastically increased sales in her community by over 80%. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/rural-villages38.webp + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Jowa Omari has a barber shop in Vikolani village. He has been accepting Sarafu anytime someone comes to shave his head. Because of the pandemic, he is aware that most people are doing self quarantine hence he has decided to accept more Sarafu in his business of which he will later use the Sarafu to purchase goods from the same clients and also contribute to a community support group. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/rural-villages70.webp + + + + + + + +Omar Katana is a tailor from Katundani Village. She has been accepting Sarafu in her business for 50% of purchases but now that people are at home with no cash, she has agreed to take 100% Sarafu to help those who have no ksh to pay for the service offered. She also sells cloth material both in Ksh and Sarafu at the end of the month she contributes Sarafu to a local chama (savings group). + + + + + + + + + + + +#foodsecurity #covid19 #coronavirus #rural + + + +#foodsecurity #covid19 #coronavirus #rural + + + +#foodsecurity #covid19 #coronavirus #rural + + `#foodsecurity `_ + +#foodsecurity + + `#covid19 `_ + +#covid19 + + `#coronavirus `_ + +#coronavirus + + `#rural `_ + +#rural + diff --git a/content/blog/sarafu-cooperative.rst b/content/blog/sarafu-cooperative.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ba288ab --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/sarafu-cooperative.rst @@ -0,0 +1,52 @@ +:title: Sarafu Cooperative is born! +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: May 10, 2018 +:slug: sarafu-cooperative + +:summary: We are very happy to announce that today, for the first time in our organizational history, the community currency members of the Nairobi... + + + + +We are very happy to announce that today, for the first time in our organizational history, the community currency members of the Nairobi programs registered themselves as a cooperative: The Sarafu Cooperative. + + + + + + + +We started these 3 groups back in 2015 in Kibera, Kangemi and Kawangware, and we are very proud to see that they have successfully come together to form a powerful cooperative which will preside over 2 wholesale markets and 3 community currency networks. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/sarafu-cooperative30.webp + + + + + + + +Today was their first official meeting and the handing over of their registration certificate. We look forward to continue to capacity build them and support them throughout this process. It is extremely exciting to see cooperatives utilizing community currencies for economic resilience, sustainability, marketing, regional development, food security and community cohesion! + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/sarafu-cooperative50.webp + + + + + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/sarafu-credit-takes.rst b/content/blog/sarafu-credit-takes.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..95f9aef --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/sarafu-credit-takes.rst @@ -0,0 +1,44 @@ +:title: Sarafu-Credit Takes Shape +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 21, 2016 +:slug: sarafu-credit-takes + +:summary: We began the year by looking at our successes and challenges with five Kenyan community currencies in 2015. Out of this came the... + + + + + + + + +We began the year by looking at our successes and challenges with five Kenyan community currencies in 2015. Out of this came the Sarafu-Credit model which focuses heavily on credit-clearing. Grassroots Economics is doing a lot behind the scenes to prepare for rolling out Sarafu-Credit over 2016 and will be explaining the process more as it takes shape over the next few months. + + + + + + + +Gatina-Pesa was the first community currency to pilot the new Sarafu-Credit credit-clearing meetings after their monthly market day. We're happy to be seeing a strong emphasis on balancing community currency accounts with increasing membership and acceptance. + + + + + + + +Permaculture Gardens in the schools of Bangladesh's Bangla-Pesa program near Mombasa are starting to sprout. The students are learning about agroforestry, soil conservation and nutrition, and the local businesses are excited to have a source of local produce. We've just installed a rain water catchment system which will help in providing a more continuous water supply. + + + +#permaculture #communitycurrencies + + `#permaculture `_ + +#permaculture + + `#communitycurrencies `_ + +#communitycurrencies + diff --git a/content/blog/sarafu-network.rst b/content/blog/sarafu-network.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ea9a267 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/sarafu-network.rst @@ -0,0 +1,61 @@ +:title: Sarafu Network Kenya Mid-Year CIC Update +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Aug 7, 2020 +:slug: sarafu-network + +:summary: We've reached nearly 90Million worth (~900,000 USD) of Community Inclusion Currency trading between 30,0000 users in Kenya for basic needs. + + + + +This year started off intense then became insane starting in April and through it all the Grassroots Economics team, community groups and partners managed to do some amazing work to pull communities together to support each other during crisis. + + ` `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/sarafu-network17.webp + + + +We've reached nearly 90Million worth (~900,000 USD) of Community Inclusion Currency trading between 30,0000 users in Kenya for basic needs in over 300,000 Transactions on a blockchain. When combined with aid distribution and donor support we have seen over $1 Million USD worth of trade on the Sarafu Network in Kenya in 74 different locations/villages. This growth has been via word of mouth - no advertising! Below you can see the break down of spending in different areas. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/sarafu-network31.webp + + + +.. image:: images/blog/sarafu-network42.webp + + + +While most Sarafu users are in rural areas such as Kwale, there has been a huge focus by the Red Cross in piloting in Mukuru since April (an informall settlement in Nairobi) and the results there speak for themselves with over 60Million Sarafu (~600,000 USD) traded among people trying to support eachother during Covid times. The cost of these programs is a very small fraction (roughly a 17X multiplier) of the impacts we are seeking and as they become more and more self-sustainable through village created CICs we expect this multiplier to just keep increasing. It's amazing! + + **While most Sarafu users are in rural areas such as Kwale, there has been a huge focus by the Red Cross in piloting in Mukuru since April (an informall settlement in Nairobi) and the results there speak for themselves with over 60Million Sarafu (~600,000 USD) traded among people trying to support eachother during Covid times. The cost of these programs is a very small fraction (roughly a 17X multiplier) of the impacts we are seeking and as they become more and more self-sustainable through village created CICs we expect this multiplier to just keep increasing. It's amazing!** + **What's Going on!** + + +The Sarafu token (CIC) was meant to be a short term solution. We merged 11 Community Currencies last year into the Sarafu token in order to move to a different set of software with the goal of open up communities to create their own tokens by February this year.... but we got delayed in terms of software development. Then Covid hit and we started distributing more and more Sarafu to the many many more people who wanted to using it to form barter networks. + + + +Right now we are working hard to enable these community groups shown above to create their own CIC. They will convert the Sarafu they have now and the reserve will go into their own tokens. See the training video to the left. We have a strong field and phone support team that is making this happen together with Kenya Red Cross. + + + +Economies around the world are in a state of shock, and collapse. Already fragile communities are really suffering already. Thank goodness there was a good harvest in Kenya this season - but it won't last long. We hope these tools will provide a public infrastructure that helps communities weather this crisis and thrive but the work needs a lot of support. + + **What's Next?** + * We are making steps from Proof of Concept to supporting communities across Kenya and continuing to develop open source tools for communities around the world. + * As the groups collect their Sarafu this month and next inorder to create their own CICs we expect Sarafu trade to drop then multiple CIC trade to start in September/October. Excited to see the Sarafu token converted / liquidated and its reserve used as the seed (collateral pool) for over 40 CICs by the end of this year. + * On the tech side we are extremely excited about bloxberg.org and looking at bridging all kinds of potential reserve tokens like XCHF. + `bloxberg.org `_ `XCHF `_ * Expanding on and helping the greater world in understanding the basic Potluck model of CIC creation as it is used in Kenyan villages and potentially far beyond. + `Potluck `_ **What we need!** + * Programmers! See our GitLab. (also some good links there for training materials) + `GitLab `_ * Research and data analysis to understand more about how CICs are being used and how they can be used / created better. + * Simulation and Modeling for these systems in different areas. + `Modeling `_ * Community, faith based and business networks that want to create sustainable supply chains and food security. + * Funding! We are only able to build these systems if we can support our team. + * Direct Community Support - You, Donors and Impact investors can give directly to people in dire need either through CICs or via Mpesa right to their telephone in Kenya. + * Contact us to get more involved! + `Contact us to get more involved! `_ * Visit us on Telegram for discussions + `Visit us on Telegram `_ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/school-fees.rst b/content/blog/school-fees.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a9f74c8 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/school-fees.rst @@ -0,0 +1,48 @@ +:title: School Fees with Bangla-Pesa +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jul 16, 2014 +:slug: school-fees + +:summary: July has seen the Bangla-Pesa program surpass 200 accepting businesses and the introduction of three primary schools into the... + + + + +July has seen the Bangla-Pesa program surpass 200 accepting businesses and the introduction of three primary schools into the mutual-credit exchange. Teachers and headmasters have been guaranteed by other members and registered as part of the trading network. Parents can pay for part of their various school fees with Bangla-Pesa which helps increase the salaries of underpaid teachers. Teachers then use the Bangla-Pesa in the community for goods and services of other participating businesses. Bangla-Pesa circulates in the community and eventually ends up back in the hand of parents who can use it for schools fees again. + + + + + + + +This way parents can pay for part of their childrens' education with their own goods and services, especially when they are lacking in Kenyan Shillings. Generally schools allow parents to bring in as a little as 5 Bangla-Pesa per day to assist in lacking fees. School fees represent one of the largest uses of money for people in the community, so their acceptance of Bangla-Pesa is a strong boost for the local economy by allowing trade (in this case the purchase of education) to happen even when times are bad. Often parents aren't able to pay fees and their children get chased away from school or end up with a lot of debt. Bangla-Pesa allows parents to pay a small amount of Bangla-Pesa a day to make up for what they are lacking. The teachers are getting more than they were before, and chasing away less kids. A few more recent photos can be found here of a carpenter, building materials, salon and many more. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/school-fees30.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +#schoolfees #bangla + + `#schoolfees `_ + +#schoolfees + + `#bangla `_ + +#bangla + diff --git a/content/blog/self-funded-regenerative.rst b/content/blog/self-funded-regenerative.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5362244 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/self-funded-regenerative.rst @@ -0,0 +1,99 @@ +:title: Self-Funded Regenerative Agriculture Kwale Site January Visit +:author: James Thiong’o +:date: Jan 14 +:slug: self-funded-regenerative + +:summary: Based on the design found in the Kwale Sites the above poster was created by W.Ruddick On 11th January 2021, I visited Miyani Demo Plot... +:tags: syntropic,agroforestry,regen,food forest + + + +.. image:: images/blog/self-funded-regenerative18.webp + + *Based on the design found in the Kwale Sites the above poster was created by W.Ruddick* + + +On 11th January 2021, I visited Miyani Demo Plot to monitor the progress made a month later after my visit in December. It had rained the previous day therefore crops looked healthy while the temperature was cool. For the past one month, maize had already been harvested and maize stalks used to mulch on the beds. Some vegetables such as capsicum/sweet pepper had been planted in the mid rows of the beds. In the nursery a variety of indigenous vegetables including amaranth and night shade were sprouting and will be ready for transplanting in a few weeks. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/self-funded-regenerative48.webp + + + +The garden is slowly transforming from a mono-crop of maize, to a food forest with fruit trees, cassava and moringa now over a meter high. Despite the long dry season having started a month ago, the garden still has a huge potential to continue producing vegetables for the community in the coming months. + + + +However, a few challenges exist including pests and disease. Aphids have attacked okra in their thousands, while caterpillars have attacked kale. As I had earlier predicted, this was bound to happen during the first to second year before the whole ecosystem matures to be able to regulate its own pests and disease. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/self-funded-regenerative73.webp + + + +Topics covered. + + + +1. Planting succession. + + + +I emphasized on the need for planting in succession. After harvesting of any crop, another crop should be planted immediately to maximize on space, sunlight and water. + + + +Factors to consider when planting. + + + +a). The height of the crop when mature. + + + +b). The space that the crop occupies upon maturity. + + + +c). The time the crop takes before it matures and is harvested. + + + +Use of local, organic and indigenous seeds is encouraged. These seeds are adapted to the environment and are more resilient to pests, disease and drought. I encouraged the community to look for their indigenous seeds, multiply them and start a community seed bank. + + + +2. Mulching. + + + +Mulching should be done on the beds and paths. Mulching helps in conserving moisture, keeping off weeds and helps in adding of soil organic matter when it decomposes. It should be done continously especially before planting. + + + +Various plant matter can be used including grasses, weeds and crop residues. We used maize residues to completely mulch on the footpaths. This should continue at all times ensuring that every square centimetre of the soil is completely covered. + + + +3. Organic Pest Control. + + * We covered Integrated Pest Management which is a holistic method for solving pest and disease problems. + * Using Biological methods by creating habitats for beneficial insects and organisms, growing diverse crops and planting repellents such as onions, lemon grass and chillies. + * We also covered making plant biological pesticides using locally available plants such as chilli, garlic and neem. This needs to be applied sparingly as it also affects beneficial insects. It should only be used as the last solution. + * Using mechanical methods such as handpicking caterpillars and using water pressure on aphids. + + +Next steps to take. + + * Increase plant species diversity. + * Continue mulching on the paths and beds. + * Plant more intensively on the beds occupy all the growing space. + * Keep pest population low, continuously check on pest and disease on the crops and act immediately. + * Plant a living hedge of biomass plants such as senna, moringa, pigeon peas, lemon grass and vetiver around the plot. This will not only act as a wild break but also a sun screen, pests barrier and source of biomass for mulching. + * Carry out soil test to determine and document improvements made in soil organic matter. + + +The progress made is phenomenal and I believe with continuous support, this community will gain knowledge and skills in Syntropic Agroforestry, have access to nutritious food and act as change agents in the community and beyond by spreading Community Inclusion Currency as a self-funding mechanism . + diff --git a/content/blog/shrimp-fishing.rst b/content/blog/shrimp-fishing.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..51d6f19 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/shrimp-fishing.rst @@ -0,0 +1,81 @@ +:title: Shrimp Fishing Builds an Economy +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jun 16, 2019 +:slug: shrimp-fishing + +:summary: Fishermen pay for their children’s school fees by selling shrimp to a cooperative with a freezer for storage. Women buy the shrimp and cook + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/shrimp-fishing18.webp + + + +Resilient circular economies start with connecting productive capacity to local resources. + + + + + + + +Local fishermen pay for their children’s school fees by selling their shrimp to a cooperative with a freezer for storage. Women buy the shrimp from the cooperative to feed their families and to sell to local schools for lunch. + + + + + + + +What if this flow of resources didn't depend on access to scares Kenyan Shillings? What if people could establish a mutual credit that would continue to stay in the community even in the worst market conditions, political crisis, natural disasters? + + + + + + + +Communities in rural areas near Mombasa are doing just that. They join a network of local businesses and receive a free credit of 400 Tokens (soft-peg to National currency). Once various loops of trade (like above fishing->storage->cooking->school fees->fishing) are decoupled from scare or volatile Kenyan Shillings we are seeing a lot more is possible in developing local resilient economies. The ability for community members to support one another in times of need begins to grow - reaching back to a time before the introduction National Currencies when community members would take turns working on each others fields and fixing each others houses. + + *Communities in rural areas near Mombasa are doing just that. They join a network of local businesses and receive a free credit of 400 Tokens (soft-peg to National currency). Once various loops of trade (like above fishing->storage->cooking->school fees->fishing) are decoupled from scare or volatile Kenyan Shillings we are seeing a lot more is possible in developing local resilient economies. The ability for community members to support one another in times of need begins to grow - reaching back to a time before the introduction National Currencies when community members would take turns working on each others fields and fixing each others houses.* + + +Communities in rural areas near Mombasa are doing just that. They join a network of local businesses and receive a free credit of 400 Tokens (soft-peg to National currency). Once various loops of trade (like above fishing->storage->cooking->school fees->fishing) are decoupled from scare or volatile Kenyan Shillings we are seeing a lot more is possible in developing local resilient economies. The ability for community members to support one another in times of need begins to grow - reaching back to a time before the introduction National Currencies when community members would take turns working on each others fields and fixing each others houses. + + + + + + + +What is perhaps most exciting right now is the usage of Community Currencies in Savings and Lending groups ... coming soon. + + + +#fishing #economics #Miyani #Mombasa + + + +#fishing #economics #Miyani #Mombasa + + + +#fishing #economics #Miyani #Mombasa + + `#fishing `_ + +#fishing + + `#economics `_ + +#economics + + `#Miyani `_ + +#Miyani + + `#Mombasa `_ + +#Mombasa + diff --git a/content/blog/skylife-school.rst b/content/blog/skylife-school.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a8538f4 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/skylife-school.rst @@ -0,0 +1,44 @@ +:title: Skylife School and Community Currency +:author: Daniel Mukosia +:date: Oct 10, 2017 +:slug: skylife-school + +:summary: Grassroots Economics works with communities across Kenya to develop systems that allow parents to pay for their children's education... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/skylife-school18.webp + + + + + + + +Grassroots Economics works with communities across Kenya to develop systems that allow parents to pay for their children's education using their goods and services and when money is scarce. Community group develop cooperative businesses, who's vouchers act as a medium of exchange in the community. These vouchers (which we call Community Currency) provide for stable trade even when national currency drains out of the region due to slow months (external market volatility). Parents can get a small school credit by accepting Community Currency in their business. Parents and students can also take part in community service work, like tree planting and elderly care for Community Currency. + + + + + + + +The Skylife school is located in Gatina 56 Kawangware, Nairobi. It is one the most active schools in the Gatina network. The head teacher Mrs. Susan Lukobo is one of the most active members since the community currency commenced in Gatina the year 2014. The school has employed 9 teaching staff members and one being a non-teaching staff, with more than 300 students attending. The school being an active user of community currency has enabled students to acquire education without hustles. Children with different backgrounds and up-bringing from the surrounding area have been able to increase their attendance. Using community currency for their tuition fees has made it possible for them to acquire more knowledge and skills. + + + + + + + +Once the school accepts it, community currency is used for paying teachers as part of their monthly salaries in advance and the teachers, in exchange, use it to purchase goods and services from hundreds of other members registered or operating within the business network. Members of the network (GBO) who have children attending schools like Skylife have had an opportunity and an added advantage to involve their children in the education program by using community currency to pay school fees. + + + + + + + +It has increased the number of students in schools compared to the previous year by over 20%. Children with disabilities have also been in a position to have equal chances compared to the normal students taking studies in the same school. Community currency has promoted education in the existing communities around Gatina Kawangware and this in turn has increased trade in the community. + diff --git a/content/blog/smep-oiko-credit.rst b/content/blog/smep-oiko-credit.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..abce12c --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/smep-oiko-credit.rst @@ -0,0 +1,48 @@ +:title: Smep Oiko-Credit Loans in Kangemi +:author: Ruth Mwangi +:date: Aug 30, 2015 +:slug: smep-oiko-credit + +:summary: SMEP a local OIKO-Credit partner is offering Loans and Training to Community Currency users in Kangemi and Kawangware. They have started... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/smep-oiko-credit18.webp + + + + + + + +SMEP a local OIKO-Credit partner is offering Loans and Training to Community Currency users in Kangemi and Kawangware. They have started with a group of women centered around the headmistress Veronica of Love School in the Congo Area of Kawangware, Nairobi. These women run a soap business called the Love Soap group which consists of 15 women. They are being trained and guided by Audrey from SMEP, on how to apply for loans to expand their business. The entire network using Community Currency is keen on following suit with their own businesses. + + + + + + + +Yesterday there were about 30 members from two different community currency trading groups (Gatina-Pesa and Kangemi-Pesa) present at the 1st major Loan financing meeting. The meeting generally went very well. Audrey, from SMEP, explained how the group loans work and members got to ask questions concerning the payback period as well as interest rates. Audrey took contacts of the already registered Groups/Chamas within the networks and shall be contacting them soon; an action that has made the rest of the business members want to get into groups as well - a good challenge. + + + + + + + +The kind of package SMEP is offering is indeed a group loan but being issued to an individual. The group therefore acts as a guarantor/backer for the loan. SMEP also has packages that issue loans to entire groups rather than individuals but these are usually bigger loans meant for larger projects such as purchasing land and buildings. + + + + + + + +In other news - Francis Wanjala reports: the Gatina Business Organization (GBO) has issued loans to 5 members using Community Currency (Gatina-Pesa) of roughly 30k. In their previous meeting the members started paying back the loans and the GBO has so far received Ksh.9500 in repayment, which is quite exciting. These members reported that the money has helped to boost stock. + + `#kangemi `_ + +#kangemi + diff --git a/content/blog/smes-the.rst b/content/blog/smes-the.rst index b7f042b..b64ff1d 100644 --- a/content/blog/smes-the.rst +++ b/content/blog/smes-the.rst @@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ :date: May 18 :slug: smes-the +:summary: Organizations merely have to choose whether to help their local community, or pay taxes to a government whose reach is never felt in these s :tags: SME,CSR,Tax diff --git a/content/blog/social-entrepreneurship.rst b/content/blog/social-entrepreneurship.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..603dfcf --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/social-entrepreneurship.rst @@ -0,0 +1,207 @@ +:title: Social Entrepreneurship through Blockchain Technology +:author: Lynda Chalker +:date: Oct 19, 2018 +:slug: social-entrepreneurship + +:summary: Africa’s 2nd largest Social Entrepreneurship Conference was held at Tangaza University College in Nairobi. The two day conference... + + + + +Africa’s 2nd largest Social Entrepreneurship Conference was held at Tangaza University College in Nairobi. The two day conference Established in 2017, aimed to redefine the future of social enterprises in Kenya and Africa at large. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/social-entrepreneurship21.webp + + + + + + *Grassroots Team at AACOSE in Tangaza University.* + + + + + + +Themed Contextualizing and shaping social entrepreneurship in Africa, this conference attracted over 700 participants who included social entrepreneurs practitioners, policy makers, investors, community leaders and academicians across Africa. + + *Themed Contextualizing and shaping social entrepreneurship in Africa, this conference attracted over 700 participants who included social entrepreneurs practitioners, policy makers, investors, community leaders and academicians across Africa.* + + +Themed Contextualizing and shaping social entrepreneurship in Africa, this conference attracted over 700 participants who included social entrepreneurs practitioners, policy makers, investors, community leaders and academicians across Africa. + + + + + + + +Among'st them was Grassroots Economics; which launched the first community-currency in 2013 by the name Bangla Pesa used in Bangladesh community Mombasa County, Kenya. Bangla Pesa is one of the community-currencies, (CCs) under the Sarafu-Network, that Grassroots Economics introduced to support economically marginalized communities. This network creates an inclusive financial systems where users can readily access credit (without the burden of interest) and setup cost-effective trade networks. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/social-entrepreneurship52.webp + + + + + + + +After establishing the gap existing between largely underutilized range of human and material resources in the poorest communities, Sarafu-Credit was wheeled to address food insecurity, chronic poverty, lack of labor/ investment, currency fluctuations and the volatility of the national market which are some of the SDGs envisioned for all countries by the UN by 2030. + + + +This means of exchange provided the how-tos that enabled individuals, institutions like Sifa school in Kawangware, and whole societies to flourish in a world of rapid change. Sarafu-Credits used in different regions by these traders included Ngombeni Pesa in Mikindani, Lindi Pesa in Kibera, Kangemi Pesa in Kangemi, Gatina Pesa in Kawangware, and Bangla Pesa in Bangladesh-Mombasa. + + + +To date, these CCCs have provided long term support to micro traders with over 1200 businesses, schools, farms and cooperatives showing over 25% increase in regional trade. + + + + + + + +So far this economic system has empowered the “unbanked poor” by linking small traders’ profits with common resources through which they can connect to markets and access sustainable food systems. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/social-entrepreneurship81.webp + + + + + + *Lucy Akinyi, a Sarafu-Credit (Lindi Pesa) user from Kibera.* + + + + + + +AACOSE 2018( African Conference On Social Entrepreneurship) held from the 20th to the 21st of September, addressed themes like scaling up, innovation training for social entrepreneurship and coaching for investor readiness. This forum served as a platform that enabled social entrepreneurs to showcase proof of significant increases in regional economies, food security, trade, and environmental services throughout Africa. The conference comes days after the launch of a blockchain based Sarafu model, Bancor by Grassroots Economics. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/social-entrepreneurship105.webp + + + + + + + +This world class system of impact assessment and evidence-based programming, is meant to inspire communities to create their own financial systems and structures that actually work for them, establishing independence rather than creating new dependencies. By decentralising the monetary system, Bancor will level the playing field creating a fair market, cost effective trade network not to mention debt-free credit system. + + + + + + + +AACOSE forum which exists to support the growth and development of social enterprises across Africa, was a pedestal for Grassroots Economic amongst many other social enterprises to grow awareness and educate, creating the conditions for sector collaboration. + + + +Aiming to create a shared value, high impact and lasting change in communities, the pioneer of Community currency in Kenya Will Ruddick alongside Emanuel Dominic the COO delivered the concept behind Sarafu-Token (digitized Sarafu-Credit) as a pitch to practitioners, investors and academicians showing scalability/sustainability of this Bancor wallet. + + + + + + + +Having the crowd at hello, they exemplified this blockchain technology which will enable traders to use USSD to facilitate timely transactions across communities and reinforce transparency through the use of smart contracts. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/social-entrepreneurship140.webp + + + + + + + +And since these social enterprises need donor fund and sponsorships in order to achieve their goals and positively impact the community, this conference was successful in setting a movement for social entrepreneurs, bringing them together as a community of practice who share ambitions, diversity and purpose as the key ingredient all across Africa. Serving as a hub for investors, Grassroots Economics as a foundation was able to network with potential donors garnering interest and support required in their journey of establishing a benchmark for certification of currency designers in Kenya. + + + + + + + + + + + +Want to participate, subscribe to our newsletter to never miss an update! + + + +Want to participate, subscribe to our newsletter to never miss an update! + + `subscribe `_ + +You can also drop us a comment on our social media pages, and don't forget to + + + +click on the website www.grassrootseconomics.org to find out more on Sarafu-Credit. + + + +click on the website www.grassrootseconomics.org to find out more on Sarafu-Credit. + + `www.grassrootseconomics.org `_ + + + + + + + + + +#AACOSE2018 #Socialentrepreneurship #SarafuCredit #SDG #Bancor + + + +#AACOSE2018 #Socialentrepreneurship #SarafuCredit #SDG #Bancor + + + +#AACOSE2018 #Socialentrepreneurship #SarafuCredit #SDG #Bancor + + + +#AACOSE2018 #Socialentrepreneurship #SarafuCredit #SDG #Bancor + + `#AACOSE2018 `_ + +#AACOSE2018 + + `#Socialentrepreneurship `_ + +#Socialentrepreneurship + + `#SarafuCredit `_ + +#SarafuCredit + + `#SDG `_ + +#SDG + + `#Bancor `_ + +#Bancor + diff --git a/content/blog/static-vs.rst b/content/blog/static-vs.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f34abea --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/static-vs.rst @@ -0,0 +1,93 @@ +:title: Static vs Bonded Liquidity Pools for CICs +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 16 +:slug: static-vs +:modified: Jan 19 +:summary: As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity,... +:tags: liquidity,pools,defi + + + +As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity, Grassroots Economics is looking at various ways to connect these tokens together and as well to other networks. Below I'll describe and contrast two approaches, namely a Fixed vs Algorithmic Rate liquidity pools. But before that I just want to give a simple overview of what a liquidity pool is. + + + +For the blockchain and #defi folks they are probably familiar with the Bonded Pool like you can find with Uniswap or in the Bancor Network, but lets start with its sibling the Static Pool - which simply is a contract holding 2 tokens that are exchangeable to each other. + + + +For the blockchain and #defi folks they are probably familiar with the Bonded Pool like you can find with Uniswap or in the Bancor Network, but lets start with its sibling the Static Pool - which simply is a contract holding 2 tokens that are exchangeable to each other. + + `#defi `_ + +#defi + + + +.. image:: images/blog/static-vs26.webp + + + +In the fixed exchange rate or static pool above. A community creating a CIC can decide to add some of their CIC A token supply to a common pool along with some tokens from another community B. The pool contains A and B tokens. + + + +Someone holding A tokens pays some A tokens to someone holding B tokens, the pool accepts A tokens from A and gives B tokens to B. Now anyone can push in A tokens to that pool and get out B tokens with a 1:1 fixed exchange rate - that is, until there are no more Bs in the pool. At which point someone from community B would need to add some Bs to re-balance the pool before any more exchange is possible. + + + +This create a simple way for community A and B to trade with each other with a limited amount of tokens in the pool. + + + +Next let's talk about a Bonded pool - the kind you will find in Uniswap or the Bancor Network. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/static-vs61.webp + + + +In the algorithmic exchange rate or bonded pool above. A community creating a CIC can similarly decide to add some of their CIC A token supply to a common pool along with some tokens from another community B. + + + +Now if anyone wants to push in A tokens to that pool they can get out B tokens with an initial 1:1 exchange rate - but every time you dd more As you get less and less Bs out. This can virtually go on forever until for each A added you only get 0.0000001 Bs and so on. + + + +This create another way for community A and B to trade with each other with continuous liquidity but changing exchange rates. There can be a lot more added to the liquidity contracts, such as oracles that can adjust prices and investment shares that can grow based on exchange fees which are also options. Communities could also create DAOs and vote on which pools are allowed into the network. But let's stick with the simple versions mentioned above and compare them a bit further: + + + +.. image:: images/blog/static-vs93.webp + + + +The table above gives a few ways to compare the types of liquidity pools. While the Bonded Pool allows for continuous liquidity and a market price stabilization effect, it also creates a variable exchange rate that is often hard to deal with for regular commerce. In the extreme case, where many A's have been converted to B (changing the rate) and one CIC A users sends 10 tokens to buy tomatoes and they turn into only one B token - the tomato seller could demand more tokens - but this is quite cumbersome. + + + +On the contrary with a Static Pool, one side of the pool could simply run out causing trade to stop until there is trade in the opposite direction. This could be equally frustrating for commerce and require the two communities come up with a regular method of trade balance or to allow for multiple non-exchangeable tokens co-existing in their wallets. + + + +If communities connect their CICs to a basic income or network token like Sarafu in a 1:1 Static Pool - all such CICs would automatically be exchangeable 1:1 with each other. This is appealing because it creates a well defined common pool of tokens connected through a network token. This method combines the concept of a UBI with a credit system - described briefly here. + + + +If communities connect their CICs to a basic income or network token like Sarafu in a 1:1 Static Pool - all such CICs would automatically be exchangeable 1:1 with each other. This is appealing because it creates a well defined common pool of tokens connected through a network token. This method combines the concept of a UBI with a credit system - described briefly here. + + `here `_ + +Also note that both types of pools could be used to connect a CIC with some other non-CIC token (like Eth or DAI) who's value might be fluctuating or unknown relative to the CICs - in this case having market supply and demand to establish that price over time might be preferable using a Bonded Pool. Note that many such pools can co-exist in the same network, connecting the same tokens. So connecting UBI and CICs on static pools while also connecting to non-CICs via bonded pools could allow for in-network 1:1 exchanges and variable/market rate exchanges against foreign tokens (e.g. Eth or stable coins). + + + +We're excited to be building infrastructure - using the open source Bancor DEX contracts - that can accommodate an extremely diverse set of pools - creating really decentralized typologies for common pooling of Community Inclusion Currencies. + + + +We're excited to be building infrastructure - using the open source Bancor DEX contracts - that can accommodate an extremely diverse set of pools - creating really decentralized typologies for common pooling of Community Inclusion Currencies. + + `Bancor DEX contracts `_ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/strong-communities.rst b/content/blog/strong-communities.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e73e875 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/strong-communities.rst @@ -0,0 +1,82 @@ +:title: Strong Communities - Strong Currencies +:author: Janet Akinyi +:date: Nov 27, 2020 +:slug: strong-communities + +:summary: I had the pleasure to visit Kwe Kende in Nyalgunga, Siaya County one of the strongest groups (chamas) in the Sarafu Network across Kenya,... +:tags: Nyanza,Siaya,Commons,markets,rural + + + +.. image:: images/blog/strong-communities18.webp + + + +I had the pleasure to visit Kwe Kende in Nyalgunga, Siaya County one of the strongest groups (chamas) in the Sarafu Network across Kenya, and discuss some key points on how they are going on with Community Inclusion Currency as individuals and also as a chama. + + + +In the afternoon we had a market session where members were able to sell and buy their goods in both Sarafu and Kenyan Shillings. This was my favorite part of the visit. Users had different commodities like: tomatoes,vegetables, bananas, fish, greengrams, millet, firewood, sugarcane, beans, onions, chapatis, ropes, brooms, among others. Most of these goods are locally available. and most users went back home with food and also had sales which allowed them to save some Kenyan Shillings. They were happy and satisfied. + + + +"Sarafu has really helped me, I look forward to chama days because I know that I'll get all the basic needs that I need without struggling. I'm also sure of selling my mboga and save some coins," said Mary Nyallum. + + + +On Tuesday I met another session of the Kwe Kende Group in Siaya town. We had a short general meeting and also provided solutions to any questions and concerns that they had. Most of these users run small businesses like kiosks, hotels (kibanda), tailor shops, shoes, clothes among others. They are equally excited about Sarafu and are happy that Sarafu has been of great help to them in both their businesses and in providing for their basic needs. Read about one of the users here in more detail. + + *On Tuesday I met another session of the Kwe Kende Group in Siaya town. We had a short general meeting and also provided solutions to any questions and concerns that they had. Most of these users run small businesses like kiosks, hotels (kibanda), tailor shops, shoes, clothes among others. They are equally excited about Sarafu and are happy that Sarafu has been of great help to them in both their businesses and in providing for their basic needs. Read about one of the users here in more detail.* + *On Tuesday I met another session of the Kwe Kende Group in Siaya town. We had a short general meeting and also provided solutions to any questions and concerns that they had. Most of these users run small businesses like kiosks, hotels (kibanda), tailor shops, shoes, clothes among others. They are equally excited about Sarafu and are happy that Sarafu has been of great help to them in both their businesses and in providing for their basic needs. Read about one of the users here in more detail.* + + +On Tuesday I met another session of the Kwe Kende Group in Siaya town. We had a short general meeting and also provided solutions to any questions and concerns that they had. Most of these users run small businesses like kiosks, hotels (kibanda), tailor shops, shoes, clothes among others. They are equally excited about Sarafu and are happy that Sarafu has been of great help to them in both their businesses and in providing for their basic needs. Read about one of the users here in more detail. + + `here `_ + +Based on these discussions the group agreed that what makes Sarafu work for them: + + **What works for Kwe Kende Group?** + **1. Market days: They hold 3 meetings in a week- Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. This is to ensure that everyone (at least 186 families) attends at least one on their free days. During these meetings, they talk about how their week was with Sarafu and any problems that arose. They sell and buy from one another and also save in the chama and pay loans if any.** + + +1. Market days: They hold 3 meetings in a week- Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. This is to ensure that everyone (at least 186 families) attends at least one on their free days. During these meetings, they talk about how their week was with Sarafu and any problems that arose. They sell and buy from one another and also save in the chama and pay loans if any. + + **2. Prosumer Empowerment: They've empowered each other, in that everyone tries to come to the chama meetings with something to offer in goods or services. This way, they easily meet their needs without blaming anyone for buying and not selling using Sarafu. They encourage themselves to believe everyone has something to offer the community.** + + +2. Prosumer Empowerment: They've empowered each other, in that everyone tries to come to the chama meetings with something to offer in goods or services. This way, they easily meet their needs without blaming anyone for buying and not selling using Sarafu. They encourage themselves to believe everyone has something to offer the community. + + **3. Community Projects: They've started a chicken rearing project and gardens that brings them together. They take care of them in turns and use Sarafu to pay for the upkeep. These capacity building and productive projects are an amazing anchor for CICs. Any group excess in food created by the group is distributed based on the amount of Sarafu that one receives in his/her business because it's these that they save in a week.** + + +3. Community Projects: They've started a chicken rearing project and gardens that brings them together. They take care of them in turns and use Sarafu to pay for the upkeep. These capacity building and productive projects are an amazing anchor for CICs. Any group excess in food created by the group is distributed based on the amount of Sarafu that one receives in his/her business because it's these that they save in a week. + + **4. Leadership and Stewardship: The group officials are dedicated, especially the secretary Leah Aluoch who visits users randomly within the week. Leah stated that she has to visit users who miss the weekly meetings just to know if they have any issues and to encourage them. She has kept track of all her 186 members.** + + +4. Leadership and Stewardship: The group officials are dedicated, especially the secretary Leah Aluoch who visits users randomly within the week. Leah stated that she has to visit users who miss the weekly meetings just to know if they have any issues and to encourage them. She has kept track of all her 186 members. + + **5. Unity: The members are from one community, they've trusted each other and they understand their strengths and embrace their weaknesses.** + + +5. Unity: The members are from one community, they've trusted each other and they understand their strengths and embrace their weaknesses. + + **6. Loops and Cycles in a Circular Economy: They've created loops that allows them to receive all the things that they need within their network.** + + +6. Loops and Cycles in a Circular Economy: They've created loops that allows them to receive all the things that they need within their network. + + **8. Fines and repercussions: The chama members incur a fine of Ksh.10 in case of lateness. They use the same for airtime to reach out to members during the week and to support those that can't genuinely use Sarafu. Also note that there is a small tax on CIC that is deducted (0.5%) of account balances that goes back out to active users.** + + +8. Fines and repercussions: The chama members incur a fine of Ksh.10 in case of lateness. They use the same for airtime to reach out to members during the week and to support those that can't genuinely use Sarafu. Also note that there is a small tax on CIC that is deducted (0.5%) of account balances that goes back out to active users. + + + +Elinor Ostrom I think would be proud at how this community has managed their credit commons. I was impressed by how they have ensured a way to support to one another and build strong bonds even as national currency dries up in the area. As humans, we are wired to collaborate, to coexist and to hold each other up and this is exactly what this group thrives to achieve each day. May we emulate them in different communities and may we become better. + + + +Thanks again to Emma Onyango one of the founders of Bangla-Pesa in Bangladesh (an informal settlement near Mombasa) who brought the Community Inclusion Currency concept to rural Siaya. + diff --git a/content/blog/super-market-super-currency.rst b/content/blog/super-market-super-currency.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a5179f9 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/super-market-super-currency.rst @@ -0,0 +1,60 @@ +:title: Super-Market Super-Currency +:author: Ruth Mwangi +:date: Mar 8, 2016 +:slug: super-market-super-currency + +:summary: Hundreds and hundreds of settlers in Nairobi's Kawangware informal settlement will soon benefit from access to low priced goods... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/super-market-super-currency18.webp + + + +Hundreds and hundreds of settlers in Nairobi's Kawangware informal settlement will soon benefit from access to low priced goods cooperativley stocked by the Gatina Business Organization (GBO) and sold in Community Currency. This supermarket will be one of a kind as it will allow customers to buy goods using both Kenyan Shillings and Sarafu-Credit. + + + + + + + +Members of GBO have had a series of meetings to deliberate ways in which they can start, manage and run a small supermarket to encourage the use of Sarafu-Credit as well as increase trade in their network. Customers will not only be able to buy goods here, but will also get a chance to clear their Sarafu-Credit debts and claims on a daily basis, and get information about joining the network. GBO has been in existence since Oct 2014 and has seen tremendous growth both in membership and number activities. + + + + + + + +By early 2015, the members of GBO had begun a savings and loans group which holds its meetings once a month to make its contributions. Once a member is consistent in saving with the group for a period of three months, and has contributed over Ksh. 1000, they become eligible for a loan that’s up to three times their savings. The loan is then payable within a time period of 3 months at a 10% interest. The more consistent a member becomes at paying back their loan, the more eligible they are for higher loans. The Unique Selling Point (USP) of the GBO savings and loans group is that members receive loans both in Kenyan Shillings and Sarafu-Credit. Only the amount in Kenyan Shillings attracts interest while the amount in Sarafu-Credit is Interest Free. + + + + + + + +After one year of running the savings and loans group, GBO had made enough money to stock a small community supermarket. Grassroots Economics then partnered with GBO to help identify a prime location for a supermarket. + + + + + + + +The official opening of the supermarket is set for mid-March! + + + +#supermarket #nairobi + + `#supermarket `_ + +#supermarket + + `#nairobi `_ + +#nairobi + diff --git a/content/blog/supporting-covid-19.rst b/content/blog/supporting-covid-19.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8ad4c2d --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/supporting-covid-19.rst @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@ +:title: Supporting COVID-19 Community Health Volunteers +:author: Antony Ngoka +:date: Mar 26, 2020 +:slug: supporting-covid-19 + +:summary: 400 Sarafu (about 4 USD) will feed a CHVs and her family for a day and enable her to support the community more. Sarafu can also be used for + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/supporting-covid-1921.webp + + + + Community Health Volunteers (CHV), Clinics and doctors are daily working tirelessly with communities to teach them to cope with COVID-19. They are, out of their own pockets, supporting needy families and themselves working often with no pay. Health care workers using CICs have a way to help support the community and care for themselves as national currency runs out. + + + + Community Health Volunteers (CHV), Clinics and doctors are daily working tirelessly with communities to teach them to cope with COVID-19. They are, out of their own pockets, supporting needy families and themselves working often with no pay. Health care workers using CICs have a way to help support the community and care for themselves as national currency runs out. + + + + Community Health Volunteers (CHV), Clinics and doctors are daily working tirelessly with communities to teach them to cope with COVID-19. They are, out of their own pockets, supporting needy families and themselves working often with no pay. Health care workers using CICs have a way to help support the community and care for themselves as national currency runs out. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/supporting-covid-1938.webp + + + +This is Bernard Okoth and Grace Hellen the chairlady of CHVs in Mukuru (right) the main purpose this week is to make sure that all food related kiosks have clean water and soap as one way of eradicating the covid-19. They are training the members of the community how to use jerricans to come up with taps like structure.this is a mandatory action taken by CHV for the good of the community. + + + + + + + +400 Sarafu (about 4 USD) will feed a CHVs and her family for a day and enable her to support the community more. Sarafu can also be used for soap, water, women's sanitary towel, medicines and other basic needs in local clinics. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/supporting-covid-1961.webp + + + + +Please leverage your support to health workers by contributing. + + + + +Please leverage your support to health workers by contributing. + + + + +Please leverage your support to health workers by contributing. + + + + + + + +------------------------ + + + +Anyone with any phone (no internet needed can register) Call 0757628885 (Monday - Saturday 9-5pm) You will automatically get 400 Sarafu. and for each referral you get 100. + + + + + + + +To double (for next 90 days) your money or donate send mpesa to paybill (631685) and under account say where (what phone number) we should send double the Sarafu. 100 KSH = 200 Sarafu (maximum 20k ksh a week) + + + + + + + +If you are not in Kenya you can support here. + + + +If you are not in Kenya you can support here. + + `here `_ \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/content/blog/supporting-supply.rst b/content/blog/supporting-supply.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..45f1797 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/supporting-supply.rst @@ -0,0 +1,3316 @@ +:title: Supporting Supply Chains in Crisis +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Apr 18, 2020 +:slug: supporting-supply +:modified: Apr 19, 2020 +:summary: In 30 days we have seen that by injecting a medium of exchange (CICs) nearly 100,000 USD have been traded in over 1,600 daily transactions + + + ` `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/supporting-supply18.webp + + + +In the last few weeks we have seen the largest usage of community currencies we have ever, reaching near 7k USD traded daily among thousands of people living below the poverty line in rural villages and urban settlements. We are proud to be part of supporting and spreading these open source solutions as far as possible. + + + +Check out the Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) Dashboard build by an amazing team at Accenture for even more data views and also see our research page. + + + +Check out the Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) Dashboard build by an amazing team at Accenture for even more data views and also see our research page. + + + +Check out the Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) Dashboard build by an amazing team at Accenture for even more data views and also see our research page. + + `(CIC) Dashboard `_ `research page `_ + +In 30 days we have seen that by injecting a medium of exchange in the form of CICs nearly 100,000 USD have been traded (with over 1,600 daily transactions on the xDAI blockchain) among vulnerable communities at a cost of 8k USD in National Currency - this is roughly 12x the impact of typical donor funds and we expect to see it grow. + + + + + +In 30 days we have seen that by injecting a medium of exchange in the form of CICs nearly 100,000 USD have been traded (with over 1,600 daily transactions on the xDAI blockchain) among vulnerable communities at a cost of 8k USD in National Currency - this is roughly 12x the impact of typical donor funds and we expect to see it grow. + + + + + +with over 1,600 daily transactions on the xDAI blockchain) + + **CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh** + **CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh** + **CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh** + **CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh** + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + **CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh** + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + + +CIC pilots - Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi +Total CICs distributed ( and in circulation): 6,369,254 + (Kenyan Shillings equivalent) +Total Recipients (All time): 14,756 + (each receive roughly 400 CICs + weekly support) + +CIC totals: +New Recipients (30 Days): 3,283 +New Recipients (7 Days): 1,273 +Trade volume (30 days): 9,544,439 +Trade volume (7 days): 2,861,829 +Active Users (30 days): 5,981 +Transactions (30 days): 22,082 +Mpesa distributed (30 days): 830,915 Ksh + + + + **CIC** + **-** + **,** + **,** + + +distributed + + + +( + + + +in + + + +) + + + +: + + + +6 + + + +, + + + +369 + + + +, + + + +254 + + + +( + + + +) + + + +Recipients + + + +( + + + +) + + + +: + + + +14 + + + +, + + + +756 + + + +( + + + +400 + + + ++ + + + +) + + **CIC** + **:** + + +Recipients + + + +( + + + +30 + + + +) + + + +: + + + +3 + + + +, + + + +283 + + + +Recipients + + + +( + + + +7 + + + +) + + + +: + + + +1 + + + +, + + + +273 + + + +volume + + + +( + + + +30 + + + +) + + + +: + + + +9 + + + +, + + + +544 + + + +, + + + +439 + + + +volume + + + +( + + + +7 + + + +) + + + +: + + + +2 + + + +, + + + +861 + + + +, + + + +829 + + + +Users + + + +( + + + +30 + + + +) + + + +: + + + +5 + + + +, + + + +981 + + + +Transactions + + + +( + + + +30 + + + +) + + + +: + + + +22 + + + +, + + + +082 + + + +distributed + + + +( + + + +30 + + + +) + + + +: + + + +830 + + + +, + + + +915 + + + +Anyone with a sim card can be a CIC recipient of an initial 400 tokens which can be used with other users and supporting businesses. Users receive addition CICs daily based on their usage. Savings groups receive donations in Mpesa (national currency) based on their CIC usage. + + + +CIC circulation keeps supply chains running so that communities can do as much as possible to support each other when there is not enough money, food, soap, water and so on. + + **CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220** + **CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220** + **CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220** + **CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220** + **CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220** + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + **CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220** + **CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220** + **CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220** + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + + +CIC totals: (Mukuru, Kayaba) Mukuru is one of the largest informal settlements in Nairobi and where the Red Cross have taken a leading role in pilotting CICs. + +CICs in circulation (Mukuru): 340,426 +Total Recipients (Mukuru): 762 +New Recipients (30 Days) (Mukuru): 398 +Trade volume (30 days) (Mukuru): 1,669,884 +Active Users (30 days) (Mukuru): 477 +Transactions (30 days) (Mukuru): 3,461 +Mpesa distributed (30 days) (Mukuru): 109,814 Ksh + +Mukuru Trade Volume by category (30 days): +Food/Water: 669,981 +Shop: 504,720 +Savings Group: 328,761 +Farming/Labour: 129,791 +Education: 18,650 +Fuel/Energy: 12,085 +Transport: 8,630 +Environment: 6,700 +Health: 2,220 + + **CIC** + **:** + **(** + **,** + **)** + + +of + + + +in + + + +in + + + +. + + + +in + + + +circulation + + + +( + + + +) + + + +: + + + +340 + + + +, + + + +426 + + + +Recipients + + + +( + + + +) + + + +: + + + +762 + + + +Recipients + + + +( + + + +30 + + + +) + + + +( + + + +Mukuru + + + +) + + + +: + + + +398 + + + +volume + + + +( + + + +30 + + + +) + + + +( + + + +Mukuru + + + +) + + + +: + + + + + + + +1 + + + +, + + + +669 + + + +, + + + +884 + + + +Users + + + +( + + + +30 + + + +) + + + +( + + + +Mukuru + + + +) + + + +: + + + +477 + + + +Transactions + + + +( + + + +30 + + + +) + + + +( + + + +Mukuru + + + +) + + + +: + + + +3 + + + +, + + + +461 + + + +distributed + + + +( + + + +30 + + + +) + + + +( + + + +Mukuru + + + +) + + + +: + + + +109 + + + +, + + + +814 + + **category** + **(** + **30** + **)** + **:** + + +/ + + + +: + + + +669 + + + +, + + + +981 + + + +: + + + +504 + + + +, + + + +720 + + + +: + + + +328 + + + +, + + + +761 + + + +/ + + + +: + + + +129 + + + +, + + + +791 + + + +: + + + +18 + + + +, + + + +650 + + + +/ + + + +: + + + +12 + + + +, + + + +085 + + + +: + + + +8 + + + +, + + + +630 + + + +: + + + +6 + + + +, + + + +700 + + + +: + + + +2 + + + +, + + + +220 + + + +We are so thankful to all the people and teams working on Community Inclusion Currencies: + + **Red Cross: Implementation and scaling** + + +Red Cross: Implementation and scaling + + **Commons Stack: Guidance** + + +Commons Stack: Guidance + + **BlockScience: Modeling** + + +BlockScience: Modeling + + **Bancor: Open source blockchain contracts** + + +Bancor: Open source blockchain contracts + + **Accenture: Dashboarding** + + +Accenture: Dashboarding + + **Sempo: Open source trading platform** + + +Sempo: Open source trading platform + diff --git a/content/blog/sustainable-programs.rst b/content/blog/sustainable-programs.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..51c0a22 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/sustainable-programs.rst @@ -0,0 +1,36 @@ +:title: Sustainable Programs and Complementary Currencies +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 12, 2014 +:slug: sustainable-programs + +:summary: In 1982, the late Dr. Margrit Kennedy’s work on ecological architecture led her to the conclusion that it is “virtually impossible to... + + + + +In 1982, the late Dr. Margrit Kennedy’s work on ecological architecture led her to the conclusion that it is “virtually impossible to carry out sound ecological concepts on the scale required today, without fundamentally altering the present money system or creating new complementary currencies." Now in 2014, at this advanced stage in global capitalism it is evident that alternative economic development programs must go hand in hand with environmental and community development programs. With these conclusions in mind, Koru-Kenya has piloted complementary currencies as tools for poverty reduction and environmental restoration in Kenya since 2010. Based on the successes of pilot programs like Bangla-Pesa and Eco-Pesa we envision here their applicability in large scale environmental restoration and community development efforts. + + + + + + + +Complementary currency systems for this purpose begin with knitting together a network of goods and service providers in an area surrounding environmental degradation and social needs. This business network develops a mutual-credit voucher among its members to exchange goods and services. Such credits promote economic development by providing a supplementary means of exchange when poverty and economic instability make national currency scarce. Members of the network can also use the voucher to pay local community associations for resource permits which then in turn pay for environmental management and preservation. Because the voucher is only redeemable with local businesses, the system promotes local trade and economic stability. Thus, the local community’s mandated payments to support resource management and other programs are in turn used to promote the local economy. + + + + + + + +Non-local businesses and other development actors can also take part through a matching funds program. Often community development and environmental programs need more than what a local community can provide in terms of local goods, labor and services. They also need infrastructure, like construction materials and expert training. The community collects membership fees in the mutual-credit that can be target local programs. Because these credits are backed by the goods and services of local businesses, they are an ideal means to measure how committed a community will be in joint development or environmental programs. This community fund in mutual-credit complementary currency is what we would like to see corporations and governments matching in national currency to actualize real development, lead by the communities themselves. + + + + + + + +These programs working on large regional scales is not only possible, but necessary, to carry out sustainable ecological and community programs on the scale required today. + diff --git a/content/blog/takaungu-pesa.rst b/content/blog/takaungu-pesa.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7306ba0 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/takaungu-pesa.rst @@ -0,0 +1,108 @@ +:title: Takaungu Pesa is here! +:author: Caroline Dama +:date: Nov 9, 2018 +:slug: takaungu-pesa + +:summary: The Vindakala Youth Bunge’s motto “Coming Together is Just The Beginning.” mirrors this excitement we have after the launch of Takaungu... + + + + +The Vindakala Youth Bunge’s motto “Coming Together is Just The Beginning.” mirrors this excitement we have after the launch of Takaungu Pesa (TK-Pesa) a new Community Currency in Kilifi, Kenya. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/takaungu-pesa21.webp + + + +As a youth group based in Takaungu-Kilifi county, one of the poorest counties in Kenya, Vindakala continuously must seek ways to support their livelihoods and that of their extended families. Hence self employment also known as “Hustling” becoming the means for survival. + + + + + + + + + + + +Vindakala Youth Bunge together with Green World Campaign Kenya and Grassroots Economics Foundation have implemented a combined community currency and food security program. This is an opportunity to not only incubate and develop local resources but also a chance to build social relationships within the community. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/takaungu-pesa47.webp + + + +On 9th November, 2018 the Vindakala Youth Bunge rallied the villagers of Takaungu to come and learn of the new ways of taking charge of their local economic development by taking part in the Takaungu Pesa, Community Currency programme. The day saw 322 locals and village elders from the area, women leaders, religious leaders, youth leaders, business people, fishermen and local politicians. + + + + + +On the agenda were Question and Answer sessions, skits, songs and dances which filled the air as the villagers came to a halt at Kayanda grounds where the launch was held. People assembled to celebrate oneness, the true spirit of community currencies signifying that coming together is just the beginning! + +In this first round, roughly 10000 KSH worth of TK-Pesa was issued to a first round of 20 users, shopkeepers, madrasas, fishermen, schools …. With about 20 TK-Pesa one is able to get a meal of chapati and beans or a small fish. + +How Community Currency works in Takaungu: + +Local businesses receive a free credit in TK-Pesa worth 200 Kenyan Shillings.. + +The businesses can trade it among each other and at designated hubs. These hubs like the local Coconut Oil Factory accept the TK-Pesa for a portion or the entire price of their goods. Then use it for operating expenses like buying coconuts and farm implements. Some TK-Pesa is collected in these hubs and used for environmental services and food security programs. These programs pay for communal farm labor and inputs. The food from these farms can be purchased using the TK-Pesa and the workers on the farms can use the TK-Pesa at all the other shops in the community. So the TK-Pesa continues to circulate even when Kenyan Shillings are commonly not available. + + + +Next Steps: + +After using the paper voucher versions of TK-Pesa for the next month we will introduce the digital system - which can be used on any type of phone (with or without internet). + + + +#Takaungu #Rural #Kenya #Kilifi #FoodSecurity #Fishing + + + +#Takaungu #Rural #Kenya #Kilifi #FoodSecurity #Fishing + + + +#Takaungu #Rural #Kenya #Kilifi #FoodSecurity #Fishing + + + +#Takaungu #Rural #Kenya #Kilifi #FoodSecurity #Fishing + + + +#Takaungu #Rural #Kenya #Kilifi #FoodSecurity #Fishing + + `#Takaungu `_ + +#Takaungu + + `#Rural `_ + +#Rural + + `#Kenya `_ + +#Kenya + + `#Kilifi `_ + +#Kilifi + + `#FoodSecurity `_ + +#FoodSecurity + + `#Fishing `_ + +#Fishing + diff --git a/content/blog/taxation-community.rst b/content/blog/taxation-community.rst index 4094cd0..33273c2 100644 --- a/content/blog/taxation-community.rst +++ b/content/blog/taxation-community.rst @@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ :date: 2 days ago :slug: taxation-community +:summary: Taxation of & in Community Currencies could be the largest and most stable tax source for governments. :tags: tax,taxation,demurrage,holding fees @@ -47,10 +48,12 @@ Generally community currency creators don't want to end funding to governments t **Demurrage on currency is a simple concept: currency decay over time (such as holding tax as a percentage deducted from all balances). This idea was created by the economist Silvio Gesell and first implemented Austrian town of Wörgl in 1932 with great success. It was created in order to reduce hoarding and encourage people to invest in local productive capacity - leaving currency as a medium of exchange and less of a form of savings. Rather than using paper currency and the purchase of stamps to keep your currency valuable, as was done in the 1930's we can use modern technology such as blockchain to create complete transparency and automation of tax collection. To use demurrage as taxation digitally today - this holding tax can be collected automatically using blockchain smart contracts and deposited into a public contract or Demurrage decentralized Autonomous Organization (DDAO). Anyone holding the currency would have a right to vote on the DDAO to determine where their demurrage goes. Governments could regulate these DDAO contracts to ensure a percentage goes to them - and they as well would be taxed on any unspent funds.** + Demurrage on currency is a simple concept: currency decay over time (such as holding tax as a percentage deducted from all balances). This idea was created by the economist Silvio Gesell and first implemented Austrian town of Wörgl in 1932 with great success. It was created in order to reduce hoarding and encourage people to invest in local productive capacity - leaving currency as a medium of exchange and less of a form of savings. Rather than using paper currency and the purchase of stamps to keep your currency valuable, as was done in the 1930's we can use modern technology such as blockchain to create complete transparency and automation of tax collection. To use demurrage as taxation digitally today - this holding tax can be collected automatically using blockchain smart contracts and deposited into a public contract or Demurrage decentralized Autonomous Organization (DDAO). Anyone holding the currency would have a right to vote on the DDAO to determine where their demurrage goes. Governments could regulate these DDAO contracts to ensure a percentage goes to them - and they as well would be taxed on any unspent funds. **Demurrage on currency is a simple concept: currency decay over time (such as holding tax as a percentage deducted from all balances). This idea was created by the economist Silvio Gesell and first implemented Austrian town of Wörgl in 1932 with great success. It was created in order to reduce hoarding and encourage people to invest in local productive capacity - leaving currency as a medium of exchange and less of a form of savings. Rather than using paper currency and the purchase of stamps to keep your currency valuable, as was done in the 1930's we can use modern technology such as blockchain to create complete transparency and automation of tax collection. To use demurrage as taxation digitally today - this holding tax can be collected automatically using blockchain smart contracts and deposited into a public contract or Demurrage decentralized Autonomous Organization (DDAO). Anyone holding the currency would have a right to vote on the DDAO to determine where their demurrage goes. Governments could regulate these DDAO contracts to ensure a percentage goes to them - and they as well would be taxed on any unspent funds.** + Demurrage on currency is a simple concept: currency decay over time (such as holding tax as a percentage deducted from all balances). This idea was created by the economist Silvio Gesell and first implemented Austrian town of Wörgl in 1932 with great success. It was created in order to reduce hoarding and encourage people to invest in local productive capacity - leaving currency as a medium of exchange and less of a form of savings. Rather than using paper currency and the purchase of stamps to keep your currency valuable, as was done in the 1930's we can use modern technology such as blockchain to create complete transparency and automation of tax collection. To use demurrage as taxation digitally today - this holding tax can be collected automatically using blockchain smart contracts and deposited into a public contract or Demurrage decentralized Autonomous Organization (DDAO). Anyone holding the currency would have a right to vote on the DDAO to determine where their demurrage goes. Governments could regulate these DDAO contracts to ensure a percentage goes to them - and they as well would be taxed on any unspent funds. @@ -63,6 +66,7 @@ In the above diagram you can see a community creating a Community Inclusion Curr **In the above diagram you can see a community creating a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) as a claim against their future production. Such a CIC could also be issued by a government or municipality as in the case of Wörgl against redemption in government services. These CIC tokens could intrinsically be taxable into a DDAO and a portion could go to local government while the rest goes back to the CIC users themselves. The CIC collected by government would have to be used or be taxed back into the DDAO and be again redistributed. This creates a virtuous cycle where local taxes are automatically collected and must be re-spent locally. Such a CIC tax could even be reissued by government as a basic income. Social service organizations and charities could show their CIC transaction volumes in order to convince the public and government to allocate (vote) CIC tax redistribution to them.** + In the above diagram you can see a community creating a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) as a claim against their future production. Such a CIC could also be issued by a government or municipality as in the case of Wörgl against redemption in government services. These CIC tokens could intrinsically be taxable into a DDAO and a portion could go to local government while the rest goes back to the CIC users themselves. The CIC collected by government would have to be used or be taxed back into the DDAO and be again redistributed. This creates a virtuous cycle where local taxes are automatically collected and must be re-spent locally. Such a CIC tax could even be reissued by government as a basic income. Social service organizations and charities could show their CIC transaction volumes in order to convince the public and government to allocate (vote) CIC tax redistribution to them. *In the above diagram you can see a community creating a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) as a claim against their future production. Such a CIC could also be issued by a government or municipality as in the case of Wörgl against redemption in government services. These CIC tokens could intrinsically be taxable into a DDAO and a portion could go to local government while the rest goes back to the CIC users themselves. The CIC collected by government would have to be used or be taxed back into the DDAO and be again redistributed. This creates a virtuous cycle where local taxes are automatically collected and must be re-spent locally. Such a CIC tax could even be reissued by government as a basic income. Social service organizations and charities could show their CIC transaction volumes in order to convince the public and government to allocate (vote) CIC tax redistribution to them.* @@ -72,6 +76,7 @@ In the above diagram you can see a community creating a Community Inclusion Curr **In the above diagram you can see a community creating a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) as a claim against their future production. Such a CIC could also be issued by a government or municipality as in the case of Wörgl against redemption in government services. These CIC tokens could intrinsically be taxable into a DDAO and a portion could go to local government while the rest goes back to the CIC users themselves. The CIC collected by government would have to be used or be taxed back into the DDAO and be again redistributed. This creates a virtuous cycle where local taxes are automatically collected and must be re-spent locally. Such a CIC tax could even be reissued by government as a basic income. Social service organizations and charities could show their CIC transaction volumes in order to convince the public and government to allocate (vote) CIC tax redistribution to them.** + In the above diagram you can see a community creating a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) as a claim against their future production. Such a CIC could also be issued by a government or municipality as in the case of Wörgl against redemption in government services. These CIC tokens could intrinsically be taxable into a DDAO and a portion could go to local government while the rest goes back to the CIC users themselves. The CIC collected by government would have to be used or be taxed back into the DDAO and be again redistributed. This creates a virtuous cycle where local taxes are automatically collected and must be re-spent locally. Such a CIC tax could even be reissued by government as a basic income. Social service organizations and charities could show their CIC transaction volumes in order to convince the public and government to allocate (vote) CIC tax redistribution to them. @@ -84,6 +89,7 @@ In the above video the Red Cross has introduced a CIC into a sub-county of Momba **In the above video the Red Cross has introduced a CIC into a sub-county of Mombasa. Every token (Sarafu) has a 2% a monthly demurrage (holding tax) that currently collected automatically and is redistributed to active users in the community. Over 3 Million USD of trade has happened on this network and nearly 20 Million Sarafu tokens have been issued nation wide to over 56,000 households. If the county or national government were to accept locally created credit for local taxation via automated demurrage it could pay for roads, schools, health services and even basic income to support those in need.** + For policy makers wanting to understand more contact us. diff --git a/content/blog/the-people.rst b/content/blog/the-people.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a817cb1 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/the-people.rst @@ -0,0 +1,277 @@ +:title: The people behind the transactions: a peek into the data of Kenya's most active Community Curren +:author: Paulina June +:date: Aug 29, 2019 +:slug: the-people + +:summary: Sarafu stands at the fore-front of digital community currencies offering novel ways to learn about the inner workings of local exchange syst + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/the-people18.webp + + + + + + + + + + **Sarafu stands at the fore-front of digital community currencies offering novel ways to learn about the inner workings of local exchange systems and study their impact hands-on.** + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/the-people42.webp + + + +Ndegwa lives in Peku, a rural village in Western Kenya, and supports his family of seven by selling peas and chicken to the community. The area, he explains, is challenged by seasonal droughts. With a high dependency on agriculture as a main source of income, he believes that this is perhaps one of the reasons why poverty, unemployment and food insecurity are considerable challenges in his community. + + + +In early 2019, Ndegwa started covering his daily expenses with not only Kenyan Shillings but also Sarafu. Sarafu is a network of community currencies operating in several slums and marginalized rural communities across Kenya. The community in Peku is using the local Sarafu token called Miyani, which is one of the most active in the network. Charging other users half in Kenyan Shillings (and the other half in Miyani), Miyani has helped Ndegwa to provide greater access to his products, gain more customers and save Kenyan Shillings for bigger investments beyond his daily consumption. + + + + + + + +The Sarafu Network is one of the first community currencies to switch to a digital, blockchain-based model and make it work on the ground. In the last eight months, more than 4000 users have set up a Sarafu wallet and have traded up to 500,000 Sarafu tokens per week. When the network of community currencies went digital, last year, it allowed its users to exchange Sarafu on any type of phone and in-between participating communities. Thus, making a prime case of how digital community currencies can help create resilient local economies in practice. + + + + + + + +Sarafu usage compared to household income in Kenyan Shillings differs widely across its users — some users seem to be substituting almost all of their income with Sarafu, others only a small percentage. The average Sarafu user in Miyani has around 5 other businesses they trade with and has made, rather irregularly, about 24 transactions in the past eight months. Ndegwa is part of a smaller, more active circuit of users. With an average of around 150 transactions per user this smaller set of users is driving the Sarafu trade volume (Diagram 1). + + + + + + + +Diagram 1: Users against transaction volume - All Time + + + +.. image:: images/blog/the-people77.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +Mary is an agent in Ndegwa´s community. She uses Sarafu to generate a source of income by facilitating the community to exchange Sarafu and Kenyan Shillings back and forth. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/the-people97.webp + + + +Besides her, three other family members support her family by working in agriculture. The users in Miyani and Peku come to her to exchange their Kenyan Shillings for Sarafu to be able to buy the community-produced maize flour once their own stacks of maize have run out and to save Sarafu in their savings groups. To her it seems like Sarafu has been given the specific role to facilitate the trade of both maize flour and treated water within the community. + + + + + + + +Sarafu appears to mobilize the local food and agriculture sectors. Almost half of the Sarafu trade volume is directed to users selling food and water (Diagram 2). Particularly, locally farmed products, vegetables, fish and traditional pastries are top items to be traded. In a small sample of 21 Sarafu users we find that on average 7% of the monthly food products are purchased with Sarafu and 1% of their monthly water expenditure is substituted with Sarafu. + + + + + + + +Diagram 2: Almost half of the Sarafu expenditure is directed to users selling food or water + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/the-people126.webp + + + + + + + +The Food Consumption Score (FCS) provides a common measure for food security that integrates dietary diversity and the frequency of food consumption weighted by the relative nutritional importance of the food consumed. According to the FCS over half of the users of the same sample show consumption patterns that are considered borderline or poor. Daily consumption of oil and sugar are very common. Meat, fish and vegetables can only be accessed on an irregular basis, thus, leaving most of the consumption to the main staple, maize. A community currency like Sarafu opens up new channels of local trade and help facilitate access to nutritious and sufficient food, thereby, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals from the bottom-up. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/the-people146.webp + + + +“Sarafu represents the people in Miyani and more people are needed so that we can do more business and save in our chamas (savings groups)” reports Dzame during her interview in Yowani, a village within walking distance to the main market in Miyani. The data across the 21 user profiles suggests that the Miyani Token provides a fruitful economic and social environment for a community currency to foster new avenues of exchange. Dzame is among the majority of the Sarafu-users interviewed that have lived in and around Miyani for more than 20 years. Almost all sell self-produced goods such as food, water or firewood to the community and their share of goods and services bought within the area is extremely high. Whilst this suggests rather traditional and stagnant economic patterns, it may be the closed economic loop that provides the necessary grip for a community currency to circulate more seamlessly and thereby stimulate local production and consumption. + + + + + + + +Both, the maize mill as well as local water tanks, have been externally placed into the community to seed local demand. A community farming project connected to a cooperative mill generates a maize reserve for the community and provides a good example for how agriculture projects can be connected to a complementary currency like the Sarafu Network. This suggests that using a local medium of exchange to facilitate collective farming can make a firm foundation for sustained local access to food. However, community currencies only become a long term sustainable tool themselves once the local circulation no longer depends primarily on a single business like the externally supported maize mill. + + + +Both, the maize mill as well as local water tanks, have been externally placed into the community to seed local demand. A community farming project connected to a cooperative mill generates a maize reserve for the community and provides a good example for how agriculture projects can be connected to a complementary currency like the Sarafu Network. This suggests that using a local medium of exchange to facilitate collective farming can make a firm foundation for sustained local access to food. However, community currencies only become a long term sustainable tool themselves once the local circulation no longer depends primarily on a single business like the externally supported maize mill. + + + + + + + +Going digital not only opens up a range of new, unexplored ways to exchange with each other but also allows us to learn about the inner workings of a community currency and how it can help communities address the challenges they face. With the field of digital community currencies still being relatively new, Sarafu provides a rare opportunity to trace exchange relations and study how community currencies impact the local economy and address under-utilized resources. How will the duration of usage and size of the network affect Sarafu? How are Sarafu and the Kenyan Shilling working alongside each other? And which complementary currency designs ensure just, equitable and self-sufficient implementations? Testing and understanding these questions are some of the exciting ways in which researchers can support community communities on the ground and help build networks of local thriving economies. + + + + + + + + + + + +P.S. A peek into the data - The following user-profiles spotlight how the community interacts with Sarafu: + + + + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/the-people190.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/the-people207.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/the-people224.webp + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +#Miyani #complementarycurrency #impacts + + + +#Miyani #complementarycurrency #impacts + + `#Miyani `_ + +#Miyani + + `#complementarycurrency `_ + +#complementarycurrency + + `#impacts `_ + +#impacts + diff --git a/content/blog/tiwi-orphans.rst b/content/blog/tiwi-orphans.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..75da3f2 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/tiwi-orphans.rst @@ -0,0 +1,84 @@ +:title: Tiwi Orphans Visit +:author: Jacky Kowa +:date: Dec 26, 2012 +:slug: tiwi-orphans + +:summary: This visit is different, we sat down to eat together and had a frank chat. Am grateful The Koru team visited a village in Tiwi, which had... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/tiwi-orphans18.webp + + + + + + + + + + + +This visit is different, we sat down to eat together and had a frank chat. Am grateful + + + +The Koru team visited a village in Tiwi, which had mobilized 21 orphans to share a meal and life stories. The 4 hours visit was supported by Koru, organized by the community health workers who requested for the support. + + + + + + + +Before lunch, introduction was done and stories like the ones below, had to be told, for climatization. + + + +Am 13 years old girl, I live with my 5 siblings. Our parents died of HIV and 'Nyanya' or grandmother is taking care of us. Nyanya wakes up very early in the morning to make breakfast for sale. This is helping 3 of us to go to school but currently, we were chased out of school. Nyanya has to pay for a loan that she took before we go back to school. + + + + + + + +I don't know my age, was chased out of primary school because am epileptic and I was told that I scare other kids. I clean people's houses and wash clothes. I cannot cook though. I wish I would go back to school but its sounds impossible. Am interested with starting a small food selling business to help my grandmother, my brother will also go back to school. + + + + + + + +Community Service is a central part of our work. This is the time to listen to sincere community burdens. Participatory approaches, through the community's effort will be facilitated by Koru to ensure that strategies that make sense are implemented. Walk with us. + + + +#kenya #coast #orphans #communityservice + + + +#kenya #coast #orphans #communityservice + + + +#kenya #coast #orphans #communityservice + + `#kenya `_ + +#kenya + + `#coast `_ + +#coast + + `#orphans `_ + +#orphans + + `#communityservice `_ + +#communityservice + diff --git a/content/blog/trading-the.rst b/content/blog/trading-the.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..71fdeaa --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/trading-the.rst @@ -0,0 +1,137 @@ +:title: Trading the First Tomatoes on the Blockchain +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Aug 8, 2018 +:slug: trading-the + +:summary: Caption: Mama Evelin (right) in Bangladesh, Mombasa learns to trade her Bangla-Pesa using the Bancor Wallet; taught by Ruth Ngau of... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/trading-the18.webp + + *Caption: Mama Evelin (right) in Bangladesh, Mombasa learns to trade her Bangla-Pesa using the Bancor Wallet; taught by Ruth Ngau of Grassroots Economics (left).* + + + + + + +Thanks to Bancor, blockchain is finally becoming a tool we can use to fight poverty. + + + + + + + +Yesterday we had an amazing day in Mombasa field-testing the Bancor Wallet on POA network to enable zero-transaction fees and fast payments for local transactions. As tomatoes and chapati changed hands, local shop owners and their customers marked the first-ever community currency transactions on the blockchain. More broadly, we are digitizing and tokenizing the Sarafu-Credit system of paper currencies that began with the Bangla-Pesa in 2013. + + + +Yesterday we had an amazing day in Mombasa field-testing the Bancor Wallet on POA network to enable zero-transaction fees and fast payments for local transactions. As tomatoes and chapati changed hands, local shop owners and their customers marked the first-ever community currency transactions on the blockchain. More broadly, we are digitizing and tokenizing the Sarafu-Credit system of paper currencies that began with the Bangla-Pesa in 2013. + + `Sarafu-Credit system `_ + + + + + +Now community members like Mama Evelin (in the photo above) can: + + + +Now community members like Mama Evelin (in the photo above) can: + + + +Now community members like Mama Evelin (in the photo above) can: + + * Trade any amount of Bangla-Pesa (we never had below a 5 paper denomination due to cost of printing.) + * Keep a digital record of transactions which are stored securely on the blockchain. + * Exchange their Bangla-Pesa for Ng’ombeni-Pesa (another neighboring community currency that couldn’t be easily converted to before.) + * Advertise on a community marketplace to get wider awareness of their goods. + * Easily locate and buy goods and services in the community when Kenyan Shillings are not available - with no transaction fees and verification in seconds. + * Easily send local tokens unrelated to commercial transactions to friends and family instantly and without fees. + * And much more to come, such as voting systems, SMS notifications and more. + + + + + + +For Grassroots Economics and similar Community Currency creators this means: + + + +For Grassroots Economics and similar Community Currency creators this means: + + + +For Grassroots Economics and similar Community Currency creators this means: + + * Creating a currency takes a few minutes. All you have to do is specify your token supply and decide which tokens to connect it to in your network. + * We have the security of the blockchain - meaning that the ledger of transactions and the supply of community currency tokens are in a safe, decentralized place - distributed across the Internet and transparent for all to see. + * Designing a customized currency just became much much easier: economic incentives, taxation, demurrage, community funds, voting systems and more can be built directly on the Bancor Liquid Token smart contract. + * The cost to develop a community currency has dropped to training and implementation - rather than the cumbersome and costly process of printing paper vouchers or paying service fees and licences to digital providers. + * Teams can focus on their users, rather than the backend technology. This will go a long way in communities where resources are scarce to begin with. + + + + + + +What makes these tokens special is their ability to connect to one another (meaning be easily convertible back and forth without exchanges) - building a decentralized economy of currencies powered by the Bancor Protocol. These currencies can be designed using their smart contract to share assets, deploy a UBI and facilitate voting and community services. Fundamentally, blockchain-based community currencies can empower women like Evelin to develop zero-interest credit that is usable among her network. The World Bank claims there is a 2+ trillion dollar deficit in the credit supply -- this solution could pull communities out of poverty, increasing trade and local resilience. + + + +What makes these tokens special is their ability to connect to one another (meaning be easily convertible back and forth without exchanges) - building a decentralized economy of currencies powered by the Bancor Protocol. These currencies can be designed using their smart contract to share assets, deploy a UBI and facilitate voting and community services. Fundamentally, blockchain-based community currencies can empower women like Evelin to develop zero-interest credit that is usable among her network. The World Bank claims there is a 2+ trillion dollar deficit in the credit supply -- this solution could pull communities out of poverty, increasing trade and local resilience. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/trading-the96.webp + + + + + + + +There is still a lot to do and we need everyone's support to really make this a tool that can be used around the world. We look forward to our first usability pilot in rural areas and Nairobi to give us all the use cases and success stories to help us make the case. Onward! + + + + + + + +#blockchain #kenya #banglapesa #bancor + + + +#blockchain #kenya #banglapesa #bancor + + + +#blockchain #kenya #banglapesa #bancor + + `#blockchain `_ + +#blockchain + + `#kenya `_ + +#kenya + + `#banglapesa `_ + +#banglapesa + + `#bancor `_ + +#bancor + diff --git a/content/blog/tree-of.rst b/content/blog/tree-of.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c4b2f2a --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/tree-of.rst @@ -0,0 +1,60 @@ +:title: Tree of Knowledge and Pit of Ignorance: Aid vs. Development +:author: Crystal Kigoni +:date: Feb 8, 2018 +:slug: tree-of + +:summary: Since beginning in the field of “development” over 10 years ago every time I visit a new community I find there is a lack of... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/tree-of18.webp + + + + + + + +Since beginning in the field of “development” over 10 years ago every time I visit a new community I find there is a lack of understanding between the concepts of aid and development. To describe the differences, I borrowed a chart from the famous book “Where There Is No Doctor” by Hesperian Press. The chart is intended to detail two types of healthcare, but can be applied generally to any intervention or program intended to serve the poor, including income generation. The tree and the field represent the “Land of Knowledge”. This heavenly land is where all the people who have had the opportunity for education and social mobility live. It is the realm of doctors and nurses, but also of economists, scholars, and professional aid workers. These people who have been able to make educational advancement have two choices for interacting with the people who have been trapped in what we call “the pit of ignorance”. Those trapped in the pit of ignorance have had limited opportunities for education and advancement typically due to the cyclical nature of extreme poverty. + + + + + + + +On one side of the image we show a doctor throwing medicines into the pit with little concern as to how or if the fellow in the pit ever sees the light of day. This shows the aid approach which believes when someone has a need, it is suitable to meet that need temporarily and immediately without concerns of bringing someone out of the pit, but keeps them alive. Aid is like putting a bandaid to a gaping wound and expecting it to stop bleeding. It creates dependency and a loss of freedom. The person in the pit needs someone from the land of knowledge to come and save them in order survive. The person in the pit grows accustomed to his depency so spends the rest of their live languishing and waiting for handouts. + + + + + + + +On the other side of the image, we show a man from the land of knowledge offer a rope to the person in the pit so they can now begin to climb out and feel the sunshine in the land of knowledge. This side shows sustainable development. It is not a quick fix or temporary approach but one that prioritizes the long term impact of working with the disadvantaged and removing their barriers to a level playing field. Helping others to learn to care for themselves encourages self reliance and equity. + + + + + + + +The difference between these two approaches can be clearly illustrated through Grassroots Economics community currency programs. If the organization decided people need money and sent a one time cash transfer, that transfer would last a few days before perhaps even weeks before the individual will ask for another transfer. That would be an aid driven model which would be discontinued at the end of the program, leaving the individual in a similar position to where she began. The program may have saved her temporarily, but as soon as the grant or funding expires all impact vanishes like nothing was ever done. + + + + + + + +In the case of Grassroots Economics programs, a virtual rope to financial sustainability is lowered into the pit. By leveraging organizations and structures already in the community, our programs help individuals to learn about entrepreneurship and how a means of exchange can help communities to use their own resources more effectively and efficiently to improve their lives. This change is lasting, sustainable and can properly be termed development. + + + + + + + +Both aid and development have their roles and ways of serving the needs of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized. Depending on the context, one approach may prove superior to the other in tackling tough problems. In the case of complex emergencies such as weather disasters, aid is vital to saving lives that very instant. However building strong and resilient communities requires a different approach. It requires using the resources available in the community to better provide for its members and fostering empowerment through education and opportunities. So next time you hear about a project, ask yourself is it aid or is it development. You might be surprised at your answer. + diff --git a/content/blog/un-announcement.rst b/content/blog/un-announcement.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..16e6904 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/un-announcement.rst @@ -0,0 +1,180 @@ +:title: UN Announcement of Liquid Community Currencies +:author: Lynda Chalker +:date: Nov 5, 2018 +:slug: un-announcement + +:summary: On October 25th Will Ruddick along with Galia Bernartzi from Bancor addressed the UN regarding the potential impacts of blockchain technolog + + + + +On October 25th, Will Ruddick along with Galia Bernartzi from Bancor addressed a packed audience at the UN regarding the potential impacts of blockchain technology enabled Community Currencies, on marginalized communities world wide. This was a ground breaking moment to show case the ability to connect currencies, to each other and the world, with automated exchange rates. + + + + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/un-announcement27.webp + + + + + + + +Grassroots Economics Foundation pioneers the use of blockchain technology in Kenya, where communities will have the autonomy to create their own Liquid Community Currencies (LCCs) and trade among themselves. With no internet access needed, this block chain technology will reach millions of users by SMS/USSD creating a decentralized financial system. This empowers economic development practices, that enable communities to develop and trade their own interest free form of credit; backed by their own productive capacity. + + + +In lieu of creating exchanges between communities, Bancor offers a smart contract that allows Liquid Community Currencies to automatically trade with one another across markets. By virtue of this, LCCs will be able to develop thriving economies. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/un-announcement50.webp + + + + + + + +Themed "Blockchains for Social Impact, at the UN Geneva," Will Ruddick (The Pioneer of Community currencies in Kenya) presented research from Universities worldwide on impacts related to Grassroots Economics' Community Currencies and the shift to blockchain technology which enables large data sets of transactions to be analysed. + + + +Themed "Blockchains for Social Impact, at the UN Geneva," Will Ruddick (The Pioneer of Community currencies in Kenya) presented research from Universities worldwide on impacts related to Grassroots Economics' Community Currencies and the shift to blockchain technology which enables large data sets of transactions to be analysed. + + + +Themed "Blockchains for Social Impact, at the UN Geneva," Will Ruddick (The Pioneer of Community currencies in Kenya) presented research from Universities worldwide on impacts related to Grassroots Economics' Community Currencies and the shift to blockchain technology which enables large data sets of transactions to be analysed. + + ` `_ `The Pioneer of Community currencies in Kenya `_ + +He exemplified how this technological development offers a platform to engage people currently outside the formal financial system, mentioning that, " Through Block chain Liquid Community Currencies address the financial inclusion gap existing among people underserved by current financial solutions." + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/un-announcement78.webp + + + + + + + +Galia Benartzi, Bancor reinforced this by stating that, "It is unlikely that the money system that created the need for the SDGs is the same that will be able to solve them. We must think outside the box." She says. Bancor alongside Grassroots Economics was mentioned as the leading example of Blockchain usage for Sustainable Development. It was positioned as the infrastructure to enable the next +10,000 Currencies for Sustainable Development and Grassroots Economics as the implementer. + + + + + + + +This exciting week at the UN provided a platform to validate how the implementation of blockchain technology in Kenya by Grassroots Economics, will increase local trade and overall economic stability by addressing multiple derivations targeted by the UN. Many NGOs were interested in setting up Liquid Community Currencies as they realized it was possible to track Sustainable Development Goals through transparent blockchain technology hence offering real solutions to worldwide problems. + + + +This exciting week at the UN provided a platform to validate how the implementation of blockchain technology in Kenya by Grassroots Economics, will increase local trade and overall economic stability by addressing multiple derivations targeted by the UN. Many NGOs were interested in setting up Liquid Community Currencies as they realized it was possible to track Sustainable Development Goals through transparent blockchain technology hence offering real solutions to worldwide problems. + + `Grassroots Economics `_ + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/un-announcement107.webp + + + + + + + + Subscribe on our website to never miss an update! + + + + Subscribe on our website to never miss an update! + + + + Subscribe on our website to never miss an update! + + + + Subscribe on our website to never miss an update! + + `Subscribe `_ `Sign up to identify yourself as an early adoptor and contributor. `_ + + + + + + + + + +#LiquidCommunityCurrency #Blockchain #whitepaper #UN #SDG #Bancor #Binance + + + +#LiquidCommunityCurrency #Blockchain #whitepaper #UN #SDG #Bancor #Binance + + + +#LiquidCommunityCurrency #Blockchain #whitepaper #UN #SDG #Bancor #Binance + + + +#LiquidCommunityCurrency #Blockchain #whitepaper #UN #SDG #Bancor #Binance + + + +#LiquidCommunityCurrency #Blockchain #whitepaper #UN #SDG #Bancor #Binance + + + +#LiquidCommunityCurrency #Blockchain #whitepaper #UN #SDG #Bancor #Binance + + `#LiquidCommunityCurrency `_ + +#LiquidCommunityCurrency + + `#Blockchain `_ + +#Blockchain + + `#whitepaper `_ + +#whitepaper + + `#UN `_ + +#UN + + `#SDG `_ + +#SDG + + `#Bancor `_ + +#Bancor + + `#Binance `_ + +#Binance + diff --git a/content/blog/universal-basic.rst b/content/blog/universal-basic.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8b8984f --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/universal-basic.rst @@ -0,0 +1,128 @@ +:title: Universal Basic Income via Community Currencies +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Aug 21, 2017 +:slug: universal-basic + +:summary: Universal Basic Income (UBI), as currently under trial in Kenya by GiveDirectly, gives regular donations to individuals in selected... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/universal-basic18.webp + + + + + + + +Universal Basic Income (UBI), as currently under trial in Kenya by GiveDirectly, gives regular donations to individuals in selected communities. According to GiveDirectly, these donations allow people living in poverty to save money and invest, without the typical high overhead cost of administration facing NGOs. GiveDirectly is part of a popular wave of cash transfers, with remarkable examples such as the Bolsa Familia in Brazil, which provides direct funds to about 14 million families (2012 figures). Still, history tells us that ‘the next big thing in development’ (such as microfinance in the 90s) will need a thorough review. + + + + + + + +The idea that just giving people money (without NGOs involved) in a developing country such as Kenya will enable people to engage in economic opportunities, get out of poverty and send their children to school, is highly appealing. GiveDirectly’s UBI certainly meets the ‘paternalism test’ as used by Guy Standing: “a policy can only be just if it doesn’t impose controls on some groups that are not imposed on the most free groups in society.” But critics would say that in GiveDirectly’s pilots, poor people are still dependent on and subjected to the goodwill of the rich whose wealth may come in part from exploiting resources and cheap labor. + + + + + + + +One of the prominent scholars on cash transfers, Christopher Blattman, argues that without the necessary supply-side provided by the government such as good education and health care, a basic income cannot function. Blattman considered political stability, economic certainty and establishing small and large firms far more important to foster the wealth of people in a country. Scouring inequality levels largely set in motion by the Structural Adjustment Programs imposed by the IMF on Kenya in the 1980s and 1990s, it is extremely hard to see how this debt will be reversed by donating small amounts to a selection of poor people. + + + + + + + +These challenges have not deterred the current trials of UBI in Kenya, but may thwart long term change. With the goal of developing sustainable local economies in mind, one key question Grassroots Economics asks is, what is an appropriate and sustainable source of basic income?We, among many scholars, economists, activist and communities, believe that changing the type of currency used in the fight to end poverty is the key ingredient in seeing lasting and significant change. + + + + + + + +What if the source for the basic income was from the community itself? Community currencies have been piloted in Kenya since 2010 and are showing promising results. Grassroots Economics develops cooperative businesses within communities, providing a collateral source for vouchers that are issued as an interest-free credit to community members as well as for social and environmental services. These vouchers circulate in the community and can be used at any shop, school, clinic or cooperative businesses, and form a stable medium of exchange when the Kenyan Shilling is lacking. This injection of money (liquidity) into the community in the form of a community currency, based on local assets, increases local sales and helps directly develop the local economy. + + + + + + + +A basic income in community currency based on cooperative assets such as fish farms, maize mills, coconut oil and wholesale shops, could be more effective than basic income based on donor funds. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/universal-basic68.webp + + + + + + + +As shown in the diagram above, in this paradigm money for donations, cash transfers and UBI are pooled and put into developing cooperative assets. Following which: 1) Cooperative business profits and assets are issued as vouchers to the community as a basic income. 2) All businesses within the community can accept and trade these vouchers which act as a community currency that increases local liquidity and circulation. 3) Finally anyone can use the vouchers at the cooperative businesses, where they are then reissued to the community, completing the cycle. + + + + + + + +Community currencies enable the funding to be more effective, as they encourage circulation in the community long term, increasing local trade, and thus economic development. As more and more cooperative businesses are developed, their assets are issued as more vouchers to more families across the community and can be used at any shop or school in the community. While the impact may not be as fast, over time, a UBI based on Community Currency could outpace one funded by donor support. By directly developing cooperative assets into a system that distributes assets and profits to the greater community, community currencies can directly effect local development and outlast all forms of donation-driven cash transfer. + + + + + + + +While studies are currently underway on Universal Basic Income it is important to also test other models. To address which model of basic income would be faster and more cost effective at developing local sustainability, pilots and RCTs on community currencies as a source of basic income are needed and are being sought by several universities around the globe. + + + +#UBI #communitycurrencies #research #cashtransfers #donations + + + +#UBI #communitycurrencies #research #cashtransfers #donations + + + +#UBI #communitycurrencies #research #cashtransfers #donations + + + +#UBI #communitycurrencies #research #cashtransfers #donations + + `#UBI `_ + +#UBI + + `#communitycurrencies `_ + +#communitycurrencies + + `#research `_ + +#research + + `#cashtransfers `_ + +#cashtransfers + + `#donations `_ + +#donations + diff --git a/content/blog/university-of.rst b/content/blog/university-of.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d4a260a --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/university-of.rst @@ -0,0 +1,53 @@ +:title: University of Nairobi Research Visit +:author: Muthoni Kiguru +:date: Jul 31, 2014 +:slug: university-of + +:summary: “…I no longer sleep hungry. Even without the Kenyan money, I still have Bangla Pesa. I will survive one more day. This money never ends…”... + + + + +“…I no longer sleep hungry. Even without the Kenyan money, I still have Bangla Pesa. I will survive one more day. This money never ends…” Awour, Bangla Pesa user. + + + + + +This inspiring statement keeps ringing in my mind. When I visited Bangladesh for a research visit for my studies at the University of Nairobi, I also sought to understand how the Bangla Pesa works as I intend to be part of the Nairobi Bangla Pesa’s in Kangemi and Kawangware. + + + + + + + +Bangladesh is not your typical slum. The happy children, vibrant roadside businesses and the optimism within the community is enough to overshadow that the poor infrastructure, lack of land rights, poor sanitation among other problems that face this community. Emma Onyango, the BBN secretary gave me an all round tour of this village, where at the tip of it all, lies a scenic breath-taking view of the ocean. That said, I got to meet the BBN chair: Paul Mwololo, the BBN treasurer: Titus Mangenda and other users of Bangla Pesa, such as Clement Ochieng, Awour among others. + + + + +Bangla Pesa is used almost anywhere-shops, churches, schools, roadside businesses, salons and it buys almost anything. During the day its usage is a bit low, but in the evening, it picks up as people shop for food and other supplies. The least amount used daily is about 20BPs while the highest went to about 160BPs. While most people understood how the Bangla Pesa works, a few people could be saving while others refuse to accept it despite being BBN members. These cases are however too few to affect the volumes of Bangla Pesa in circulation. The local businesses are the biggest users and beneficiaries of the BP’s but the currency also takes care of the unemployed youth through the community fund kitty. This is not free money though. The youth have to provide an community duty such as clean ups to earn from this kitty. They in turn use the BPs in local business to purchase day today needs. + + + + +Bangla Pesa is used almost anywhere-shops, churches, schools, roadside businesses, salons and it buys almost anything. During the day its usage is a bit low, but in the evening, it picks up as people shop for food and other supplies. The least amount used daily is about 20BPs while the highest went to about 160BPs. While most people understood how the Bangla Pesa works, a few people could be saving while others refuse to accept it despite being BBN members. These cases are however too few to affect the volumes of Bangla Pesa in circulation. The local businesses are the biggest users and beneficiaries of the BP’s but the currency also takes care of the unemployed youth through the community fund kitty. This is not free money though. The youth have to provide an community duty such as clean ups to earn from this kitty. They in turn use the BPs in local business to purchase day today needs. + + + + +Bangla Pesa is used almost anywhere-shops, churches, schools, roadside businesses, salons and it buys almost anything. During the day its usage is a bit low, but in the evening, it picks up as people shop for food and other supplies. The least amount used daily is about 20BPs while the highest went to about 160BPs. While most people understood how the Bangla Pesa works, a few people could be saving while others refuse to accept it despite being BBN members. These cases are however too few to affect the volumes of Bangla Pesa in circulation. The local businesses are the biggest users and beneficiaries of the BP’s but the currency also takes care of the unemployed youth through the community fund kitty. This is not free money though. The youth have to provide an community duty such as clean ups to earn from this kitty. They in turn use the BPs in local business to purchase day today needs. + + + + + + + +The Bangla Pesa Network has allowed the members to network to know each other, learn from each other, boost community security, participate in merry go rounds. Individually, the members get to save the Kenyan shilling while purchasing day to day supplies using the Bangla Pesa. + + + +The Bangla Visit gave me hope, given that despite all the hurdles Mombasa the Bangla Pesa went through it has survived to see that the poor in have options and are not pre-determined to live poverty. With the Nairobi Bangla Pesa receiving favorable government support, a bright future is in the offing. + diff --git a/content/blog/update-from.rst b/content/blog/update-from.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..db72148 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/update-from.rst @@ -0,0 +1,100 @@ +:title: Update from Kangemi-Pesa Nairobi +:author: Robin Gerbaux +:date: Jun 8, 2015 +:slug: update-from + +:summary: It has been only 2 months since the members of Kangemi Business Network launched their community currency and received their 400... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/update-from18.webp + + + + + + + +It has been only 2 months since the members of Kangemi Business Network launched their community currency and received their 400 Kangemi-Pesa (~$4USD) thanks in large part to Nyendo-lernen schools program. Since then, regular monitoring has been conducted under the supervision of the local committee (Kangemi Business Network) and the feedback collected from the users are very promising. + + + + + + + +Indeed, thanks to the regular training given by the volunteers and the local committee, it didn’t take long for the members to understand its functioning and start using it. The first general meeting organized few weeks ago also permitted them to meet each other and form trading circles according to their location. + + + + + + + +The typical member of the network is a small business selling products or services answering the daily needs of the community (Food, Education, charcoal, groceries…). He/she is using between 50 to 100 Kangemi-Pesa (0.5-1$) a day with 2 to 5 other members. + + + + + + + +One of the members is producing flippers (sandals) made from used tires. This kind of flipper is locally produced and made from recycled trash, highly resistant and adapted to the muddy roads of the slums. He receives and spend on a daily basis an average of 100 Kangemi-Pesa (1$). + + + + + + + +“Kangemi Pesa is very good, when I don’t have money and have Kangemi pesa it’s like if I have real money in my pocket, I can eat there” said another member selling pants on the side of the road speaking about an hotel (little restaurant) nearby. Grace, the owner of the hotel, spends and receives an average of 60 Kangemi Pesa daily and she is very happy about it too. “The members around me buy me Chai (tea) and Chapatis (a kind of pancake) during the day using Kangemi Pesa and I use it in their businesses to buy clothes, water and products for my business, I’m buying sugar and tea leaves from a member down there”. + + + + + + + +Moreover, the network is likely to keep growing. After having heard about the success of the currency, some of her costumers, non members have expressed their desire to join the network. “They come and ask if they can pay in Kangemi Pesa to test me and to see if the network is serious before they join”. + + + + + + + +But the businesses are not the only ones part of the network. Eight schools in Kangemi are also using Kangemi-Pesa. Members having their kids at these schools can pay part of the tuition and school fees with it. “Six of my parents are members and the Kangemi-Pesa is helping them. They use it to pay for tuition, 10 Kangemi-Pesa. And one of the parent gave me 100 Kangemi-Pesa to pay a part of the school fees” - Elizabeth, a headmaster of a small school and member of the network. + + + + + + + +However, even if some of its members already feel the benefits of Kangemi-Pesa, the network is still in its stabilizing stage and some of the members don’t know where are located the others or are more isolated weakening the circulation of the currency; but the committee is busy working on solutions to these issues. + + + + + + + +A business directory is currently being created and will be given to each member, allowing him/her to know where are located the others and what they are selling. Additionally, a community clean up will take place this Saturday. This event among other things will raise awareness among the community about the currency and should make other businesses to join us in this exciting adventure! + + + + + + + +About the author - Robin Gerbaux is studying International Development Studies as a graduate student at the Université Joseph Fourier, in Grenoble, France. He has been investigating community currencies while living in Nairobi. + + + + + + + +Many thanks to our partners Nyendo-lernen and Lush Cosmetics for making this a reality. + diff --git a/content/blog/use-cases.rst b/content/blog/use-cases.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8f07012 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/use-cases.rst @@ -0,0 +1,125 @@ +:title: Use Cases - Honoring 2018 +:author: Lynda Chalker +:date: Dec 21, 2018 +:slug: use-cases + +:summary: Closing 2018 with a bang! We mark the end of 2018 and the beginning of this festive season by honoring schools, clinics, micro and small... + + + + +Closing 2018 with a bang! We mark the end of 2018 and the beginning of this festive season by honoring schools, clinics, micro and small businesses who empowered themselves economically through Community Currency. Business people across communities in Kibera, Kangemi and Kawangware came together today to share how the use of Sarafu-Credit has impacted their lives as they joined in the merry of economic empowerment highlighting their self development. Honoring these micro businesses serves as a motivation for people to take charge of their lives and focus on empowering themselves and others in the community that chronically lacks national currency. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/use-cases24.webp + + + + + + + +Rose Ongoche (pictured above), a business woman who sells Maandazis and doughnuts in Kangemi, says only one month has passed since she enrolled in the system and received 400 Kangemi-Pesa tokens to facilitate her trading with members in the community. Rose recalls, "I have been selling maandazis using Community Currency to customers and the neighboring business people who frequent my shack every morning. Since I joined the network about a month ago, I have come to realize its benefits in ways I could not imagine at first. Most importantly, is how tokens can be transacted easily and fast without needing change. This helps since I can serve more customers without having to go from shop to shop looking for change which can get hectic especially in the morning hours." As a staunch user in the journey of economic discovery she plans to introduce and educate her friends and other businesses in the Sarafu-Network. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/use-cases44.webp + + + + + + + +In Kibera, Razao Kivinza (pictured above) who sells clothes by the roadside delighted in the chance to be able to show the versatility of M-Sarafu tokens. she was introduced into the system by her friends who trade amongst themselves within the neighborhood. But she claimed to only notice them using the tokens to buy food and vegetables. Until one time she was approached by a friend who explained to her that the platform hosts categories for different businesses and so she could also use her tokens to sell clothes and cater for her daily needs. + + + + + + + +“Today I am very happy to have the chance to have my business showcased to others, as I learn the different ways to work with more community members and and how we could sustain our local economy. It is a chance to network, learn and braid the rope with different traders." + + + + + + *'Braiding the Rope' is the term we use for the process of bringing people into the network. People in the community learn from each other and begin to trade with each-other and bring in other traders from their daily life which causes the network to organically grow. Witnessing this organic growth recorded on the blockchain is amazing.* + + +'Braiding the Rope' is the term we use for the process of bringing people into the network. People in the community learn from each other and begin to trade with each-other and bring in other traders from their daily life which causes the network to organically grow. Witnessing this organic growth recorded on the blockchain is amazing. + + + + + + + +Each digital trade (using feature phones with no internet) uses the Bancor Protocol to track trade deficits between communities in the network and impact data from each transaction is stored on the POA.network blockchain. + + + + + + + +These examples highlight the proof of impact Community Currency continues to make, across users in underserved communities in Kenya. It reinforces that building community economies by use of Liquid Community Currencies is the start of addressing money scarcity and triggering resilient circulation which creates access to education, food, clinics and general goods and services. + + + + + + + +#cryptocurrency #blockchain #impact #sustainabledevelopment #Kenya #communitycurrency + + + +#cryptocurrency #blockchain #impact #sustainabledevelopment #Kenya #communitycurrency + + + +#cryptocurrency #blockchain #impact #sustainabledevelopment #Kenya #communitycurrency + + + +#cryptocurrency #blockchain #impact #sustainabledevelopment #Kenya #communitycurrency + + + +#cryptocurrency #blockchain #impact #sustainabledevelopment #Kenya #communitycurrency + + `#cryptocurrency `_ + +#cryptocurrency + + `#blockchain `_ + +#blockchain + + `#impact `_ + +#impact + + `#sustainabledevelopment `_ + +#sustainabledevelopment + + `#Kenya `_ + +#Kenya + + `#communitycurrency `_ + +#communitycurrency + diff --git a/content/blog/wanjala-visits.rst b/content/blog/wanjala-visits.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4bcc295 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/wanjala-visits.rst @@ -0,0 +1,78 @@ +:title: Wanjala Visits Bangladesh +:author: Francis Wanjala +:date: Jul 29, 2014 +:slug: wanjala-visits + +:summary: Francis Wanjala is the headmaster at Sifa Childrens Home in Nairobi. After making his first trip to Mombasa he shared with us his... + + + + +Francis Wanjala is the headmaster at Sifa Childrens Home in Nairobi. After making his first trip to Mombasa he shared with us his experiences and desire to bring the program to Nairobi. + + + + + + + +“Today I came to Bangaladesh, Mombasa where I was invited by Mr Will Ruddick to understand how Bangla-Pesa works,I first met the committee members who gave me briefs on how the program is being implimented. Then we walked around where I could see wall paintings at most shops, clinics, burchery, hotels, shoesmaker, etc. written Bangla-Pesa inatumika hapa “Bangla-Pesa is used here”. I walked in each place and the program was explained so well how it works. It made me to see it so real and working. + + + + + + + +The committee took me to one of the public school (St Mary's primary school in where Bangla is being used, I met the headteacher who welcomed us in his office and shared to us how bangla works in school. He showed us some of the Bangla Pesa he was having. He said that parents who are members in the network use Bangla to pay school tuition and in turn it is used to buy water, tea and chapatis for teachers. + + + + + +I was taken to some private schools. St Paul whereby I meet Mr Benard who said they are accepting Bangla when parents pay fees and tuition and it turn spend it to pay staffs and other expenses of the school. + + + + + + + +I visited St. Angeline where I meet Mr Celement who shared with me the same experience. + + + + + + + +It is a fact that this is one of the most exciting program I have come to learn about. It is my high time to introduce the same in Gatina Location (inside Kawangware, Nairobi) in our organization (Gatina Business Organization) This program if it is adopted by the government on this community currency will help to alleviate poverty and encourage members to save National currency.” + + + + + + + +Wanjala's school in Nairobi (Sifa Children's Home) is one of three (including Kanrorosha and Kangemi Youth) that are in part supported through Nyendo-lernen and are making great strides in creating their own community currencies. + + + +#education #schoolfees #bangla + + + +#education #schoolfees #bangla + + `#education `_ + +#education + + `#schoolfees `_ + +#schoolfees + + `#bangla `_ + +#bangla + diff --git a/content/blog/when-a.rst b/content/blog/when-a.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1e13087 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/when-a.rst @@ -0,0 +1,187 @@ + + +Community-based savings and loans are often what keep under-resourced economies afloat. In Kenya, these savings groups or chamas, as they are locally known, are an important source of funds in times of scarcity. We zone in on some of the women who use Sarafu to show how the community currency has enabled them to increase their savings. + + *Community-based savings and loans are often what keep under-resourced economies afloat. In Kenya, these savings groups or chamas, as they are locally known, are an important source of funds in times of scarcity. We zone in on some of the women who use Sarafu to show how the community currency has enabled them to increase their savings.* + + +Community-based savings and loans are often what keep under-resourced economies afloat. In Kenya, these savings groups or chamas, as they are locally known, are an important source of funds in times of scarcity. We zone in on some of the women who use Sarafu to show how the community currency has enabled them to increase their savings. + + + + + + **How it works: Reba's story** + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/when-a32.webp + + + + + + + +Reba has been part of the Sarafu network since 2016. She is a self-employed weaver and bead worker so it’s important to her that she is able to set aside enough Kenyan shillings to buy the materials she needs to make her scarves, jewellery, bags and wallets. Her primary market is her immediate community and she often accepts payments in Sarafu, which she then uses to buy food or to pay the school fees of the two pupils she sponsors at Skylife Academy. + + + + + + + + + + + +Reba believes in the power of collective saving. Since using Sarafu, she has not only seen an increase in her number of customers, but has also been able to set aside more money per month towards her chama. Reba’s chama is called Joywo – the Joyful Women’s Organization. Every month, twenty members contribute a portion of their savings that gets pooled together and loaned out on a rotating basis. Interest is typically charged at 10% and by the end of the year, all the interest collected from loan repayments is shared out according to the portion of savings contributed by each member. A number of the members of Joywo are also part of the Sarafu network. Reba believes that if she can convince the other members to also join Sarafu, they will have more Kenyan shillings to contribute to the monthly pool and thus increase the credit available to all members. + + + + + + **A new financial savings tool** + + + + + + +How is that using community currency as a primary medium of exchange actually increases users’ monthly savings? For one thing, there is something to be said about the psychological separation between “spending money” (Sarafu) and “saving money” (Kenyan shillings). + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/when-a74.webp + + + + + + + +Jackline Kasiva is the proud owner of Jackie’s Hair Salon. She says that using Sarafu has helped her increase her income and better manage her finances. She uses Sarafu for everyday expenses such as buying food for her toddler and husband. Most of her Kenyan shillings go towards her M-Shwari savings account that she holds in her M-Pesa account with Safaricom. In nine months, she saved enough to include hair products in her business stock and she now hopes to expand to lace weaves, which are a more costly product yet are in demand by her clients. Jackline says that if she uses Sarafu on a daily basis, she can typically save up to 100 Kenyan shillings per day or 30 US dollars per month. + + + + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/when-a97.webp + + + + + + + +Before using Sarafu, Kuzumi Katuma used to save between 1,000 and 2,000 Kenyan shillings per month, which she would pool together with her husband’s savings in order to pay for their children’s school fees. Since using Sarafu, Kizumi has sometimes been able to bring home more money than her husband and now contributes up to 4,000 Kenyan shillings per month in savings. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/when-a117.webp + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Grace Dzidza lives in Miyani and sells paraffin. She says using Sarafu helped her grow her customer base and she can now save about 600 Kenyan shillings more per month than she was able to before. She uses most of this money to pay for one of her daughter’s high school fees. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +Community currencies are a multi-dimensional development tool. These women’s stories highlight how resilient economies can be built from the bottom up. All it takes is empowering people to take charge of their own financial futures. + + + +#saving #sustainabledevelopment #women + + + +#saving #sustainabledevelopment #women + + `#saving `_ + +#saving + + `#sustainabledevelopment `_ + +#sustainabledevelopment + + `#women `_ + +#women + diff --git a/content/blog/white-house.rst b/content/blog/white-house.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..acfdbeb --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/white-house.rst @@ -0,0 +1,97 @@ +:title: White House Visit with WomensConnect +:author: Caroline Dama +:date: Jun 25, 2018 +:slug: white-house + +:summary: Grassroots Economics Director, Caroline Dama, visited the White House on Wednesday as a finalist in the WomensConnect USAID program Our... + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/white-house18.webp + + + + Grassroots Economics Director, Caroline Dama, visited the White House on Wednesday as a finalist in the WomensConnect USAID program + + *Grassroots Economics Director, Caroline Dama, visited the White House on Wednesday as a finalist in the WomensConnect USAID program* + + + + + + +Our aim is to empower women to take charge of their economic future through the creation of community currencies. + + + + + + + +Grassroots Economics seeks to provide stable markets to Women’s groups in Kenya through women owned and operated community currency systems, which will connect thousands of female small scale business traders in rural and peri-urban areas, backstopped by a solar and mobile technology. + + + + + + + +By and large the promise of a better future for women through the technological revolution has been mere hype at best, with a few exceptions. Women are prevented from accessing and utilizing the technologies available in their communities due to; environmental barriers such as lack of access to electricity, lack of money to purchase internet bundles, a lack of personal and/or community ownership of infrastructure, and insufficient leadership for appropriate implementation of digital systems. The growth of the mobile industry has been led and driven by the spending power of men, in particular general relational needs to communicate and socialize, not as an educational or empowerment tool. + + + + + + + +This revolutionary program will be piloted in partnership with Bancor Foundation; to create community based digital currencies with trading credit offered for all women’s group members. This will be the starting point for duplicating this program throughout East Africa and beyond. The open source model, software, and training will be translated into different languages for distribution throughout the developing world where women share the same challenges. Each community can select its own information and applications to be hosted on the walled garden server so every woman has the potential to access the education she needs in her context free of charge, along with the digital currency to make trades. + + + + + + + +#usaid #white #house #usa #bancor #blockchain + + + +#usaid #white #house #usa #bancor #blockchain + + + +#usaid #white #house #usa #bancor #blockchain + + + +#usaid #white #house #usa #bancor #blockchain + + + +#usaid #white #house #usa #bancor #blockchain + + `#usaid `_ + +#usaid + + `#white `_ + +#white + + `#house `_ + +#house + + `#usa `_ + +#usa + + `#bancor `_ + +#bancor + + `#blockchain `_ + +#blockchain + diff --git a/content/blog/who-could.rst b/content/blog/who-could.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..52bf66b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/who-could.rst @@ -0,0 +1,72 @@ +:title: Who could like this life? - Motomoto +:author: Morgan Richards +:date: Oct 2, 2013 +:slug: who-could + +:summary: Yesterday, we sat down with some boys from the streets of Mombasa (survivors, as they prefer to be called) in a shady patch of grass... + + + + +Yesterday, we sat down with some boys from the streets of Mombasa (survivors, as they prefer to be called) in a shady patch of grass where they practice fire dancing as part of Koru’s MotoMoto program. These boys, who have been with MotoMoto on and off throughout this year or longer, shared some about their lives and what MotoMoto has meant to them. + + + + + + + +Most had lost or run away from one or both parents due to death, abandonment, or abuse. Brian told us about losing his parents in a car accident. Amfrey’s father remarried and left him for a new family after Amfrey’s mother died, and Omari left home because his father beat him. Faraji can’t even remember his parents. The boys described begging or working odd jobs to earn a few dollars, on a good day. Samuel never went to school, so he works as a laborer, carting goods. Omari works as a “scraper,” collecting and re-selling bits of metal and plastic from trash dumps. All seek food from dumps when they can’t earn enough money for food. “But,” Martin said, with a laugh and a lift of his cap to show his funky hair-do, “I like to get my hair cut when I have a bit of extra cash.” Most sleep in shacks and trees in a small settlement of similar youth wedged in an alley between private athletic fields. + + + + + + + +Despite the hardship of their lives, many still dreamed of something more for themselves. They spoke of dreams to become pilots or boxing trainers for police academies, or acrobats, or musicians, or rugby players or just going back to school and living in a house. Martin, still only 14, said, “For me, I want a house, school, clothes, food, and maybe to go abroad.” Brian, who is no longer school aged, loads goods in cars, trucks, and buses for tips described wanting a real job with stead wages so he can realize his dreams of leaving the streets and living in a house. “I just want to get a job, to leave the street, and to have a house.” Samuel, who followed the pattern of many youth all over the developing world by leaving his rural home in hopes of a better life than fragile subsistence farming, agreed, “I don’t like this life. Who could like this life?” + + + + + + + +All described the impact of MotoMoto with enthusiasm, as providing a much needed distraction from the stress of their lives and keeping them too busy for stealing and doing drugs, like sniffing glue and smoking marijuana. As Brian explained, “Because of moto moto, I don’t steal so much. People don’t disturb me. I don’t do drugs because I like to keep practicing. So, I take time to be alone, avoiding these other things.” Martin told us, “When I play with fire, it relieves my stress and I don’t think of drugs or stealing.” + + + + + + + +This year, the program saw around 90 street children and youth, like Amfrey, Omari, Samuel, Martin, Brian, and Faraji. Many only came once, but around half came to the program multiple times. Each visit is an opportunity for them to escape the constant “hustle” of finding money and meeting basic needs. They learn something new, get a nutritious, clean meal, and have a chance to share about their experiences in a safe environment. The program, which has been running since 2009, will soon partner with a children’s shelter and create a more advanced system of referrals to ensure those who come to us to learn, grow their self-esteem, and gain empowerment can access the long-term support they need. We are always looking to expand the program, which is currently funded solely by Burners Without Borders and offers just two classes a week. We would love to grow the program to every day of the week because constant practice develops skill and confidence more quickly, which can be critical for giving children the courage to make long-term changes in their lives. You can visit Burners Without Borders if you would like to get involved in the lives of children and youth like Samuel who don’t like life of the streets and dream of something better. + + + +#motomoto #performingarts #poi #burnerswithoutborders + + + +#motomoto #performingarts #poi #burnerswithoutborders + + + +#motomoto #performingarts #poi #burnerswithoutborders + + `#motomoto `_ + +#motomoto + + `#performingarts `_ + +#performingarts + + `#poi `_ + +#poi + + `#burnerswithoutborders `_ + +#burnerswithoutborders + diff --git a/content/blog/why-robinson.rst b/content/blog/why-robinson.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6351a6f --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/why-robinson.rst @@ -0,0 +1,551 @@ +:title: Why Robinson Crusoe Gives a Loan Interest-Free +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 29, 2019 +:slug: why-robinson + +:summary: S: How long have you been on this island? +R.C.: Thirty years. +S: and you still appeal to the theory of value?!?! ..... + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/why-robinson21.webp + + + +Silvio Gesell wrote his theory of money and ‘a natural economic order’, from which this story is extracted, in 1890. His views on interest bearing debt at the heart of capitalism's failure have led currency innovators for over 100 years. + + **Silvio Gesell wrote his theory of money and ‘a natural economic order’, from which this story is extracted, in 1890. His views on interest bearing debt at the heart of capitalism's failure have led currency innovators for over 100 years.** + + +Silvio Gesell wrote his theory of money and ‘a natural economic order’, from which this story is extracted, in 1890. His views on interest bearing debt at the heart of capitalism's failure have led currency innovators for over 100 years. + + + +Thanks to Prof. Ester Barinaga for pointing it out to me again - It is one of my favorite just-so stories (Along with the 11th Round and The 3 EURO or 300 Shillling Note) that call out the dysfunction of our global economic system in a way we can all understand. + + + +Thanks to Prof. Ester Barinaga for pointing it out to me again - It is one of my favorite just-so stories (Along with the 11th Round and The 3 EURO or 300 Shillling Note) that call out the dysfunction of our global economic system in a way we can all understand. + + *Thanks to Prof. Ester Barinaga for pointing it out to me again - It is one of my favorite just-so stories (Along with the 11th Round and The 3 EURO or 300 Shillling Note) that call out the dysfunction of our global economic system in a way we can all understand.* + + +Thanks to Prof. Ester Barinaga for pointing it out to me again - It is one of my favorite just-so stories (Along with the 11th Round and The 3 EURO or 300 Shillling Note) that call out the dysfunction of our global economic system in a way we can all understand. + + `11th Round `_ + + + + **A Story of Robinson Crusoe - by Silvio Gesell 1890** + *A Story of Robinson Crusoe - by Silvio Gesell 1890* + + + + + + +To introduce the theory of interest here expounded, and to facilitate the removal of old prejudices, which are nowhere stronger than in connection with the subject of interest, I shall begin with a story of Robinson Crusoe. + + + + + + + +Robinson Crusoe, as is well known, built his house, from motives of health, on the south side of the mountain, whereas his crops grew on the damp but fruitful northern slopes. He was therefore obliged to carry his harvests over the mountain. To eliminate this labor he decided to construct a canal around the mountain. The time required for this enterprise which, to avoid silting, would have to be continued without interruption, he estimated at three years. He had therefore to lay in provisions for three years. + + + + + + + +He slaughtered some pigs and cured their flesh with salt; he filled a deep trench with wheat, covering it carefully with earth. He tanned a dozen buckskins for suits and nailed them up in a chest, enclosing also the stink-glands of a skunk as a precaution against moths. + + + + + + + +In short, he provided amply and, as he thought, wisely, for the coming three years. + + + + + + + +As he sat calculating for the last time whether his "capital" was sufficient for the projected undertaking, he was startled by the approach of a stranger, obviously the survivor of a shipwreck. + + + + + + + +" Hallo, Crusoe!" shouted the stranger as he approached, "my ship has gone down, but I like your island and intend to settle here. Will you help me with some provisions until I have brought a field into cultivation and harvested my first crops?" + + + + + + + +At these words Crusoe’s thoughts flew from his provisions to the possibility of interest and the attractions of life as a gentleman of independent means. He hastened to answer "yes". + + + + + + + +" That’s splendid!" replied the stranger, "but I must say at once that I shall pay no interest. I would prefer to keep myself alive by hunting and fishing, for my religion forbids me to pay, or to receive, interest." + + + + + + **Robinson Crusoe: An admirable religion! But from what motive do you expect me to advance you provisions from my stores if you pay me no interest?** + + +Robinson Crusoe: An admirable religion! But from what motive do you expect me to advance you provisions from my stores if you pay me no interest? + + **Stranger: From pure egoism, my dear fellow, from your self-interest rightly understood. Because you gain, and gain enormously.** + + +Stranger: From pure egoism, my dear fellow, from your self-interest rightly understood. Because you gain, and gain enormously. + + + + + + **R.C.: That, stranger you have to prove. I confess that I can see no advantage in lending you my provisions free of interest.** + + +R.C.: That, stranger you have to prove. I confess that I can see no advantage in lending you my provisions free of interest. + + + + + + **S: I shall prove it in black and white, and if you can follow my proof, you will agree to a loan without interest, and thank me into the bargain. I need, first of all, clothes, for, as you can see, I am naked. Have you a supply of clothes?** + + +S: I shall prove it in black and white, and if you can follow my proof, you will agree to a loan without interest, and thank me into the bargain. I need, first of all, clothes, for, as you can see, I am naked. Have you a supply of clothes? + + + + +S: I shall prove it in black and white, and if you can follow my proof, you will agree to a loan without interest, and thank me into the bargain. I need, first of all, clothes, for, as you can see, I am naked. Have you a supply of clothes? + + + + +S: I shall prove it in black and white, and if you can follow my proof, you will agree to a loan without interest, and thank me into the bargain. I need, first of all, clothes, for, as you can see, I am naked. Have you a supply of clothes? + + + **R.C.: That chest is packed with buckskin suits.** + + +R.C.: That chest is packed with buckskin suits. + + + + + + **S: My dear Crusoe! I had more respect for your intelligence. Just fancy nailing up clothes for three years in a chest – buckskins, the favorite diet of moths! And buckskins must be kept aired and rubbed with grease, otherwise they become hard and brittle.** + + +S: My dear Crusoe! I had more respect for your intelligence. Just fancy nailing up clothes for three years in a chest – buckskins, the favorite diet of moths! And buckskins must be kept aired and rubbed with grease, otherwise they become hard and brittle. + + + + +S: My dear Crusoe! I had more respect for your intelligence. Just fancy nailing up clothes for three years in a chest – buckskins, the favorite diet of moths! And buckskins must be kept aired and rubbed with grease, otherwise they become hard and brittle. + + + + +S: My dear Crusoe! I had more respect for your intelligence. Just fancy nailing up clothes for three years in a chest – buckskins, the favorite diet of moths! And buckskins must be kept aired and rubbed with grease, otherwise they become hard and brittle. + + + **R.C.: That is true, but I have no choice in the matter. They would be no safer in my clothes-cupboard – less safe, indeed, for it is infested by rats and mice as well as by moths.** + + +R.C.: That is true, but I have no choice in the matter. They would be no safer in my clothes-cupboard – less safe, indeed, for it is infested by rats and mice as well as by moths. + + + + + + **S: The mice will get them in any case. Look how they have already started to gnaw their way in!** + + +S: The mice will get them in any case. Look how they have already started to gnaw their way in! + + + + +S: The mice will get them in any case. Look how they have already started to gnaw their way in! + + + + +S: The mice will get them in any case. Look how they have already started to gnaw their way in! + + + **R.C.: Confound the brutes! I am helpless against them.** + + +R.C.: Confound the brutes! I am helpless against them. + + + + + + **S: What! A human being helpless against mice! I will show you how to protect yourself against rats and mice and moths, against thieves and brittleness, dust and mildew. Lend me these clothes for one, two or three years and I agree to make you new clothes as soon as you require them. You will receive as many suits as you have lent me, and the new suits will be far superior to those you would have taken from this chest. Nor will you regret the absence of the particular perfume you have employed! Do you agree?** + + +S: What! A human being helpless against mice! I will show you how to protect yourself against rats and mice and moths, against thieves and brittleness, dust and mildew. Lend me these clothes for one, two or three years and I agree to make you new clothes as soon as you require them. You will receive as many suits as you have lent me, and the new suits will be far superior to those you would have taken from this chest. Nor will you regret the absence of the particular perfume you have employed! Do you agree? + + + + +S: What! A human being helpless against mice! I will show you how to protect yourself against rats and mice and moths, against thieves and brittleness, dust and mildew. Lend me these clothes for one, two or three years and I agree to make you new clothes as soon as you require them. You will receive as many suits as you have lent me, and the new suits will be far superior to those you would have taken from this chest. Nor will you regret the absence of the particular perfume you have employed! Do you agree? + + + + +S: What! A human being helpless against mice! I will show you how to protect yourself against rats and mice and moths, against thieves and brittleness, dust and mildew. Lend me these clothes for one, two or three years and I agree to make you new clothes as soon as you require them. You will receive as many suits as you have lent me, and the new suits will be far superior to those you would have taken from this chest. Nor will you regret the absence of the particular perfume you have employed! Do you agree? + + + **R.C.: Yes, stranger, I agree to lend you the chest of clothes; I see that, in this case, the loan, even without interest, is to my advantage.** + + +R.C.: Yes, stranger, I agree to lend you the chest of clothes; I see that, in this case, the loan, even without interest, is to my advantage. + + + + + + **S: Now show me your wheat; I need some for bread and seed,** + + +S: Now show me your wheat; I need some for bread and seed, + + + + + + **R.C.: It is buried in this mound.** + + +R.C.: It is buried in this mound. + + + + + + **S: Wheat buried for three years! What about mildew and beetles?** + + +S: Wheat buried for three years! What about mildew and beetles? + + + + + + **R.C.: I have thought of them and considered every other possibility, but this is the best I can do.** + + +R.C.: I have thought of them and considered every other possibility, but this is the best I can do. + + + + + + **S: Just bend down a moment. Observe this beetle crawling on the surface of the mound. Note the garbage and the spreading patch of mildew. It is high time to take out and air the wheat.** + + +S: Just bend down a moment. Observe this beetle crawling on the surface of the mound. Note the garbage and the spreading patch of mildew. It is high time to take out and air the wheat. + + + + +S: Just bend down a moment. Observe this beetle crawling on the surface of the mound. Note the garbage and the spreading patch of mildew. It is high time to take out and air the wheat. + + + + +S: Just bend down a moment. Observe this beetle crawling on the surface of the mound. Note the garbage and the spreading patch of mildew. It is high time to take out and air the wheat. + + + **R.C.: This capital will be my ruin! If I only could find some method of protecting myself against the thousand destructive forces of nature!** + + +R.C.: This capital will be my ruin! If I only could find some method of protecting myself against the thousand destructive forces of nature! + + + + + + **S: Let me tell you, Crusoe, how we manage at home. We build a dry and airy shed and shake out the wheat on the boarded floor. Every three weeks the whole mass is turned over with wooden shovels. We also keep a number of cats; we set mouse-traps and insure against fire. In this way we keep the annual depreciation down to 10 per cent.** + + +S: Let me tell you, Crusoe, how we manage at home. We build a dry and airy shed and shake out the wheat on the boarded floor. Every three weeks the whole mass is turned over with wooden shovels. We also keep a number of cats; we set mouse-traps and insure against fire. In this way we keep the annual depreciation down to 10 per cent. + + + + +S: Let me tell you, Crusoe, how we manage at home. We build a dry and airy shed and shake out the wheat on the boarded floor. Every three weeks the whole mass is turned over with wooden shovels. We also keep a number of cats; we set mouse-traps and insure against fire. In this way we keep the annual depreciation down to 10 per cent. + + + + +S: Let me tell you, Crusoe, how we manage at home. We build a dry and airy shed and shake out the wheat on the boarded floor. Every three weeks the whole mass is turned over with wooden shovels. We also keep a number of cats; we set mouse-traps and insure against fire. In this way we keep the annual depreciation down to 10 per cent. + + + **R.C.: But the labor and expense!** + + +R.C.: But the labor and expense! + + **S: Exactly You shrink from the labor and expense. In that case you have another course. Lend me your wheat and I shall replace it, pound for pound, sack for sack, with fresh wheat from my harvest. You thus save the labor of building a shed and turning over the wheat; you need feed no cats, you avoid the loss of weight, and instead of mouldy rubbish you will have fresh, nutritious wheat.** + + +S: Exactly You shrink from the labor and expense. In that case you have another course. Lend me your wheat and I shall replace it, pound for pound, sack for sack, with fresh wheat from my harvest. You thus save the labor of building a shed and turning over the wheat; you need feed no cats, you avoid the loss of weight, and instead of mouldy rubbish you will have fresh, nutritious wheat. + + + + +S: Exactly You shrink from the labor and expense. In that case you have another course. Lend me your wheat and I shall replace it, pound for pound, sack for sack, with fresh wheat from my harvest. You thus save the labor of building a shed and turning over the wheat; you need feed no cats, you avoid the loss of weight, and instead of mouldy rubbish you will have fresh, nutritious wheat. + + + + +S: Exactly You shrink from the labor and expense. In that case you have another course. Lend me your wheat and I shall replace it, pound for pound, sack for sack, with fresh wheat from my harvest. You thus save the labor of building a shed and turning over the wheat; you need feed no cats, you avoid the loss of weight, and instead of mouldy rubbish you will have fresh, nutritious wheat. + + + **R.C.: With all my heart I accept your proposal.** + + +R.C.: With all my heart I accept your proposal. + + **S: That is, you will lend me your wheat free of interest?** + + +S: That is, you will lend me your wheat free of interest? + + + + +S: That is, you will lend me your wheat free of interest? + + + + +S: That is, you will lend me your wheat free of interest? + + + **R.C.: Certainly; without interest and with my best thanks.** + + +R.C.: Certainly; without interest and with my best thanks. + + **S: But I can only use part of the wheat, I do not need it all.** + + +S: But I can only use part of the wheat, I do not need it all. + + **R.C.:Suppose I give you the whole store with the understanding that for every ten sacks lent you give me back nine sacks?** + + +R.C.:Suppose I give you the whole store with the understanding that for every ten sacks lent you give me back nine sacks? + + **S: I must decline your offer, for it would mean interest – not indeed positive, but negative interest. The receiver, not the giver of the loan, would be a capitalist, and my religion does not permit usury; even negative interest is forbidden. I propose therefore the following agreement. Entrust me with the supervision of your wheat, the construction of the shed, and whatever else is necessary. In return you can pay me, annually, from every ten sacks two sacks as wages.** + + +S: I must decline your offer, for it would mean interest – not indeed positive, but negative interest. The receiver, not the giver of the loan, would be a capitalist, and my religion does not permit usury; even negative interest is forbidden. I propose therefore the following agreement. Entrust me with the supervision of your wheat, the construction of the shed, and whatever else is necessary. In return you can pay me, annually, from every ten sacks two sacks as wages. + + + + +S: I must decline your offer, for it would mean interest – not indeed positive, but negative interest. The receiver, not the giver of the loan, would be a capitalist, and my religion does not permit usury; even negative interest is forbidden. I propose therefore the following agreement. Entrust me with the supervision of your wheat, the construction of the shed, and whatever else is necessary. In return you can pay me, annually, from every ten sacks two sacks as wages. + + + + +S: I must decline your offer, for it would mean interest – not indeed positive, but negative interest. The receiver, not the giver of the loan, would be a capitalist, and my religion does not permit usury; even negative interest is forbidden. I propose therefore the following agreement. Entrust me with the supervision of your wheat, the construction of the shed, and whatever else is necessary. In return you can pay me, annually, from every ten sacks two sacks as wages. + + + **R.C.: It makes no difference to me whether your service comes under the heading of usury or of labor. The agreement is, then, that I give you ten sacks and that you give me back eight sacks?** + + +R.C.: It makes no difference to me whether your service comes under the heading of usury or of labor. The agreement is, then, that I give you ten sacks and that you give me back eight sacks? + + **S: But I need other articles, a plough, a cart and tools. Do you consent to lend them, also, without interest? I promise to return everything in perfect order, a new spade for a new spade, a new, unrusted, chain for a new chain, and so forth.** + + +S: But I need other articles, a plough, a cart and tools. Do you consent to lend them, also, without interest? I promise to return everything in perfect order, a new spade for a new spade, a new, unrusted, chain for a new chain, and so forth. + + + + +S: But I need other articles, a plough, a cart and tools. Do you consent to lend them, also, without interest? I promise to return everything in perfect order, a new spade for a new spade, a new, unrusted, chain for a new chain, and so forth. + + + + +S: But I need other articles, a plough, a cart and tools. Do you consent to lend them, also, without interest? I promise to return everything in perfect order, a new spade for a new spade, a new, unrusted, chain for a new chain, and so forth. + + + **R.C.: Of course I consent. All I have at present from my stores is work. Lately the river overflowed and flooded the shed, covering everything with mud. Then a storm blew off the roof and everything was damaged by rain. Now we have drought, and the wind is blowing in sand and dust. Rust, decay, breakage, drought, light, darkness, dry-rot, ants, keep up a never-ending attack. We can congratulate ourselves here upon having , at least, no thieves and incendiaries. I am delighted that, by means of a loan, I can now store my belongings without expense, labor, loss or vexation, until I need them later.** + + +R.C.: Of course I consent. All I have at present from my stores is work. Lately the river overflowed and flooded the shed, covering everything with mud. Then a storm blew off the roof and everything was damaged by rain. Now we have drought, and the wind is blowing in sand and dust. Rust, decay, breakage, drought, light, darkness, dry-rot, ants, keep up a never-ending attack. We can congratulate ourselves here upon having , at least, no thieves and incendiaries. I am delighted that, by means of a loan, I can now store my belongings without expense, labor, loss or vexation, until I need them later. + + **S: That is, you now see the advantage you gain by lending me your provisions free of interest?** + + +S: That is, you now see the advantage you gain by lending me your provisions free of interest? + + + + +S: That is, you now see the advantage you gain by lending me your provisions free of interest? + + + + +S: That is, you now see the advantage you gain by lending me your provisions free of interest? + + + **R.C.: Of course I do. But the question now occurs to me, why do similar stores of provisions at home bring their possessors interest?** + + +R.C.: Of course I do. But the question now occurs to me, why do similar stores of provisions at home bring their possessors interest? + + **S: The explanation lies in money which is there the medium of such transactions.** + + +S: The explanation lies in money which is there the medium of such transactions. + + + + +S: The explanation lies in money which is there the medium of such transactions. + + + + +S: The explanation lies in money which is there the medium of such transactions. + + + **R.C.: What? The cause of interest lies in money? That is impossible, for listen to what Marx says of money and interest: " Work is the source of interest (surplus-value). Interest, which converts money into capital, cannot be derived from money. If it is true that money is a medium of exchange, then its function is merely to pay the price of the goods which it purchases. If it thus remains unchanged it cannot increase in value. Surplus value (interest) must therefore be derived from the goods purchased which are sold at an increase of price. This change can neither occur at the time of purchase not at the time of sale, for on these occasions equivalents are exchanged. The only remaining hypothesis is, therefore, that the change happens through the use of the goods after their purchase and before their sale." (Marx. Capital, chap. VI).** + + +R.C.: What? The cause of interest lies in money? That is impossible, for listen to what Marx says of money and interest: " Work is the source of interest (surplus-value). Interest, which converts money into capital, cannot be derived from money. If it is true that money is a medium of exchange, then its function is merely to pay the price of the goods which it purchases. If it thus remains unchanged it cannot increase in value. Surplus value (interest) must therefore be derived from the goods purchased which are sold at an increase of price. This change can neither occur at the time of purchase not at the time of sale, for on these occasions equivalents are exchanged. The only remaining hypothesis is, therefore, that the change happens through the use of the goods after their purchase and before their sale." (Marx. Capital, chap. VI). + + + + + + **S: How long have you been on this island?** + + +S: How long have you been on this island? + + + + + + **R.C.: Thirty years.** + + +R.C.: Thirty years. + + + + + + **S: I thought so! You still appeal to the theory of value. My dear Sir, that theory is dead and buried. At the present day it has no representatives.** + + +S: I thought so! You still appeal to the theory of value. My dear Sir, that theory is dead and buried. At the present day it has no representatives. + + **R.C.: What? You assert that Marx’s theory of interest is dead and buried? Even if no one else represents it – I represent it!** + + +R.C.: What? You assert that Marx’s theory of interest is dead and buried? Even if no one else represents it – I represent it! + + **S: Well then, represent it not only in theory but also in practice – if you wish, in relation to me! I hereby break off the bargain we have just made. From their nature and destination your goods are the purest form of what is usually called capital. I challenge you to take up the position of a capitalist towards me. I need your stuff. No worker ever appeared before a capitalist as naked as I stand before you. Never has there been so clear an illustration of the relation between the owner of capital and the individual in need of capital. And now make the attempt to exact interest! Shall we begin our bargaining again from the beginning?** + + +S: Well then, represent it not only in theory but also in practice – if you wish, in relation to me! I hereby break off the bargain we have just made. From their nature and destination your goods are the purest form of what is usually called capital. I challenge you to take up the position of a capitalist towards me. I need your stuff. No worker ever appeared before a capitalist as naked as I stand before you. Never has there been so clear an illustration of the relation between the owner of capital and the individual in need of capital. And now make the attempt to exact interest! Shall we begin our bargaining again from the beginning? + + **R.C.: Surrender! Rats, moths and rust have broken my power as a capitalist. But tell me, what is your explanation of interest?** + + +R.C.: Surrender! Rats, moths and rust have broken my power as a capitalist. But tell me, what is your explanation of interest? + + **S: The explanation is simple enough. If there were a monetary system on this island and I , as a shipwrecked traveller, needed a loan, I would have to apply to a money –lender for money to buy things which you have just lent me without interest. But a money-lender has not to worry about rats, moths, rust and roof-repairing, so I could not have taken up the position towards him that I have taken up towards you. The loss inseparable from the ownership of goods (there is the dog running off with one of your – or rather – my buckskins!) is borne, not by moneylenders, but by those who have to store the goods. The money-lender is free from such cares and is unmoved by the ingenious arguments which found the joints in your armour. You did not nail up your chest of buckskins when I refused to pay interest; the nature of your capital made you willing to continue the negotiations. Not so the money-capitalist; he would bang the door of his strong-room before my face if I announced that I would pay no interest. Yet I do not need the money itself, I only need money to buy buckskins. The buckskins you give me without interest: but upon the money to buy buckskins I must pay interest!** + + +S: The explanation is simple enough. If there were a monetary system on this island and I , as a shipwrecked traveller, needed a loan, I would have to apply to a money –lender for money to buy things which you have just lent me without interest. But a money-lender has not to worry about rats, moths, rust and roof-repairing, so I could not have taken up the position towards him that I have taken up towards you. The loss inseparable from the ownership of goods (there is the dog running off with one of your – or rather – my buckskins!) is borne, not by moneylenders, but by those who have to store the goods. The money-lender is free from such cares and is unmoved by the ingenious arguments which found the joints in your armour. You did not nail up your chest of buckskins when I refused to pay interest; the nature of your capital made you willing to continue the negotiations. Not so the money-capitalist; he would bang the door of his strong-room before my face if I announced that I would pay no interest. Yet I do not need the money itself, I only need money to buy buckskins. The buckskins you give me without interest: but upon the money to buy buckskins I must pay interest! + + **R.C.: Then the cause of interest is to be sought in money? And Marx is wrong?** + + +R.C.: Then the cause of interest is to be sought in money? And Marx is wrong? + + **S: Of course Marx is wrong. He under-estimated the importance of money, the nervous system of economic life, so it is not surprising that he went wrong over other things of fundamental importance. Like all his disciples he made the mistake of excluding money form the scope of his inquiry. He was fascinated by the shining metal disks, otherwise he could never have used the following words: "Gold and silver are not by nature money, but money is by nature gold and silver, witness the coincidence of their natural properties with its functions".** + + +S: Of course Marx is wrong. He under-estimated the importance of money, the nervous system of economic life, so it is not surprising that he went wrong over other things of fundamental importance. Like all his disciples he made the mistake of excluding money form the scope of his inquiry. He was fascinated by the shining metal disks, otherwise he could never have used the following words: "Gold and silver are not by nature money, but money is by nature gold and silver, witness the coincidence of their natural properties with its functions". + + **R.C.: Practice certainly does not agree with Marx’s theory – that has been clearly proved by our negotiations. Money is for Marx only a medium of exchange; but money does more, it seems, than "merely pay the price of the goods it purchases". When the borrower refuses to pay interest, the banker can bang the door of his safe without experiencing any of the cares which beset the owner of goods (capital) – that is the root of the matter.** + + +R.C.: Practice certainly does not agree with Marx’s theory – that has been clearly proved by our negotiations. Money is for Marx only a medium of exchange; but money does more, it seems, than "merely pay the price of the goods it purchases". When the borrower refuses to pay interest, the banker can bang the door of his safe without experiencing any of the cares which beset the owner of goods (capital) – that is the root of the matter. + + + + + + **S: Rats, moths and rust are powerful logicians! A single hour of economic practice has taught you more than years of study in the text-books.** + + +S: Rats, moths and rust are powerful logicians! A single hour of economic practice has taught you more than years of study in the text-books. + + + + + + + +The End + + + + + + + +As an aside here - we don't currently employ a 'devaluing' currency in our Community Currencies - but rather we pull from it into a community fund that is redistributed as a basic income. We call this demurrage with is essentially a tax on hoarding and a convenient source of a universal basic income. + + **As an aside here - we don't currently employ a 'devaluing' currency in our Community Currencies - but rather we pull from it into a community fund that is redistributed as a basic income. We call this demurrage with is essentially a tax on hoarding and a convenient source of a universal basic income.** + + +As an aside here - we don't currently employ a 'devaluing' currency in our Community Currencies - but rather we pull from it into a community fund that is redistributed as a basic income. We call this demurrage with is essentially a tax on hoarding and a convenient source of a universal basic income. + + + + + diff --git a/content/blog/women-powered.rst b/content/blog/women-powered.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..898d43b --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/women-powered.rst @@ -0,0 +1,320 @@ +:title: Women Powered Currencies +:author: Ruth Njau & Antony Ngoka & Will Ruddick +:date: Mar 7, 2019 +:slug: women-powered + +:summary: It is Women who make up as much as 90% of these networks and are the foundation of the real economy. Enjoy reading about people... + + + *It is Women who make up as much as 90% of these networks and are the foundation of the real economy. Enjoy reading about people supporting each other in ways we never though possible without National Currency! Special shout out for for International Women's Day !* + + + + + + +Below you will find examples of use cases in 4 neighboring communities in Nairobi slums using Sarafu (a group of Community Currencies which are Bancor Protocol enabled tokens on the POA.Network blockchain ) to support each other and develop a resilient economy. + + + + + + + +We've never been able to link currencies together like this before and now have 9 currencies in circulation among 1,136 businesses, clinics and schools with 516,436 Tokens that have traded in one month a volume of 837,355 tokens (soft-pegged to Kenyan Shillings) in 11,155 Transactions for Food 34.4% Labour 25.9%Retail 19.2% Education 7.2% Freight / Travel 5.5% Water 3.3% Energy 2.3% Environment 2.0% Health 0.4% Using the Bancor Protocol each community promotes reciprocity and resilience by actively measuring trade imbalances through their relative currency values. See if you can see how these currencies are interwoven in the examples below. + + + + + + **1. CONGO** + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered42.webp + + **Susan Lukobo joined Sarafu 4 years ago. Ever since she joined Sarafu (using Congo Pesa her communities currency), she is able to pay teacher’s salaries on time, she has her pupils in class everyday every week, she no longer sends pupils home for school fees since her parents pay fee in Sarafu. She repairs desks from a carpenter who uses Sarafu and her school cook is able to buy lunch at a cheaper rate since she purchases from the Sarafu users.** + + +Susan Lukobo joined Sarafu 4 years ago. Ever since she joined Sarafu (using Congo Pesa her communities currency), she is able to pay teacher’s salaries on time, she has her pupils in class everyday every week, she no longer sends pupils home for school fees since her parents pay fee in Sarafu. She repairs desks from a carpenter who uses Sarafu and her school cook is able to buy lunch at a cheaper rate since she purchases from the Sarafu users. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered57.webp + + + + + + **Teacher Eric Mwaka joined sarafu four years ago. Sarafu has helped him save Kenya shillings as he is able to purchase his basic needs from other Sarafu users and in return he offers tuition their children. The amount in Kenya shillings that he is able to save on daily basis, he sends it to his family who are in the village.** + + +Teacher Eric Mwaka joined sarafu four years ago. Sarafu has helped him save Kenya shillings as he is able to purchase his basic needs from other Sarafu users and in return he offers tuition their children. The amount in Kenya shillings that he is able to save on daily basis, he sends it to his family who are in the village. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered78.webp + + **Phostina is a carpenter who joined Sarafu 1 month ago. Initially she was accepting desk repairs from Skylife Academy but they were not paying on daily basis due to scarcity of Kenya shillings. When she was introduced to Sarafu, she liked the idea because the school always supplement the Kenya shillings with sarafu. She is now having more customers and she is in a position to sell her excess capacity (firewood, bed, sofa sets and cabinets) using Sarafu. Teachers have been buying beds, sofa sets and cabinets from her . Phostina also uses Sarafu to pay school fees for the daughter who studies in the nearest community (kangemi). She pays her workers in Sarafu also.** + + +Phostina is a carpenter who joined Sarafu 1 month ago. Initially she was accepting desk repairs from Skylife Academy but they were not paying on daily basis due to scarcity of Kenya shillings. When she was introduced to Sarafu, she liked the idea because the school always supplement the Kenya shillings with sarafu. She is now having more customers and she is in a position to sell her excess capacity (firewood, bed, sofa sets and cabinets) using Sarafu. Teachers have been buying beds, sofa sets and cabinets from her . Phostina also uses Sarafu to pay school fees for the daughter who studies in the nearest community (kangemi). She pays her workers in Sarafu also. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered96.webp + + **Doris owns a hotel near the carpenter and the school. She joined Sarafu 3 months ago. She is able to use Sarafu to buy firewood from Phostina . When teachers discovered that she joined Sarafu, they have been eating in her hotel. She is now having more customers who generate more income to her.** + + +Doris owns a hotel near the carpenter and the school. She joined Sarafu 3 months ago. She is able to use Sarafu to buy firewood from Phostina . When teachers discovered that she joined Sarafu, they have been eating in her hotel. She is now having more customers who generate more income to her. + + + + + + + + + + **2. GATINA** + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered124.webp + + **Jackline Kasiva has been a member of Sarafu network for the last 9 months. Initially she never had clients on daily basis since people don’t plait hair every day. She could end up spending a day or two without clients. Others who came with less money were not plaited since she preferred money for every service offered. When she joined Sarafu, she no longer sends her clients back with the little Kenya shillings that they bring, in fact she encourages them to supplement with Sarafu and she is able to plait them. Sarafu has made her expand her business. She is also saving Kenya shillings whenever she spent Sarafu and now she is not only plaiting hair but she is also selling the hair products.** + + + Jackline Kasiva has been a member of Sarafu network for the last 9 months. Initially she never had clients on daily basis since people don’t plait hair every day. She could end up spending a day or two without clients. Others who came with less money were not plaited since she preferred money for every service offered. When she joined Sarafu, she no longer sends her clients back with the little Kenya shillings that they bring, in fact she encourages them to supplement with Sarafu and she is able to plait them. Sarafu has made her expand her business. She is also saving Kenya shillings whenever she spent Sarafu and now she is not only plaiting hair but she is also selling the hair products. + + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered139.webp + + + + + + **Jacinta Mutumi is a tailor based in Gatina. She joined sarafu 5 months ago and she is happy that Sarafu made her get more customers who want their clothes mended or want their children’s uniform repaired. She was able to save Kenya shillings which she used to take her son to high school with it. She uses Sarafu to plait her hair and also get vegetables from her neighbour.** + + +Jacinta Mutumi is a tailor based in Gatina. She joined sarafu 5 months ago and she is happy that Sarafu made her get more customers who want their clothes mended or want their children’s uniform repaired. She was able to save Kenya shillings which she used to take her son to high school with it. She uses Sarafu to plait her hair and also get vegetables from her neighbour. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered160.webp + + + + + + **Elizabeth Achacha has a vegetables kiosk. Initially she was selling vegetables alone and she could sleep (go home) with some of the greens which are perishable. She joined Sarafu 2 years ago and has been able to utilize her excess capacity. None of her stock goes bad as before and she has also expanded her business - from selling vegetables alone to now selling tomatoes and onions alongside the vegetables.** + + +Elizabeth Achacha has a vegetables kiosk. Initially she was selling vegetables alone and she could sleep (go home) with some of the greens which are perishable. She joined Sarafu 2 years ago and has been able to utilize her excess capacity. None of her stock goes bad as before and she has also expanded her business - from selling vegetables alone to now selling tomatoes and onions alongside the vegetables. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + **3. OLYMPIC** + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered197.webp + + + + + + + +Walter Omondi has a barber shop. He joined Sarafu 2 weeks ago. So far he has been able to get new customers who are coming to shave using Sarafu. Last week he was able to repair his shaving machine from Cornelius Odongo and he paid in Sarafu. Walter eats lunch at Isaac Abwao,s hotel and he buys omen for his family for dinner from Mama Sharon (Hellen). Attached picture is of mama’s Sharon grandchild getting a haircut from Walter. + + + + + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered220.webp + + + + + + + + + + **Mama Sharon also known as Hellen Achieng sells omena around Kamukunji area of Olympic, kibra. She also joined Sarafu 2 weeks ago. So far she has used sarafu to purchase chapati from Angelin Aluoch and her grandchild was able to get a haircut from Walter using Sarafu. She is excited about Sarafu. She sees it as an opportunity for her to grown her business and expands her market.** + + +Mama Sharon also known as Hellen Achieng sells omena around Kamukunji area of Olympic, kibra. She also joined Sarafu 2 weeks ago. So far she has used sarafu to purchase chapati from Angelin Aluoch and her grandchild was able to get a haircut from Walter using Sarafu. She is excited about Sarafu. She sees it as an opportunity for her to grown her business and expands her market. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered244.webp + + **Angelin Aluoch joined Sarafu 2 weeks ago. She told me that she was able to save ksh 50 when she purchased omena for her family from mama Sharon. She has 2 children who got a haircut from Walter last week. The two children go to school using a boda boda who lucky enough joined Sarafu hence causing her to spend less of Kenya shillings and is able to get her basic needs.** + + +Angelin Aluoch joined Sarafu 2 weeks ago. She told me that she was able to save ksh 50 when she purchased omena for her family from mama Sharon. She has 2 children who got a haircut from Walter last week. The two children go to school using a boda boda who lucky enough joined Sarafu hence causing her to spend less of Kenya shillings and is able to get her basic needs. + + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered262.webp + + **Cornelius Odongo repairs and sells electronics. He joined 2 years ago and he got a haircut from Walter using Sarafu. Cornelius was able to fix Walter’s machine and he also brought his friend Isaac Abwao to be part of Sarafu. He currently takes lunch from Isaac’s hotel and has bought omena and chapati to feed his family. He is happy that he and his family is no longer sleeping hungry since he can still access basic needs without using the scarce Kenyan currency.** + + +Cornelius Odongo repairs and sells electronics. He joined 2 years ago and he got a haircut from Walter using Sarafu. Cornelius was able to fix Walter’s machine and he also brought his friend Isaac Abwao to be part of Sarafu. He currently takes lunch from Isaac’s hotel and has bought omena and chapati to feed his family. He is happy that he and his family is no longer sleeping hungry since he can still access basic needs without using the scarce Kenyan currency. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + **4. LINDI** + + + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered296.webp + + **Pastor Silvanous joined Sarafu 3 years ago. He is the main pastor of Hope Gospel Center. The congregation pays their tithes and offerings to him in form of Sarafu. He uses the same amount to go back to the congregation to purchase basic needs. He has also rented the church to a school and in return he receives rent in Sarafu. The pastor told us that his congregants are happy to use Sarafu in his church (as Tithing/Sadaka) and he accepts it since he will still go back to the congregants to get his basic needs. He says that Sarafu has united them and as a church they have now started a savings scheme due to Sarafu.** + + +Pastor Silvanous joined Sarafu 3 years ago. He is the main pastor of Hope Gospel Center. The congregation pays their tithes and offerings to him in form of Sarafu. He uses the same amount to go back to the congregation to purchase basic needs. He has also rented the church to a school and in return he receives rent in Sarafu. The pastor told us that his congregants are happy to use Sarafu in his church (as Tithing/Sadaka) and he accepts it since he will still go back to the congregants to get his basic needs. He says that Sarafu has united them and as a church they have now started a savings scheme due to Sarafu. + + + + +Pastor Silvanous joined Sarafu 3 years ago. He is the main pastor of Hope Gospel Center. The congregation pays their tithes and offerings to him in form of Sarafu. He uses the same amount to go back to the congregation to purchase basic needs. He has also rented the church to a school and in return he receives rent in Sarafu. The pastor told us that his congregants are happy to use Sarafu in his church (as Tithing/Sadaka) and he accepts it since he will still go back to the congregants to get his basic needs. He says that Sarafu has united them and as a church they have now started a savings scheme due to Sarafu. + + + + +Pastor Silvanous joined Sarafu 3 years ago. He is the main pastor of Hope Gospel Center. The congregation pays their tithes and offerings to him in form of Sarafu. He uses the same amount to go back to the congregation to purchase basic needs. He has also rented the church to a school and in return he receives rent in Sarafu. The pastor told us that his congregants are happy to use Sarafu in his church (as Tithing/Sadaka) and he accepts it since he will still go back to the congregants to get his basic needs. He says that Sarafu has united them and as a church they have now started a savings scheme due to Sarafu. + + + + +.. image:: images/blog/women-powered311.webp + + **Madam Basilisa is the headteacher of Hope Academy which is based inside Hope Gospel church. The madam receives Sarafu from parents as fees and in return, she is able to pay part for the school rent using Sarafu. She is no longer having issues of arrears with the church as before. Parents (one on a motorcycle here) too are paying fees in Sarafu and she is happy that none of her children is unable to come to school due to lack of school fees.** + + +Madam Basilisa is the headteacher of Hope Academy which is based inside Hope Gospel church. The madam receives Sarafu from parents as fees and in return, she is able to pay part for the school rent using Sarafu. She is no longer having issues of arrears with the church as before. Parents (one on a motorcycle here) too are paying fees in Sarafu and she is happy that none of her children is unable to come to school due to lack of school fees. + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +#WomensDay #cryptocurrency #Nairobi #SchoolFees #Education + + + +#WomensDay #cryptocurrency #Nairobi #SchoolFees #Education + + + +#WomensDay #cryptocurrency #Nairobi #SchoolFees #Education + + + +#WomensDay #cryptocurrency #Nairobi #SchoolFees #Education + + `#WomensDay `_ + +#WomensDay + + `#cryptocurrency `_ + +#cryptocurrency + + `#Nairobi `_ + +#Nairobi + + `#SchoolFees `_ + +#SchoolFees + + `#Education `_ + +#Education + diff --git a/content/blog/youth-employment.rst b/content/blog/youth-employment.rst new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e495ff1 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/blog/youth-employment.rst @@ -0,0 +1,37 @@ +:title: Youth Employment via Elderly/Vulnerable Support +:author: Will Ruddick +:date: Jan 28 +:slug: youth-employment + +:summary: Using a basic income (Sarafu in Kenya) youth can support their elderly and vulnerable by giving them their Sarafu. Then those... +:tags: elderly,youth,Basic Income + + + +.. image:: images/blog/youth-employment18.webp + + + +Using a basic income (Sarafu in Kenya) youth can support their elderly and vulnerable by giving them their Sarafu. Then those elderly/vulnerable in turn spend it with other youth run businesses, who could in turn give it to their elderly/vulnerable - who could, in turn, spend it on other youth run businesses and so on - Creating a virtuous circle of markets and employment for youth and support for the elderly. + + **Using a basic income (Sarafu in Kenya) youth can support their elderly and vulnerable by giving them their Sarafu. Then those elderly/vulnerable in turn spend it with other youth run businesses, who could in turn give it to their elderly/vulnerable - who could, in turn, spend it on other youth run businesses and so on - Creating a virtuous circle of markets and employment for youth and support for the elderly.** + + +.. image:: images/blog/youth-employment33.webp + + + +While new in Kenya, this type of system has been around in Japan since 1995 and is called Fureai kippu . This system was one of the inspirations for bringing the concept of community currency to Kenya over 10 years ago. While this has been piloted in small communities - for the idea to really catch on - elders, chiefs, youth run businesses and chamas all need to understand the virtuous circle created and keep supporting it. This support network is a commons - and it takes identification, communication, training and care. We're very excited about the Kenya Red Cross taking up the challenge to spread + + + +While new in Kenya, this type of system has been around in Japan since 1995 and is called Fureai kippu . This system was one of the inspirations for bringing the concept of community currency to Kenya over 10 years ago. While this has been piloted in small communities - for the idea to really catch on - elders, chiefs, youth run businesses and chamas all need to understand the virtuous circle created and keep supporting it. This support network is a commons - and it takes identification, communication, training and care. We're very excited about the Kenya Red Cross taking up the challenge to spread + + `Fureai kippu `_ + +.. image:: images/blog/youth-employment57.webp + + + +Above is a Kenya Red Cross volunteer working in Kisauni explaining how youth can support their communities and their own families using Sarafu a Community Inclusion Currency/ basic income. + diff --git a/content/images/blog/100-new1.webp b/content/images/blog/100-new1.webp new file mode 100644 index 0000000..06c24de Binary files /dev/null and b/content/images/blog/100-new1.webp differ diff --git a/content/images/blog/100-new42.webp b/content/images/blog/100-new42.webp new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b5d130c Binary files /dev/null and b/content/images/blog/100-new42.webp differ diff --git a/content/images/blog/1st-community1.webp b/content/images/blog/1st-community1.webp new file mode 100644 index 0000000..55a85ee Binary files /dev/null and b/content/images/blog/1st-community1.webp differ diff --git 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a/content/images/blog/youth-employment57.webp b/content/images/blog/youth-employment57.webp new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a374a14 Binary files /dev/null and b/content/images/blog/youth-employment57.webp differ diff --git a/ge-theme/static/css/article-styles.css b/ge-theme/static/css/article-styles.css index fd85449..0ca12c7 100644 --- a/ge-theme/static/css/article-styles.css +++ b/ge-theme/static/css/article-styles.css @@ -46,8 +46,8 @@ text-decoration: underline; } @media only screen and (max-width: 480px){ - .article-container{ - width: 50%; + .article-container{ + width: 100%; } } @media (min-width: 600px) and (max-width: 1024px){ diff --git a/geckodriver.log b/geckodriver.log index 53c4b76..7fb9ad2 100644 --- a/geckodriver.log +++ b/geckodriver.log @@ -478,3 +478,262 @@ console.warn: SearchSettings: "get: No settings file exists, new profile?" (new console.warn: SearchSettings: "get: No settings file exists, new profile?" (new NotFoundError("Could not open the file at /tmp/rust_mozprofileCWdamn/search.json.mozlz4", (void 0))) 1627929196162 Marionette INFO Listening on port 43275 1627929196271 Marionette WARN TLS certificate errors will be ignored for this session +console.log: WebExtensions: reset-default-search: starting. +console.log: WebExtensions: reset-default-search: No addons in our list are installed. +1627929691900 Marionette INFO Stopped listening on port 43275 + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + +1627986035077 geckodriver INFO Listening on 127.0.0.1:35959 +1627986036054 mozrunner::runner INFO Running command: "/usr/bin/firefox" "--marionette" "-foreground" "-no-remote" "-profile" "/tmp/rust_mozprofileKrG9tT" +1627986039312 Marionette INFO Marionette enabled +console.warn: SearchSettings: "get: No settings file exists, new profile?" (new NotFoundError("Could not open the file at /tmp/rust_mozprofileKrG9tT/search.json.mozlz4", (void 0))) +1627986042693 Marionette INFO Listening on port 40993 +1627986042851 Marionette WARN TLS certificate errors will be ignored for this session +1627986426188 Marionette INFO Stopped listening on port 40993 +1627986429512 geckodriver INFO Listening on 127.0.0.1:43245 +1627986429515 mozrunner::runner INFO Running command: "/usr/bin/firefox" "--marionette" "-foreground" "-no-remote" "-profile" "/tmp/rust_mozprofilechrCD8" +1627986429920 Marionette INFO Marionette enabled +console.warn: SearchSettings: "get: No settings file exists, new profile?" (new NotFoundError("Could not open the file at /tmp/rust_mozprofilechrCD8/search.json.mozlz4", (void 0))) +1627986431121 Marionette INFO Listening on port 36205 +1627986431298 Marionette WARN TLS certificate errors will be ignored for this session +console.log: WebExtensions: reset-default-search: starting. +console.log: WebExtensions: reset-default-search: No addons in our list are installed. +1627989163365 Marionette INFO Stopped listening on port 36205 + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + +1627989170248 geckodriver INFO Listening on 127.0.0.1:36927 +1627989170251 mozrunner::runner INFO Running command: "/usr/bin/firefox" "--marionette" "-foreground" "-no-remote" "-profile" "/tmp/rust_mozprofilelG77Go" +1627989170662 Marionette INFO Marionette enabled +console.warn: SearchSettings: "get: No settings file exists, new profile?" (new NotFoundError("Could not open the file at /tmp/rust_mozprofilelG77Go/search.json.mozlz4", (void 0))) +1627989171880 Marionette INFO Listening on port 44335 +1627989172031 Marionette WARN TLS certificate errors will be ignored for this session +1627989250076 Marionette INFO Stopped listening on port 44335 + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + +1627989363716 geckodriver INFO Listening on 127.0.0.1:53233 +1627989363718 mozrunner::runner INFO Running command: "/usr/bin/firefox" "--marionette" "-foreground" "-no-remote" "-profile" "/tmp/rust_mozprofileyKLISF" +1627989364091 Marionette INFO Marionette enabled +console.warn: SearchSettings: "get: No settings file exists, new profile?" (new NotFoundError("Could not open the file at /tmp/rust_mozprofileyKLISF/search.json.mozlz4", (void 0))) +1627989365249 Marionette INFO Listening on port 45815 +1627989365336 Marionette WARN TLS certificate errors will be ignored for this session +console.log: WebExtensions: reset-default-search: starting. +console.log: WebExtensions: reset-default-search: No addons in our list are installed. + +###!!! [Parent][MessageChannel] Error: (msgtype=0x6A0008,name=PMessagePort::Msg___delete__) Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + +1627990474603 Marionette INFO Stopped listening on port 45815 + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + +1627990478882 geckodriver INFO Listening on 127.0.0.1:57963 +1627990478886 mozrunner::runner INFO Running command: "/usr/bin/firefox" "--marionette" "-foreground" "-no-remote" "-profile" "/tmp/rust_mozprofile151LsK" +1627990479279 Marionette INFO Marionette enabled +console.warn: SearchSettings: "get: No settings file exists, new profile?" (new NotFoundError("Could not open the file at /tmp/rust_mozprofile151LsK/search.json.mozlz4", (void 0))) +1627990480476 Marionette INFO Listening on port 35071 +1627990480507 Marionette WARN TLS certificate errors will be ignored for this session +console.log: WebExtensions: reset-default-search: starting. +console.log: WebExtensions: reset-default-search: No addons in our list are installed. +1627990972822 Marionette INFO Stopped listening on port 35071 + +###!!! [Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + +1627990975629 geckodriver INFO Listening on 127.0.0.1:41871 +1627990975632 mozrunner::runner INFO Running command: "/usr/bin/firefox" "--marionette" "-foreground" "-no-remote" "-profile" "/tmp/rust_mozprofilewjDtm8" +1627990976052 Marionette INFO Marionette enabled +console.warn: SearchSettings: "get: No settings file exists, new profile?" 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[Parent][RunMessage] Error: Channel closing: too late to send/recv, messages will be lost + diff --git a/loginginfo.log b/loginginfo.log index 754af4f..4fdaed7 100644 --- a/loginginfo.log +++ b/loginginfo.log @@ -1 +1,9 @@ INFO:root:Running scrape +INFO:root:iframe found here food-forests +INFO:root:iframe found here red-cross +INFO:root:keyerror with href in economies-into +INFO:root:cannot print list for when-a +INFO:root:keyerror with href in 2614-blockchain +INFO:root:keyerror with href in 2614-blockchain +INFO:root:keyerror with href in blockchain-without +INFO:root:keyerror with href in trading-the diff --git a/output/100-new.html b/output/100-new.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ed46ad6 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/100-new.html @@ -0,0 +1,135 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - 100+ new Blockchain Wallets in One Day – Fighting Rural Food Insecurity + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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+ 100+ new Blockchain Wallets in One Day – Fighting Rural Food Insecurity +

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Rural communities are adopting blockchain based community currencies at an astounding pace! 100+ new users in one day represents nearly half the heads of households in one village. Women are the main users and have been leading their communities in using the blockchain as much as 4 times a day for their basic needs – water, food, school and fuel. With nearly 2,000 blockchain wallets created in underserved communities so far in Kenya and over 11,000 transactions using feature phones with no internet - the excitement is tangible. Something very fundamental about these economies is starting to change.

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The Miyani community, categorized as food insecure for over 10 years has had every development intervention thrown at it by dozens of NGOs including WFP and Red Cross. A group of farmers in Miyani began developing methodology and using Community Currencies in late 2018 and have grown their network to cover their entire village (showing tremendous change to food consumption and collective work for food security) and have spread into all their neighboring villages.

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So far 2 new Community Currencies have started in the nearby regional markets of Mnyenzeni and Mkayeni and as more and more communities adopt these currencies local groups will be able to create their own – creating a decentralized economic network. This is enabling people to trade their goods and services even when there is no National Currency. Farmers are able to get community support for preparing their lands for rains and women are able to send their kids to school and support one another without scarce Kenyan Shillings.

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In the past, traditional aid organizations and development programs have failed to address the fundamental problems plaguing the economic infrastructure of marginalized communities across the world. Pumping typical aid into these economies often exacerbates unsustainable food systems and market dynamics by reinforcing the existing economic structure. The bulk of the aid flows out of the community too quickly to provide lasting impact and key resources & community members remain largely underutilized.

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These communities have developed a scalable solution based on blockchain enabled community currencies which has been shown to incentivize resilient local markets and promote regional food security. We are proud to be part of this story and are excited to see where these indigenous solutions lead us!

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+#foodsecuity #development #communitycurrencies #aid
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+ + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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+ + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/1st-community.html b/output/1st-community.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..abb7dc8 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/1st-community.html @@ -0,0 +1,132 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - 1st Community Currency Market and More + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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+ 1st Community Currency Market and More +

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+ By Will Ruddick +
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September 12th Community Currency groups in Mombasa and Nairobi both held simultaneous events. One was a community market and games day and the other was a trash collection and feast.

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Nairobi CC Market

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September 12th was our first joint market between two community currency trading networks in Nairobi. We brought together 42 vendors and teachers and students from 10 schools, to trade goods and services and play games. Beyond the nearly 200 trade network members that were invited we also opened the event to the general public by allowing them to enter the market by exchanging their Kenyan Shillings for Community Currency. This was our first such market, but by the reaction of vendors, schools and the public, we will have many more.

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Mombasa CC Clean-Up

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On the other side of Kenya the Ng'ombeni-Pesa (Cow-money) women got together with the Matatu and Conductor Association (of more than 400 Conductors) to clean up Mikindani. The cleanup targeted the areas most afflicted around Trade Network Member shops, and ended with a Swahili-style pilau feat prepared by members of the network. After the feast there was a lively discussion about doing a market day similar to the one in Nairobi and also about helping the members get to know each other better and trade more.

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+ + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/2019-data.html b/output/2019-data.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..af41e78 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/2019-data.html @@ -0,0 +1,134 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - 2019 Data Release - 92k Kenyan blockchain translations + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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+ 2019 Data Release - 92k Kenyan blockchain translations +

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+ By Will Ruddick +
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With every transaction being logged anonymously on a public blockchain we have unprecedented insight into what living below the poverty line means in rural and urban Kenya.

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All the anonymous data from 2019 is freely available on github : with 92,223 transactions of 7,630 users. Pulling out what represents distribution and redemption of community currencies we are left with roughly 168,000 USD of trade between Sarafu users. The voucher redemption cost was a total of 12,000 USD of Sarafu purchased from local hubs and savings groups by donors and then re-injected into the system. We've been blessed with all walks of researchers this year from anthropology, network science, economics and more - if you know someone interested in helping with research please let them know about this dataset!

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What does this mean?

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7,630 people living below the poverty line were each given 400 digital vouchers (~$4 USD) with a variable exchange rate to Kenyan Shillings. With little training - generally word of mouth - all kinds of people used these vouchers as a medium of exchange. Backstopping this trade was savings groups (generally 25 women) who would collect the vouchers as part of their own savings and loan repayment schemes and could cash out a limited supply 50% of their voucher balances per month. This financial guarantee was enough to give the surrounding markets confidence (building a social guarantee) and trade over 5x the entire amount of Sarafu in circulation.

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Giving cash is often more direct and more effective than other types of aid. But with Community Inclusion Currencies like Sarafu we leverage limited cash donations into variable rate vouchers. Farmers, teachers, fishermen and so on are accepting being paid in Sarafu (which is actually broken into 12 different community specific currencies), not because they would prefer it over Kenyan shillings but rather because there aren't enough Kenyan shillings to go around. Communities are using Sarafu to fill the gap and support each other

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That's not all - in 2019 Grassroots Economics provided phone support and training across Kenya and began planning with Red Cross on disseminating this training to other marginalized areas such in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. We also began working with sempo.ai on building an open source platform for Community Inclusion Currencies which can be used by anyone.

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#data #sataset #research #transactiondata #blockchain

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+ + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/static-will.html b/output/2020-kenyan.html similarity index 51% rename from output/static-will.html rename to output/2020-kenyan.html index 95de65e..a861953 100644 --- a/output/static-will.html +++ b/output/2020-kenyan.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - Static vs Bonded Liquidity Pools for CICs + grassroots-pelican - 2020 Kenyan CICs in Review @@ -26,9 +26,8 @@ - - - + + @@ -81,16 +80,13 @@

- Static vs Bonded Liquidity Pools for CICs + 2020 Kenyan CICs in Review


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As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity, Grassroots Economics is looking at various ways to connect these tokens together and as well to other networks. Below I'll describe and contrast two approaches, namely a Fixed vs Algorithmic Rate liquidity pools. But before that I just want to give a simple overview of what a liquidity pool is.

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For the blockchain and #defi folks they are probably familiar with the Bonded Pool like you can find with Uniswap or in the Bancor Network, but lets start with its sibling the Static Pool - which simply is a contract holding 2 tokens that are exchangeable to each other.

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In the fixed exchange rate or static pool above. A community creating a CIC can decide to add some of their CIC A token supply to a common pool along with some tokens from another community B. The pool contains A and B tokens.

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Someone holding A tokens pays some A tokens to someone holding B tokens, the pool accepts A tokens from A and gives B tokens to B. Now anyone can push in A tokens to that pool and get out B tokens with a 1:1 fixed exchange rate - that is, until there are no more Bs in the pool. At which point someone from community B would need to add some Bs to re-balance the pool before any more exchange is possible.

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This create a simple way for community A and B to trade with each other with a limited amount of tokens in the pool.

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Next let's talk about a Bonded pool - the kind you will find in Uniswap or the Bancor Network.

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In the algorithmic exchange rate or bonded pool above. A community creating a CIC can similarly decide to add some of their CIC A token supply to a common pool along with some tokens from another community B.

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Now if anyone wants to push in A tokens to that pool they can get out B tokens with an initial 1:1 exchange rate - but every time you dd more As you get less and less Bs out. This can virtually go on forever until for each A added you only get 0.0000001 Bs and so on.

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This create another way for community A and B to trade with each other with continuous liquidity but changing exchange rates. There can be a lot more added to the liquidity contracts, such as oracles that can adjust prices and investment shares that can grow based on exchange fees which are also options. Communities could also create DAOs and vote on which pools are allowed into the network. But let's stick with the simple versions mentioned above and compare them a bit further:

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The table above gives a few ways to compare the types of liquidity pools. While the Bonded Pool allows for continuous liquidity and a market price stabilization effect, it also creates a variable exchange rate that is often hard to deal with for regular commerce. In the extreme case, where many A's have been converted to B (changing the rate) and one CIC A users sends 10 tokens to buy tomatoes and they turn into only one B token - the tomato seller could demand more tokens - but this is quite cumbersome.

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On the contrary with a Static Pool, one side of the pool could simply run out causing trade to stop until there is trade in the opposite direction. This could be equally frustrating for commerce and require the two communities come up with a regular method of trade balance or to allow for multiple non-exchangeable tokens co-existing in their wallets.

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If communities connect their CICs to a basic income or network token like Sarafu in a 1:1 Static Pool - all such CICs would automatically be exchangeable 1:1 with each other. This is appealing because it creates a well defined common pool of tokens connected through a network token. This method combines the concept of a UBI with a credit system - described briefly here

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Also note that both types of pools could be used to connect a CIC with some other non-CIC token (like Eth or DAI) who's value might be fluctuating or unknown relative to the CICs - in this case having market supply and demand to establish that price over time might be preferable using a Bonded Pool. Note that many such pools can co-exist in the same network, connecting the same tokens. So connecting UBI and CICs on static pools while also connecting to non-CICs via bonded pools could allow for in-network 1:1 exchanges and variable/market rate exchanges against foreign tokens (e.g. Eth or stable coins).

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We're excited to be building infrastructure - using the open source Bancor DEX contracts -that can accommodate an extremely diverse set of pools - creating really decentralized typologies for common pooling of Community Inclusion Currencies.

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Brief Historical Overview

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Starting in 2010 Grassroots Economics worked with local communities to issue vouchers aka Community Currencies (CCs) as a medium of exchange with the belief that CCs could enable communities to develop a source of local credit based on productive capacity and local values, while creating a monetary system better suited to eradicate poverty and the multiple indicators of deprivation targeted by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. After working with over a dozen communities by 2018 we began to support communities in digitizing their CCs.

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2020 Survival Mode

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Starting in 2020 we embarked on the huge task of developing, refining and modularizing open source infrastructure that would enable communities to issue and manage their own Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs). CICs are blockchain contracts that enable a community to issue a digital voucher against claims of future production and create a possibility of conversion between that voucher to other similar vouchers.

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With support from DOEN.nl, Innovation Norway and the Red Cross we grew our Kenyan support teams to 12 and our software development team to 5 people. While our teams have worked all year on supporting existing users and developing these systems (to be launched in January), all the existing CCs over the years were replaced with a single Basic Income token called Sarafu as a stop-gap while we continued technology development.

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Due to COVID and Red Cross involvement the usage of Sarafu bloomed from around 1,000 users to reach over 41,700 users and 263 Million Sarafu (roughly 2.5 Million USD equivalent) have traded hands in over 335,000 transactions between users with feature phones (no internet). Sarafu is issued to new users and also recollected as a holding fee each month and redistributed to users. The total supply was based on population projections in targeted areas and has been as a bootstrapping mechanism for introducing the concept of community currency. In 2021 communities will be creating again their own CICs and can choose to use Sarafu as a way to connect their CICs to others. Note that Sarafu and CIC circulation data is anonymous and used to target humanitarian support such as cash transfer programs. Read more about Sarafu Network and check out the data dashboard and research here.

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Using CCs to support the development and maintenance of communal farms has been one of the core concepts of our work since we started implementing in rural areas in 2014 – where the CC is a promise against future production of the farm and can be used to buy food after each harvest. In 2020 we began integrating Syntropic Agroforestry into demo farms which utilizes, bio-intensive mixed-crop planting, mulching on-site, and successional growth and rotations. These techniques have enabled us enter traditional maize farms and convert them into regenerative agriculture plots. These farms aka Food Forests create productive capacity and a foundation for resilient food systems. The CCs help organize the labor and care for these communal structures.

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Overall 2020 has taught us that a free medium of exchange that can be used in vulnerable communities is extremely important especially during times of crisis. ... 2020 We're glad it's over!

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2021 Goals

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We’re extremely excited about using CICs for developing support networks for vulnerable communities and households, and especially food systems. With hardened software and materials, we’ll be able more and more to support other organizations to develop, copy and use the CIC infrastructure. A few more goals are shown below:

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  • Develop Training Materials
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  • Support Food Forest creation
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  • Enable communities to create their own interconnected tokens (January) (no connection to Kenyan Shillings)
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  • Develop web-based non-custodial systems (wallets and token creation interfaces)
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  • Develop the blockchain contracts for the Sarafu token to act as a type of UBI / Dividend
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  • Document and enable more interoperability with other protocols, APIs chat bots, market places
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  • Develop Voting systems for governance and tax redistribution
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  • Develop Standard Operating Procedures for humanitarian organizations.
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  • Develop different reserve pools (network tokens (Sarafu), stable tokens, carbon credits).
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  • Develop parametric triggers for aid injection
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  • Develop an SDG Impact Index related to CIC transaction data (categories, gender .. )
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Keep reading for the brave techies:

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The open-source infrastructure allows for both custodial and non-custodial systems where users can define and write contracts (which act as programmable currencies) onto a blockchain - such as bloxberg.org - and enable those currencies to interact with each other.

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+ 2021 Mid Year CIC Update +

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Transitions

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Below is a summary for the entire country since 2020 till May 2021. At the end of 2019 we were forced off our old digital platform and onto a temporary one where we could only make one digital currency (Sarafu). We also started air-dropping this currency to anyone with a sim card in Kenya while trying all kinds of ways to connect Sarafu to humanitarian work. We grew from a few thousands users to over 50,000 and have seen roughly 3 Million USD worth of trade between users for basic needs - recorded in nearly 400,000 blockchain transactions. While the system has grown we've strive to return to the community based foundations we came from guided by a new director Shalia Agha..

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Back to Basics

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After over a year of sitting in this technical road stop (with only one currency) - all I can say is how much I miss creating community currencies one village at a time! Hopefully this month we will release a fully open source and modular version of our software and by the middle of the year be able to facilitate communities to develop their own community currencies again. The application process for creating a CIC we've been working on together with community groups, takes some of our current learning and applies them to our older pre-2020 - programs. The basic idea of for a CIC to be a producer credit - or voucher for the goods and services of a well defined group and for that group to define how they will use these credits in community projects.

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Foundations in Regeneration

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2020 was also the year of Syntropic Agroforestry - where community groups use it as a basis for their local groups would pool together their Sarafu and use it for maintenance and farm inputs, and after circulation in the community for school fees, haircuts, church tithing, etc. ... people can use it again for food from communal farms. This has grown out to 50 acres of such farming! These types of programs that anchor community currency to communal structures we hope to see grow more and more.

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Humanitarian Focus

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The Red Cross has just about completed a second pilot of CICs in informal settlements as part of COVID relief and resilience work. GIZ in Cameroon are working on their own CICs and we continue to consult many formal and informal groups on how to setup their own CICs digitally or with paper vouchers. Rather than connecting CICs to cash exchange, which creates an incentive to save them, connecting them to vulnerable assistance community asset development has remained the best practice.

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Data

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Below is a summary for the entire country since 2020 based on research data:

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Note that while 1 Sarafu is socially pegged to 1 Kenyan Shilling. The actual value of Sarafu compared to the Kenyan shilling will vary based on the user.

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The above graphic shows COVID starting in April 2020 with increased Sarafu usage, eventually ebbing off by October 2020 - leading toward a more steady state by January 2021. While registrations continue to grow currently via airdropping Sarafu- without strong community anchors that growth isn't sustainable.

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Kisauni

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Zooming in on Kisauni which started with Red Cross volunteers early 2021

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Note. Ignore the last data point for the morning the data was sampled.

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Working in Kisauni started with the Kenyan Red Cross Cash Transfer Program (CTP)team going through and identifying the vulnerable households along with local leaders and community health volunteers. These 1,500 vulnerable householders were given cash transfers monthly while also being enrolled in CIC (Sarafu) along with their neighbors. Overall over 5,000 people in Kisauni joined the network and have traded basic needs with among each other over 13,000 times over roughly 4 months. These users are currently forming community groups that will support the program long term and also being supported by local industry partners. This is an example of airdropping 100 Sarafu onto vulnerable people in COVID crisis and working with them to form groups. 1,500 vulnerable households received cash aid (with no connection to Sarafu at all) . This cash aid helps but doesn't stay circulating in the community like CIC does. The, over 5000, users in the area form a resilient trade network that is growing daily and will continue supporting the vulnerable long term.

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Above are the 1,396 CTP users that signed up for CIC so far and how much Sarafu they have spent in various categories. CIC seems to be helping them longer term than we would expect the cash transfer to and it is connecting them into a larger community of support and stable markets.

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Despite many doubts, this trial of running a cash transfer program in parallel with airdropped CIC has created significant impacts and continues to grow through the adoption of local stakeholders and community groups.

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+ 2614 Blockchain Transactions for Basic Needs +

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+ By Will Ruddick +
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In our journey over the last few months building tools for community currencies on the blockchain to support healthy economies, a network of 550 mothers, teachers, clinics, shop keepers and more have reached 2,614 trades among themselves to support each other while living below the poverty line. Over 10,900 USD worth of goods and services have been traded so far representing a significant increase to local trade at a time when Kenyan Shillings are scarce.

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550 users is a relatively small number of businesses, so far, piloting the currencies. As the networks grow we expect to seem much more trade as the year progresses and these networks fill out. Fundamentally this community currency trade shows that the existing fiat based economy only enables a small fraction of the full capacity of people.

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Of these transactions we see primarily food being traded. This is only the very beginning, as more and more schools and clinics as well as environmental organizations enroll we expect to see these proportions change. This data is updated live for every single blockchain transaction on http://www.sarafu.cc

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Our formula, so far ,for Blockchain Based Community Currencies:

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  • Bancor Protocol built into the smart contracts enables each community currency to be connected to each other
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  • The POA blockchain allows us to to cheaply and quickly write transactions to the blockchain
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  • The USSD systems via Africastalking allow us to make these tokens available to a huge population without smart phones or internet
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  • Creating an initial supply of tokens relative to the population's daily consumption of food and airdropping it into micro and small businesses, schools and clinics that back the token's value.
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  • Demurrage or negative interest rates - where if a user is not using their tokens for a period of time a percentage of their balance is automatically sent to a community fund - which redistributes the tokens as a basic income and supports community programs
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  • Community ambassadors that train and enroll community members and braid them together into trading networks.
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As we learn from community usage of these tools - we update and improve these systems and hope all best practices we gather are useful for other organizations and communities seeking to develop healthy economies. Please contact us if you would like to share your experiences, help or know more.

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+ 300 Bob - a money story +

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+ By Will Ruddick +
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This is a story I often tell to being to discuss what money is and what it could be. It is derived from a German tale. +German tale

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One day a Mama Songa, a woman selling vegetables, is packing up her unsold tomatoes and finds that someone has placed a 300 Bob (Bob is the short form for ‘Shillings’ in Kenya) note. She has never seen such a note, but it looks legit. (There are only paper notes in denominations of 50,100,200,500,1000 in Kenya).

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She decides to take it to her child’s schools where she is late on fees. The headmaster looks at the 300 Bob note and is shocked but finally accepts it as he trusts that he could return it for tomatoes later. He doesn’t need tomatoes through, and instead uses it to purchase some flour for the school lunch.

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The flour shop owner then realizes he needs tomatoes for dinner the next day and visits Mama Songa to buy 300 Bob of tomatoes. Mama Songa is pleased to see the 300 Bob return to her and decides she should save some money in the bank.

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The banker takes one look at the money and rips in half and throws it in the dust bin.

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Mama Songa is shocked, “But that 300 Bob bought school fees, flour and tomatoes! It enabled 900 Bob of trade”.

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“That is not official money” the banker says in disgust.

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Mama Songa shakes her head and realizes that in the end she was at least able to pay for school fees and only lost some tomatoes that were going bad.

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I generally flavor this story with the various goods and services of the community I am working in and finally introduce the idea of a circulating voucher and ask the following questions? +What if Mama Songa could create a voucher for her tomatoes that could also be accepted for school fees and flour? What would the rules need to be for printing and distributing such vouchers? How much trade could be unlocked with these in circulation?

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I often bring up the joke of the construction worker who didn’t finish his job and gives the excuse that he ran out of centimeters. If money, in the case of a circulating voucher, is just a record of who owes whom how much, then why should we ever have to run out? Perhaps the paper is expensive to print – enter digital vouchers and blockchain security.

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Finally, I revisit the story’s banker;

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Once Mama Songa leaves, the Banker grabs the two halves of the 300 Bob and uses some clear tape to stick them back together and walks over to go buy some flour.

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+Where exactly do our shillings come from? What is money? What is official money?
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What is wrong with our society if people don't send their kids to school or eat an evening meal because they are missing pieces of paper?

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+What is wrong with our society if people don't send their kids to school or eat an evening meal because they are missing pieces of paper?
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#justsostories #stories #story #whatismoney #voucher

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+ 5 Kenyan Community Currencies Meet +

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+ By Ruth Mwangi +
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Saturday, 27th June will remain a day to remember for various Business Networks in Kenya.

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A total of five Business Networks united by a Community Currency (CC) were represented at a single meeting in Mombasa, hosted by the Bangladesh Business Network. Community Currencies give business communities a way to create their own mutual-credit-clearing (barter exchange) system to build economic resilience and self-fund community development programs.

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Present, were committee members of the existing community Currencies in Nairobi (Kangemi-Pesa, launched 3 months ago and Gatina-Pesa, launched 9 months ago) along with 2 of their volunteers; members of the committees about to launch new currencies in Nairobi (Lindi-Pesa) and Mombasa (Ng’ombeni-Pesa). And of course, the committee, volunteers and members of the Bangladesh Business Network from Mombasa (Bangla-Pesa, launched in 2013) and the founder of Grassroots Economics – GE (in charge of the implementation of the CC networks in Africa).

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The main objective of this meeting was to share ideas in an interactive setting and come up with ways to enhance trade in the existing businesses on a day-to-day basis. Faulu Kenya, a Micro-finance institution that offers a variety of financial solutions catering to both Retail and SME segments, was also in attendance to explain the terms and conditions of group and Chama loans. These loans would help small business owners within the GE networks expand their businesses. Other activities that took place during these meetings were entertainment from the Bangla-Pesa Volleyball team – a youth group that provides garbage collection services to the Bangladesh community - sponsored by the Bangla-Pesa community fund of Bangladesh Business Network. Members of the Gatina and Kangemi-Pesa also got a chance to be part of the planning meeting for the upcoming Ng’ombeni-Pesa launch which is set to take place in the month August.

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+ 715 Members and Growing Fast +

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Sarafu-Credit users in five locations around Kenya have increased by over 83% since January 1st. Our Super Markets and Credit Clearing Offices in five locations are beginning to develop a strong local presence but it is our users that do the most to grow these networks by simply showing how much their trade is increasing. Below are some recent examples of Sarafu-Credit users in Nairobi and Mombasa:

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+Key Examples in Nairobi - by Daniel Mukosia our Nairobi Coordinator
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Dickson Mutashe has been a member of Gatina Business Organization for the last two years. He owns a computer training center at 56 Kawangware. He says he has been using Sarafu-Credit and so far he has been able to buy goods and services from other members who offer different services from his, such as paying tuition for his children. He also offers web surfing, printing, photocopy and playing computer games. He also uses Sarafu-Credit as change to his regular customers who also use the Sarafu-Credit to purchase food stuff such as Mama Mboga. "The circulation of Sarafu-Credit has enabled me to get more customers and increase daily sales." - Dickson Mutashe

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Mary Akothe (Mama Mboga) located at Gatina Check point started using Sarafu-Credit early this year. She noticed Sarafu-Credit after realizing that the credit has enabled most of the businesses around her to be able to save the money. She has been actively trading with Sarafu-Credit and says "My business has been improving on a daily basis by increasing sales due to increase of daily customers who have been using Sarafu-Credit backing up the Kenyan shilling to purchase goods and services within the network." She has also been contributing towards chama savings and will be in a position to get loans to expand her business. She has been able to purchase more stock using Sarafu-Credit and this has enabled her business to grow and she is active in recruiting more and more members along her entire supply chain.

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+Key Examples in Mombasa - by Lydia Anyango our Mombasa Coordinator
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Kennedy Ongweko of Bangladesh community near Mombasa owns a kinyozi (barber shop) and he has many Sarafu-Credit customers. "I never used to have a lot of children customers but ever since I registered to be in the Business

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Network all the mamas in the market bring their children to my knyozi because I accept Sarafu-Credit," he says. In return Kennedy uses Sarafu-Credit to buy food from the market and also pays for repairs with it.

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Francisca Ayieko or ‘Teclar’ as known by many people in Bangladesh community as Teclar uses Sarafu-Credit on a daily basis to sell fresh water. A 20litre gallon of water goes for 5/= and she accepts the full value in 5 Sarafu-Credit (in the form of Bangla-Pesa). She was one of the first traders of BP starting in 2013 and has been active ever since. "Sarafu-Credit (Bangla-Pesa) has been of great help to me because I receive a lot of customers fetching my water," she says. "I also sell a lot of my fish. Sometimes I accept only Sarafu-Credit when one does not have the Kenya shillings at all instead of accepting debts that I have to wait to get repaid", she adds.

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+ A New Kind of Cash +

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“Cash is the enemy of the poor,” wrote Rodger Voorhies, director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s program aimed at improving financial services to the poor.

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While, I have a soft spot for technology - targeting cashas the enemy of the poor is sadly short sighted and self serving coming from the big money behind the Gates foundation.

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If all the poor in the world could suddenly switch to using debit cards, or mobile phone money transfer - would we really see a change to current level of inequality? Or would we just see a those who sell the services and hardware making a killing in profits? Turning that concept on 'developed' nations is equally ridiculous - Is cash the problem in Greece or Detroit causing economic devastation?

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Whatever the motives for pushing more and more tech solutions, the fundamental problem is definitely not cash, nor is it simply lack of cash - The problem is rooted in failing monetary system that gives private banks the power to create money in-order to profit off peoples' debt in-order to profit off peoples' debt. What this means on the ground in places like slums in Kenya, is that to get money to grow your business you have to go into debt - which is likely to land you in a lot of trouble at usurious interest rates. People that do end up raising above unstable markets and horrible conditions have little trouble at all accessing financial services for their money.

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Promoting savings is the icing on the cake - the financial services promoted by tech giants are really of one main variety, like M-Pesa, they offer money transfer services with middle men raking in huge profits. The financial service that no one seems interested in providing is currency issuance, not transfer. Mainly because it involves empowering communities and less profits rising up the pyramid.

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Articles like this one tout Bitcoin for could work for the poor. Yet Bitcoin has shown the same flaw in mirroring the inequality of our current failing system. Who gets to mine Bitcoins? Who gets to issue credit? Certainly not the poor - unless we change that.

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This key financial service can be provided to communities at little cost and doesn't need mobile technology.

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With minuscule cost to develop or implement - and zero cost to run and transact Bangla-Pesa, a community currency, has hundreds of 'poor' people trading more than 10,000 shillings of paper/cash Bangla-Pesa daily. This is a currency issued and back by a local community with their own goods and services. It isn't purchased. It isn't mined. It is issued and guaranteed by a local business network and starting to be adopted areas across Kenya.

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Perhaps down the road services like Bangla-Pesa could be offered via mobile phone (this really depends on the cost to users) - but the tech aspect is secondary to the innovation of giving communities the key financial service they lack - the ability to issue their own credit not tied to debts in national currency.

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Each year we see big businesses and big money trying to push the new tech revolution on the poor - are they simply pushing technology or are they actually interested in ending poverty?

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+ A Wonderful Experience in Miyani +

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I am a French researcher involved in an MSc Agricultural Development at the University of Copenhagen. I am very interested in Community Currency, especially regarding their potential to foster sustainable agriculture, food security and endogenous development in developing countries.

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In this context, I am currently doing amazing fieldwork in the rural area of Miyani (near Mombasa, Kenya) where a community currency -the Miyani-Pesa (MP) (part of the Sarafu-Credit system)- has been launched last August. Grassroots Economics has, indeed, supported a local agricultural cooperative in (1) investing in a posho mill; (2) launching the MP (which is backed by the milling service) and an inital network of 40 local smallholders.

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Objective: The main objective of my research was to examine the current and potential impacts of MP on the agricultural cooperative development, food security and local farmers livelihoods. Methods: (1) transect walk and mapping of the area (territorial resources analysis); (2) semi-structured interviews with 36 MP users regarding users’ characteristics; MP use, perceived benefits and challenges of the MP); (3) distribution of one hundred food consumption booklets among non-members and members (control and treatment) of the MP (comparison in terms of daily meals and daily food purchases); (4) semi-structured interviews with key informants (Red Cross, Green World Campaign, officials (interests, needs, challenges; perceptions about MP); (5) Workshops with members of the agricultural cooperative (objectives, operations, activities, history, partnerships, benefits and challenges); (6) Workshop and participatory training with the MP members (networking, further actions); (7) direct observation by living fifteen days with a local family and by participating to some activities at the cooperative.

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Although the MP is still at an early development stage, 14 out of 36 interviewees mentioned that MP helps them on their daily food purchases by allowing them to buy food or mill their maize even when they experience a lack of Kenyan shillings. More astonishing, 60% of users noticed that they could already buy more diverse food thanks to the MP. Inital analysis of the food consumption booklets shows that in average, the non-users spend 23 Ksh per day per household member for food while the Miyani-pesa users spend 41 Ksh.This is an astonishing difference after only a few months!

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Besides, 60% of interviewees also underlined that, by using MP, they could increase their savings in Kenyan Shillings. They would use the savings for paying the school fees, developing their farm and/or increasing their business stocks. For instance, one of the respondents underlined that he saved 300 Ksh (more than a weeks wage for him) since September and could, therefore, invest on his farm by buying one chicken.

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Jacob, 44 years and father of 7 children, is both a farmer and a fisherman. Cooperative’s committee member, Jacob has been employed at the posho mill since February 2017. In addition of earning 100/150 Kenyan Shillingsper working day, he has daily received 50 MP (equal to 50 Kenyan Shillings) since last September. Jacob expressed his enthusiasm regarding MP (Sarafu-credit). At first, he mentioned that he could make more savings by using Sarafu-credit for his daily purchases. He would use the savings for paying for school fees while using the sarafu-credit for buying more food. He also underlined that he could buy more diverse food thanks to the Sarafu-credit. For instance, he buys more often wheat flour for making “chapatis” or rice and therefore, eats more than three times a week chapatis compared to once per week before; more than three times per week rice compared to twice per week before:

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“I DON’T HAVE TO EAT UGALI EVERY DAY NOW. I COULD BUY MORE OFTEN RICE, BEANS, WHEAT FLOUR ETC.”

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Besides, he underlined that his business as a fisherman has been supported: before, he received 2500 Ksh in a good day; now it earns 3700 Ksh in a good day because of more MP clients. Jacob finally underlined that he expects these benefits to be multiplied when there will be more users, as the program is only a few months old.

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It is expected that these impacts would be fostered by scaling up the network of users.

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On the other hand, while the MP orientates the local consumption of milling services toward the agricultural cooperative, the latter uses the received MP to support its operational costs by partially remunerating two of its employees at the posho mill in MP. The cooperative has also organized a tree planting event along which the participants were partially paid in MP. In the future, it is expected that the cooperative better systemizes the use of the MP by paying community services such as waste collection, tree planting, water-pound digging etc.

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Finally, while the local use of MP is still challenged by it being so new and the size of the users’ network, there is a strong potential for fostering the local food security, the farmers’ living standards and the agricultural cooperative.

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To conclude, I would like to point out that my fieldwork in Miyani is more than a research project: it is an incredible human experience. I could meet wonderful people who have so openly and nicely welcomed me, as if I was one of them. They allowed me to participate to their daily activities such as cooking, farming or fetching water; are always willing to help me for my research activities; and, the most important it is that we laugh and have fun together although we do not speak the same language! Besides, it is amazing for me that Grassroots Economics has put my research into actions and encouraged me express my theories and ideas for further development. More than that, GE has provided me with the keys to design and implement successful and innovative community currency schemes which have such a potential in terms of food security and sustainable endogenous development. I am now eager and ready to spread this model and thus, participate in “prospering economies built by thriving communities”!

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#miyani #agriculture #maize #research

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+ Accolades for Kenyan Community Currencies +

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Community Currencies in Kenya have gotten a lot of lime light this month!

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Ruth Mwangi our Program Director has been honored to visit the US ambassador in Kenya and has received a Mandela Washington Fellowship for her work! We're very proud of her and expect her to lead us with newfound ideas and energy. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). President Obama launched YALI in 2010 to support young African leaders as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa.

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We are often asked what the benefits of these programs are and as usage continues to grow we like to use current examples to demonstrate the impacts:

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Siprosa - a Teacher using Sarafu-Credit in Nairobi - interviewed by Daniel Musioka our Nairobi Coordinator

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Siprosa Odanga is a Teacher at Sifa Children’s Centre in Nairobi. She says "Sarafu-Credit has enabled the children in the community to get education and that is promoting education. Children pay their tuition using the Kshs and fill in the missing money with Sarafu-credit." She also receives part of the Salary in Sarafu-Credit. She uses SC to purchase food such as Chips from Rebba Muyeshi who is an Active member. She also purchases goods (Products) from the GBO shop. She says that SC has enabled the children in the community to get education if they lack enough KSHS to pay for tuition. More than 25 parents use SC as part of their tuition fees. 10 teachers use the SC as part of their salaries and to buy food stuff and shop. Sifa Children's Centre receives roughly 1600 SC a month.

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Caren and Margaret - Chapati Business Women using Sarafu-Credit in Mombasa - interviewed by Lydia Anyango our Mombasa Coordinator

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Caren Otaya (left) and Margaret Odera (right) are both members of the Bangladesh Business Network outside Mombasa since 2013. They are both happy with the local Sarafu-Credit (SC) (Bangla-pesa). Caren says, “I am glad that there are a lot of SC users in the community now because we get a lot of customers coming to eat from us. We have thus increased our sales and stock.”. “Also nearly all the people selling at the market and school children come to eat from us. This has made others who sell chapatti and beans like us to register in the network so that they get customers”, says Margaret. Their business has increased by over 50% since joining the network!

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What's happening here?

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The women above join a local group of schools and businesses that are trying to support each other by co-guaranteeing vouchers that rotate among all the members. Each member joins the network and receive a private credit line from the other members in Sarafu-Credit that is only usable within the network. With over 1000 businesses in these networks, these credits enable a vast amount of underutilized trade to take place by allowing people to back a credit with their goods and services.

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#sarafu #obama

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+ African Community Currencies Update +

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Kenyan Community Currencies

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Nairobi

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  • Gatina-Pesa – The Gatina Business Network's members have been saving their Kenyan Shilings together since there launch last October and are using it as collateral to self-issue small loans to members. Sub-groups within the Network are also applying for micro-finance loans from SMEP-Oikeo. Information booths about the program are beginning to go up this weekend around Kawangware.
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  • Kangemi-Pesa – The Kangemi Business Network did their first community community Clean-Up with the support of several schools in the area that use the currency.
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  • Gatina and Kangemi groups are planning a shared market day where people will be invited to temporarily exchange their Kenyan shillings for community currency and shop at a special market for members only. In addition Robin Gerbaux has developed a Directory for both networks to help members find eachother.
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  • Lindi-Pesa – The Lindi Business Network is prepared to launch August 8th in Kibera. With well over 150 businesses already pre-registered, this looks to be the largest launch so far. The currency was printed in Germany with the help of our German partners Nyendo-lernen, and Chiemgauer.
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Mombasa

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  • Bangla-Pesa – The Bangladesh Business Network is currently undergoing research from the University of Lyon. They have planned their weekend clean-up and Volleyball match as well as an annual reassessment of membership and issuance of Bangla-Pesa with expiry dates in late August.
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  • Ng'ombeni-Pesa – Prepared to launch August 15th! They are preparing a fashion show as well as a new Mkokoteni trash collection group. Women and youth have been trained by the group as tailors and will showcase their goods at the launch. This currency was also printed in Germany with the help of our German partners Nyendo-lernen, and Chiemgauer.
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South African Community Currencies

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  • Bergrivier - The Brand or Bergrivier-Rand has had it's first month of trading.
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  • Kokstad - The K'Mali or Kokstad-Rand launched on Mandela's birthday July 18th.
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Emma's Duka Community Currency Movement
Tue 18 May 2021
SMEs the missing link in Circular Economies
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Tue 11 May 2021
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2021 Mid Year CIC Update
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Tue 11 May 2021
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Faith Based Community Inclusion Currencies
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Thu 08 April 2021
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Grassroots Economics has a New Director: Shaila Agha
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Sun 28 March 2021
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Kakuma Refugee Testimonial
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Sat 13 February 2021
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Refugee Economics in Kakuma Kenya
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Thu 28 January 2021
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Youth Employment via Elderly/Vulnerable Support
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Sat 23 January 2021
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Municipal Basic Income (MBI) via CIC
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Sat 16 January 2021
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Static vs Bonded Liquidity Pools for CICs
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Thu 07 January 2021
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Community Currencies and DEX Multitudes
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Sat 02 January 2021
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2020 Kenyan CICs in Review
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Sun 20 December 2020
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Regenerative Agriculture - Field Visit Report
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Fri 27 November 2020
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Strong Communities - Strong Currencies
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Wed 25 November 2020
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Rural Sarafu Network - CIC Impacts
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Tue 17 November 2020
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CIC Indices for SDGs
+
Sun 25 October 2020
+
Food Forests and Syntropic Currencies
+
Fri 07 August 2020
+
Sarafu Network Kenya Mid-Year CIC Update
+
Sat 25 July 2020
+
ReCommoning - Chama Cycles for Governance & Debt Reboot
+
Sat 11 July 2020
+
CIC Training from Response to Recovery
+
Fri 26 June 2020
+
One Church building a Value driven Economy
+
Sun 14 June 2020
+
Collateral Bonded Gas for Block Validation
+
Sat 23 May 2020
+
Managing their Own Economy during Crisis
+
Wed 25 March 2020
+
Rural Villages Coping with COVID-19
+
Mon 23 March 2020
+
CIC (COVID-19 Crisis) Cash Aid
+
Sat 21 March 2020
+
Building a Public Registry for Community Currencies(DeFi)
+
Fri 20 March 2020
+
Blockchain Currencies Fighting COVID-19 - Mukuru, Kenya
+
Sun 01 March 2020
+
CIC Pilot Impacts and Plans
+
Mon 27 January 2020
+
Community Inclusion Currencies are Now Open Source
+
Sun 19 January 2020
+
Blockchain Powered Village Checkers Tournament
+
Fri 03 January 2020
+
2019 Data Release - 92k Kenyan blockchain translations
+
Wed 11 September 2019
+
Banking on the SILC Road
+
Sun 16 June 2019
+
Shrimp Fishing Builds an Economy
+
Tue 28 May 2019
+
Community Currencies: Cash Transfer 2.0
+
Wed 10 April 2019
+
100+ new Blockchain Wallets in One Day – Fighting Rural Food Insecurity
+
Sun 10 February 2019
+
300 Bob - a money story
+
Mon 04 February 2019
+
Celebrating Bernard's Inspiration
+
Wed 23 January 2019
+
2614 Blockchain Transactions for Basic Needs
+
Fri 18 January 2019
+
Blockchain in Clinics, Vegetables, Cafes and Shops
+
Fri 21 December 2018
+
Use Cases - Honoring 2018
+
Mon 03 December 2018
+
Blockchain without Internet
+
Fri 09 November 2018
+
Takaungu Pesa is here!
+
Fri 25 May 2018
+
Interactive Village Market Simulator!
+
Thu 10 May 2018
+
Sarafu Cooperative is born!
+
Tue 13 March 2018
+
Happy Mother's Day!
+
Fri 09 March 2018
+
Gatina Business Organization and the Love School Success Story
+
Sun 04 March 2018
+
Lindi Business Network Gumbaru Trainings
+
Thu 01 March 2018
+
Empowering Mothers
+
Thu 08 February 2018
+
Rural Community Currencies for Food Security
+
Thu 08 February 2018
+
Tree of Knowledge and Pit of Ignorance: Aid vs. Development
+
Tue 16 January 2018
+
A Wonderful Experience in Miyani
+
Fri 08 December 2017
+
Ending Our 2017
+
Sun 03 December 2017
+
Community Currency Design Course Opening
+
Fri 10 November 2017
+
Post Election 'Syndrome' and New Economies
+
Sat 21 October 2017
+
Berkshares and Bangla-Pesa
+
Tue 10 October 2017
+
Skylife School and Community Currency
+
Fri 22 September 2017
+
Nairobi Coordinator Inspiration
+
Sun 17 September 2017
+
Biz Dev - Inspired
+
Mon 21 August 2017
+
Universal Basic Income via Community Currencies
+
Fri 18 August 2017
+
Rural Miyani-Pesa Launched
+
Sat 17 June 2017
+
Preliminary Research Results 2017
+
Mon 05 June 2017
+
Foundational Member Passes
+
Fri 31 March 2017
+
New Bills for a New Economy
+
Mon 13 March 2017
+
Detergent Accelerator
+
Fri 10 March 2017
+
Not Your Typical Vegetable Kiosk
+
Tue 31 January 2017
+
Queen of Katwe
+
Wed 21 December 2016
+
Here We Are - Kenya 2016
+
Wed 19 October 2016
+
Education and Business Cycles
+
Thu 30 June 2016
+
Accolades for Kenyan Community Currencies
+
Sat 07 May 2016
+
715 Members and Growing Fast
+
Wed 09 March 2016
+
Mangroves and the Eco-nomy
+
Tue 08 March 2016
+
Super-Market Super-Currency
+
Thu 21 January 2016
+
Sarafu-Credit Takes Shape
+
Wed 16 December 2015
+
Kwaheri 2015 - Community Service and Results
+
Tue 08 December 2015
+
Bangla-Pesa Market, Shoes and Permaculture
+
Wed 25 November 2015
+
Permaculture School Farm Via Bangla-Pesa
+
Sun 25 October 2015
+
Mikindani Community Currency Market Day
+
Thu 15 October 2015
+
Nairobi's 1st Community Currency Anniversary
+
Sun 27 September 2015
+
Retreat and Renewal
+
Mon 14 September 2015
+
1st Community Currency Market and More
+
Sun 30 August 2015
+
Smep Oiko-Credit Loans in Kangemi
+
Wed 19 August 2015
+
Lindi and Ng'ombeni Pesa Launched
+
Thu 23 July 2015
+
African Community Currencies Update
+
Wed 01 July 2015
+
5 Kenyan Community Currencies Meet
+
Wed 24 June 2015
+
Municipal Bonds and Community Currency
+
Wed 10 June 2015
+
Kibera's Lindi-Pesa Gaining Momentum
+
Mon 08 June 2015
+
Update from Kangemi-Pesa Nairobi
+
Sat 30 May 2015
+
Berg Rand Launches in South Africa
+
Sat 16 May 2015
+
Francis the Millionaire
+
Sat 09 May 2015
+
Progress in South Africa
+
Fri 08 May 2015
+
News from Brazil
+
Tue 21 April 2015
+
New Business in Kawangware
+
Sat 04 April 2015
+
Kangemi-Pesa Launched
+
Fri 27 March 2015
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Kangemi-Pesa Launch Prep and More Currency News
+
Fri 19 December 2014
+
Looking Towards 2015
+
Tue 18 November 2014
+
Gatina & Bangla Pesa Nov Updates
+
Fri 24 October 2014
+
Gatina-Pesa Starting Circulation
+
Sat 11 October 2014
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Gatina-Pesa Launched
+
Thu 25 September 2014
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Gatina-Pesa Launch Prep
+
Fri 29 August 2014
+
Hon. Paul Simba Arati MP Dagoretti - North
+
Thu 21 August 2014
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Gatina-Pesa and South Africa
+
Thu 31 July 2014
+
University of Nairobi Research Visit
+
Tue 29 July 2014
+
Wanjala Visits Bangladesh
+
Mon 21 July 2014
+
Nairobi Bangla-Pesa Making Strides
+
Wed 16 July 2014
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School Fees with Bangla-Pesa
+
Sun 29 June 2014
+
Panty Distribution Success
+
Thu 12 June 2014
+
A New Kind of Cash
+
Sun 08 June 2014
+
Bangla-Pesa Waste, Volleyball and Nairobi
+
Wed 28 May 2014
+
Growing Up is Hard
+
Mon 19 May 2014
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Roller Derby + Star Wars = Panties
+
Sat 10 May 2014
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Registration and Exchange Visits
+
Thu 01 May 2014
+
Help Support Community Currencies
+
Wed 16 April 2014
+
Respect on the streets
+
Tue 25 March 2014
+
Bangla-Pesa - Can we do it again?
+
Thu 20 March 2014
+
Elections, Service, Mapping and Nairobi
+
Tue 18 March 2014
+
Borstal Boys: Poi and Life Skills Behind Bars
+
Fri 14 February 2014
+
Bangla-Pesa Survey Results February 2014
+
Tue 04 February 2014
+
Marciana's Struggle, Porridge and Bangla-Pesa
+
Mon 13 January 2014
+
Menstrual Cycles: Barriers to Education
+
Sun 12 January 2014
+
Sustainable Programs and Complementary Currencies
+
Mon 30 December 2013
+
Margrit Kennedy - Thank You
+
Sun 15 December 2013
+
Church Offerings (Sadaka) in Bangla-Pesa
+
Tue 10 December 2013
+
Bangla-Pesa Reloaded
+
Wed 27 November 2013
+
Motomoto and the Dream Catchers
+
Sat 23 November 2013
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Bangla-Pesa Relaunch
+
Wed 13 November 2013
+
No Nonsense Bangla-Pesa Crew Getting Ready
+
Sun 20 October 2013
+
Bangla-Pesa Anticipating November
+
Mon 14 October 2013
+
"Living Half-Way" Former Sex Worker Speaks out
+
Wed 02 October 2013
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Who could like this life? - Motomoto
+
Fri 23 August 2013
+
Bangla-Pesa Charges Dropped!
+
Mon 22 July 2013
+
Bangla-Pesa's Fate in the hands of the DPP
+
Mon 03 June 2013
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Bangla-Pesa Turmoil
+
Sat 11 May 2013
+
Bangla-Pesa Launch
+
Sat 16 March 2013
+
Bangla Committee Meeting
+
Sun 03 March 2013
+
Motomoto Performing Arts
+
Fri 15 February 2013
+
BBN Meeting
+
Wed 26 December 2012
+
Tiwi Orphans Visit
+
Tue 27 November 2012
+
Complementary Currency: Business Network Creation
diff --git a/output/author/amina-godana-and-janet-akinyi-otieno.html b/output/author/amina-godana-and-janet-akinyi-otieno.html index d2cc414..6cd5789 100644 --- a/output/author/amina-godana-and-janet-akinyi-otieno.html +++ b/output/author/amina-godana-and-janet-akinyi-otieno.html @@ -93,7 +93,8 @@

Kakuma Refugee Testimonial

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After hearing about Sarafu local leaders of a small community group started building a support network in their community. Nyota explains below how after living in the refugee camp for 10 years, Sarafu has helped her to maintain trade with her community and grow their collective farming even when there …

+

Nyota explains below how after living in the refugee camp for 10 years, Sarafu has helped her to maintain trade with her community and grow

+
diff --git a/output/author/antony-ngoka.html b/output/author/antony-ngoka.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e59d443 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/antony-ngoka.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Antony Ngoka + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+
+

Articles by Antony Ngoka

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+ + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
+
+ + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/caroline-dama.html b/output/author/caroline-dama.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..79cb06c --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/caroline-dama.html @@ -0,0 +1,179 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Caroline Dama + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+
+

Articles by Caroline Dama

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    By + Caroline Dama
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    Takaungu Pesa is here!

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    The Vindakala Youth Bunge’s motto “Coming Together is Just The Beginning.” mirrors this excitement we have after the launch of Takaungu...

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    By + Caroline Dama
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    Mangroves and the Eco-nomy

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    We've been working to replace the need for Mombasa's Bangladesh residents to import food and conserve their environment. Two schools near...

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    By + Caroline Dama
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    Permaculture School Farm Via Bangla-Pesa

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    Two neighboring schools St. Peter's & Paul's and St. Angeline are being trained and equipped to design, build and maintain a community...

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+ + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
+
+ + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/crystal-kigoni.html b/output/author/crystal-kigoni.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bf937ad --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/crystal-kigoni.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Crystal Kigoni + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+
+

Articles by Crystal Kigoni

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+
+
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
+
+ + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/daniel-mukosia.html b/output/author/daniel-mukosia.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..706149f --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/daniel-mukosia.html @@ -0,0 +1,254 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Daniel Mukosia + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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+

Articles by Daniel Mukosia

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    By + Daniel Mukosia
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    Happy Mother's Day!

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    As a way to celebrate we are happy to share two stories from our network members! Bevelyne Ombayo is a single mother, who lives in Lindi...

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    By + Daniel Mukosia
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    Skylife School and Community Currency

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    Grassroots Economics works with communities across Kenya to develop systems that allow parents to pay for their children's education...

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    By + Daniel Mukosia
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    Nairobi Coordinator Inspiration

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    For the first three months I started working as a volunteer. I am able to get in touch with different business individuals in all the...

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    By + Daniel Mukosia
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    Detergent Accelerator

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    Julius Nyelele has been a member of Lindi Business Network for more than one year. He is a roadside seller of washing detergents and body...

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+ + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
+
+ + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/esther-achola.html b/output/author/esther-achola.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5580ac3 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/esther-achola.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Esther Achola + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
+
+

Articles by Esther Achola

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+ + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
+
+ + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/francis-wanjala.html b/output/author/francis-wanjala.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..542643e --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/francis-wanjala.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Francis Wanjala + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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+

Articles by Francis Wanjala

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    By + Francis Wanjala
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    Wanjala Visits Bangladesh

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    Francis Wanjala is the headmaster at Sifa Childrens Home in Nairobi. After making his first trip to Mombasa he shared with us his...

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+ + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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+ + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/grace-rachmany.html b/output/author/grace-rachmany.html index dfebc17..43cfb25 100644 --- a/output/author/grace-rachmany.html +++ b/output/author/grace-rachmany.html @@ -93,8 +93,8 @@

GRE for ME

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-

To be perfectly honest, which isn’t necessarily considered a virtue in the blockchain space, Grassroots Economics is my absolute favorite community currency project on the face of the earth and I couldn’t be more excited to join as an advisor. Some people might not know that there are …

+

Thank you for doing the sacred and life-preserving work of creating financial opportunity and elevating people’s dignity

+
diff --git a/output/tag/lenders.html b/output/author/jacky-kowa.html similarity index 91% rename from output/tag/lenders.html rename to output/author/jacky-kowa.html index 5c59175..c9f2584 100644 --- a/output/tag/lenders.html +++ b/output/author/jacky-kowa.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - lenders tag + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Jacky Kowa @@ -73,14 +73,14 @@
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Articles tagged with lenders

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Articles by Jacky Kowa

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    By - Isavary Khabuqwi
    - + Jacky Kowa
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    -

    Recycling Debt (Kusaga Deni, Kubali Sarafu)

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    Imagine having to endure constant reminders and threatening messages from predatory lenders your entire life.

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    Tiwi Orphans Visit

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    This visit is different, we sat down to eat together and had a frank chat. Am grateful The Koru team visited a village in Tiwi, which had...

    diff --git a/output/author/james-thiongo.html b/output/author/james-thiongo.html index 9be21de..6f502d5 100644 --- a/output/author/james-thiongo.html +++ b/output/author/james-thiongo.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - Articles by James-thiong'o + grassroots-pelican - Articles by James Thiong’o @@ -73,14 +73,14 @@
    -

    Articles by James-thiong'o

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    Articles by James Thiong’o

    • - +
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      By - James-thiong'o
      - + James Thiong’o
      +
      -

      Self-Funded Regenerative Agriculture Kwale Site January Visit

      -

      On 11th January 2021, I visited Miyani Demo Plot to monitor the progress made a month later after my visit in December

      +

      Regenerative Agriculture - Field Visit Report

      +

      The motivation given by accepting community currency will eventually be repaid with their ability to use it to purchase food from the farm.

      diff --git a/output/author/janet-akinyi-atieno.html b/output/author/janet-akinyi-atieno.html deleted file mode 100644 index 66a7fb1..0000000 --- a/output/author/janet-akinyi-atieno.html +++ /dev/null @@ -1,130 +0,0 @@ - - - - grassroots-pelican - Articles by Janet Akinyi Atieno - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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      Articles by Janet Akinyi Atieno

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      - - - - \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/janet-akinyi.html b/output/author/janet-akinyi.html index 4df7f0d..c6f5407 100644 --- a/output/author/janet-akinyi.html +++ b/output/author/janet-akinyi.html @@ -93,8 +93,58 @@

      Faith Based Community Inclusion Currencies

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      -

      Due to economic instability, many people in the marginalized communities are short of money to pay for church offerings or even worse, to set up their local churches. Local churches that have begun to develop their own community currencies (Sarafu) in order to developed their church structures and pay offerings …

      +

      Local churches and faith based organizations have begun to develop their own community currencies (Sarafu)

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    By + Janet Akinyi
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    Strong Communities - Strong Currencies

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    I had the pleasure to visit Kwe Kende in Nyalgunga, Siaya County one of the strongest groups (chamas) in the Sarafu Network across Kenya,...

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    By + Janet Akinyi
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    Rural Sarafu Network - CIC Impacts

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    Rosemary Owino is a widow from Siaya village in Siaya County. She has wanted desperately to curb her own poverty and make ends meet for...

    +
    diff --git a/output/author/lydia-anyango.html b/output/author/lydia-anyango.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c29526c --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/lydia-anyango.html @@ -0,0 +1,254 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Lydia Anyango + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    Articles by Lydia Anyango

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      By + Lydia Anyango
      + +
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      Rural Miyani-Pesa Launched

      +

      Today we launched our first rural community currency! The event went well to initiate and train the first 20 members and set up a local...

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      By + Lydia Anyango
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      Foundational Member Passes

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      It is sad to announce the sudden death of Dominic Okello (in the middle) who passed on early May 2017. He is a resident of Bangladesh...

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      By + Lydia Anyango
      + +
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      Not Your Typical Vegetable Kiosk

      +

      This is Julius Odhiambo. He owns a vegetable kibanda and has been using Community Currency called Bangla-Pesa, which is part of the...

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      By + Lydia Anyango
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      Mikindani Community Currency Market Day

      +

      The Kwa Ng'ombe Business Network held their 1st Market day on the 24th October 2015. Members came to sell and trade their goods at the...

      +
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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
    +
    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/tag/exchange.html b/output/author/lynda-chalker.html similarity index 85% rename from output/tag/exchange.html rename to output/author/lynda-chalker.html index d64d635..32c8cde 100644 --- a/output/tag/exchange.html +++ b/output/author/lynda-chalker.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - exchange tag + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Lynda Chalker @@ -73,14 +73,14 @@
    -

    Articles tagged with exchange

    +

    Articles by Lynda Chalker

    • - +
      @@ -88,12 +88,12 @@
      By - Will Ruddick
      - + Lynda Chalker
      +
      -

      2020 Kenyan CICs Review

      -

      Starting in 2010 Grassroots Economics worked with local communities to issue vouchers aka Community Currencies (CCs)

      +

      Use Cases - Honoring 2018

      +

      Closing 2018 with a bang! We mark the end of 2018 and the beginning of this festive season by honoring schools, clinics, micro and small...

      @@ -105,7 +105,7 @@
      - +
      @@ -113,12 +113,12 @@
      By - Will Ruddick
      - + Lynda Chalker
      +
      -

      Community Currencies and DEX Multitudes

      -

      Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts

      +

      Blockchain without Internet

      +

      We can't print enough paper notes for everyone who needs them. But nearly everyone has a phone (without internet). In order to reach a...

      diff --git a/output/author/marcelin-munga-petro.html b/output/author/marcelin-munga-petro.html index 57c39fa..b33e84c 100644 --- a/output/author/marcelin-munga-petro.html +++ b/output/author/marcelin-munga-petro.html @@ -93,11 +93,8 @@

      Refugee Economics in Kakuma Kenya

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      Short description of FHE community based organization.

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      dear sir/madam

      -

      Greetings, I'm MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO a Congolese by nationality being recognized under UNHCR as a refugee in side kakuma refugee camp.

      -

      I'm the founder and CEO of FHE organization that mean Farming and Health Education, the organization include 31 members …

      +

      Short description of FHE community based organization. dear sir/madam Greetings, I'm MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO a Congolese by nationality...

      +
      diff --git a/output/tag/kenya.html b/output/author/marion-cauvet.html similarity index 90% rename from output/tag/kenya.html rename to output/author/marion-cauvet.html index a6bd1fb..722cbd7 100644 --- a/output/tag/kenya.html +++ b/output/author/marion-cauvet.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - Kenya tag + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Marion Cauvet @@ -73,14 +73,14 @@
      -

      Articles tagged with Kenya

      +

      Articles by Marion Cauvet

      • - +
        @@ -88,12 +88,12 @@
        By - Isavary Khabuqwi
        - + Marion Cauvet
        +
        -

        Kilifi Kenya - a hub for Community Driven Basic Income

        -

        The current reality is that following Covid-19 many have fallen deeper and deeper into debt.

        +

        A Wonderful Experience in Miyani

        +

        I am a French researcher involved in an MSc Agricultural Development at the University of Copenhagen. I am very interested in Community...

        diff --git a/output/author/morgan-richards.html b/output/author/morgan-richards.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8d6fe94 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/morgan-richards.html @@ -0,0 +1,354 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Morgan Richards + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
        +
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        Articles by Morgan Richards

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        + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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        + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/muthoni-kiguru.html b/output/author/muthoni-kiguru.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fd8d895 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/muthoni-kiguru.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Muthoni Kiguru + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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        Articles by Muthoni Kiguru

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          By + Muthoni Kiguru
          + +
          +
          +

          University of Nairobi Research Visit

          +

          “…I no longer sleep hungry. Even without the Kenyan money, I still have Bangla Pesa. I will survive one more day. This money never ends…”...

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        + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/rebeccamqamelo.html b/output/author/rebeccamqamelo.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5c6799f --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/rebeccamqamelo.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by rebeccamqamelo + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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        Articles by rebeccamqamelo

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        + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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        + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/robin-gerbaux.html b/output/author/robin-gerbaux.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..48c5f55 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/robin-gerbaux.html @@ -0,0 +1,204 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Robin Gerbaux + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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        Articles by Robin Gerbaux

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          By + Robin Gerbaux
          + +
          +
          +

          Kibera's Lindi-Pesa Gaining Momentum

          +

          June 6th 2015 was bound to be a typical morning in Kibera - but Saturday morning, the inhabitants of Kibera, the biggest slum of Nairobi,...

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          +
          +
          By + Robin Gerbaux
          + +
          +
          +

          Update from Kangemi-Pesa Nairobi

          +

          It has been only 2 months since the members of Kangemi Business Network launched their community currency and received their 400...

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          • +
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          By + Robin Gerbaux
          + +
          +
          +

          Francis the Millionaire

          +

          Since several generations the family of Francis has been living in the same neighborhood of Nairobi, Gatina (Part of Kwangware). Gatina,...

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          By + Robin Gerbaux
          + +
          +
          +

          New Business in Kawangware

          +

          Since its implementation, 8 months ago, Gatina-Pesa in Nairobi's Kawangware slum has had various benefits to its members. Some of them...

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        + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/ruth-mwangi.html b/output/author/ruth-mwangi.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e32266a --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/ruth-mwangi.html @@ -0,0 +1,229 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Ruth Mwangi + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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        Articles by Ruth Mwangi

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          By + Ruth Mwangi
          + +
          +
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          Education and Business Cycles

          +

          A lot has been said about the education system in Kenya. The introduction of free primary education in 2003 was received with mixed...

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          By + Ruth Mwangi
          + +
          +
          +

          Super-Market Super-Currency

          +

          Hundreds and hundreds of settlers in Nairobi's Kawangware informal settlement will soon benefit from access to low priced goods...

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          By + Ruth Mwangi
          + +
          +
          +

          Smep Oiko-Credit Loans in Kangemi

          +

          SMEP a local OIKO-Credit partner is offering Loans and Training to Community Currency users in Kangemi and Kawangware. They have started...

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          By + Ruth Mwangi
          + +
          +
          +

          5 Kenyan Community Currencies Meet

          +

          Saturday, 27th June will remain a day to remember for various Business Networks in Kenya. A total of five Business Networks united by a...

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        + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/ruth-njau-antony-ngoka.html b/output/author/ruth-njau-antony-ngoka.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..65500b6 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/ruth-njau-antony-ngoka.html @@ -0,0 +1,154 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Ruth Njau & Antony Ngoka + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
        +
        +

        Articles by Ruth Njau & Antony Ngoka

        + + +
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        +
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        + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
        +
        + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/tag/defaulters.html b/output/author/ruth-njau.html similarity index 91% rename from output/tag/defaulters.html rename to output/author/ruth-njau.html index 97383a3..feb149b 100644 --- a/output/tag/defaulters.html +++ b/output/author/ruth-njau.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - defaulters tag + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Ruth Njau @@ -73,14 +73,14 @@
        -

        Articles tagged with defaulters

        +

        Articles by Ruth Njau

        • - +
          @@ -88,12 +88,12 @@
          By - Isavary Khabuqwi
          - + Ruth Njau
          +
          -

          Recycling Debt (Kusaga Deni, Kubali Sarafu)

          -

          Imagine having to endure constant reminders and threatening messages from predatory lenders your entire life.

          +

          One Church building a Value driven Economy

          +

          CIC (Sarafu) has taught people the power of circular trade and sharing and they will never go back to struggling for cash.

          diff --git a/output/author/shaila-agha.html b/output/author/shaila-agha.html index 4de32d4..979160d 100644 --- a/output/author/shaila-agha.html +++ b/output/author/shaila-agha.html @@ -93,8 +93,33 @@

          SMEs the missing link in Circular Economies

          -
          -

          Clementina has a hair salon in an informal settlement on the outskirts of Nairobi’s industrial area. She has been accepting Sarafu for almost 5 years now. She’s the chairlady of the Shalom chama in Mukuru. She used to freely accept Sarafu for her hair salon services knowing she …

          +

          Organizations merely have to choose whether to help their local community, or pay taxes to a government whose reach is never felt in these s

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        +
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      • +
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        By + Shaila Agha
        + +
        +
        +

        Grassroots Economics has a New Director: Shaila Agha

        +

        It is an honor to work as a Director along with Will Ruddick and the Grassroots Economics team in their endeavor to rebalance the inequaliti

        +
        diff --git a/output/tag/debtors.html b/output/author/steve-okuku.html similarity index 91% rename from output/tag/debtors.html rename to output/author/steve-okuku.html index 9635c45..88084d5 100644 --- a/output/tag/debtors.html +++ b/output/author/steve-okuku.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - debtors tag + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Steve Okuku @@ -73,14 +73,14 @@
        -

        Articles tagged with debtors

        +

        Articles by Steve Okuku

        • - +
          @@ -88,12 +88,12 @@
          By - Isavary Khabuqwi
          - + Steve Okuku
          +
          -

          Recycling Debt (Kusaga Deni, Kubali Sarafu)

          -

          Imagine having to endure constant reminders and threatening messages from predatory lenders your entire life.

          +

          Biz Dev - Inspired

          +

          Business development using community currency Being a business development coordinator whose main objective is to see communities’ assets...

          diff --git a/output/author/amina-godana.html b/output/author/tatianarubianogoubert.html similarity index 89% rename from output/author/amina-godana.html rename to output/author/tatianarubianogoubert.html index d9e943f..06cc40d 100644 --- a/output/author/amina-godana.html +++ b/output/author/tatianarubianogoubert.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - Articles by Amina Godana + grassroots-pelican - Articles by tatiana.rubiano.goubert @@ -73,14 +73,14 @@
          -

          Articles by Amina Godana

          +

          Articles by tatiana.rubiano.goubert

          • - +
            @@ -88,13 +88,13 @@
            By - Amina Godana
            - Janet Akinyi Atieno
            - + tatiana.rubiano.goubert
            +
            -

            Kakuma Refugee Testimonial

            -

            After hearing about sarafu local leaders of a small community group started building a support network in their community

            +

            Empowering Mothers

            +

            Sarafu-Credit: empowering strong women who never stop fighting for their families wellbeing We are joining together to celebrate mothers’...

            +

            Sarafu-Credit: empowering strong women who never stop fighting for their families wellbeing

            diff --git a/output/author/thibaud-dezyn.html b/output/author/thibaud-dezyn.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a678867 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/thibaud-dezyn.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Thibaud Dezyn + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
            +
            +

            Articles by Thibaud Dezyn

            + +
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              + +
              +
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              +
              +
              +
              By + Thibaud Dezyn
              + +
              +
              +

              Preliminary Research Results 2017

              +

              Grassroots Economics currently facilitates Community Currency programs for 1140 businesses across 5 communities which report both social...

              +
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              +
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              • +
            +
            +
            +
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            + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
            +
            + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/wilfred-chibwara.html b/output/author/wilfred-chibwara.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6561268 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/wilfred-chibwara.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by WIlfred Chibwara + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
            +
            +

            Articles by WIlfred Chibwara

            + +
              +
            • +
              +
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              + +
              +
              + +
              +
              +
              +
              By + WIlfred Chibwara
              + +
              +
              +

              Rural Villages Coping with COVID-19

              +

              Communities can support each other and keep vital food systems and trade alive using a blockchain based vouchers system (Community...

              +
              +
              +
              +
              +
              +
              +
              • +
            +
            +
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            + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
            +
            + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/author/will-ruddick.html b/output/author/will-ruddick.html index 113e99d..e8c95c6 100644 --- a/output/author/will-ruddick.html +++ b/output/author/will-ruddick.html @@ -93,7 +93,8 @@

            Claims, Currencies and Cryptography

            -

            Global financial systems as well as humanitarian relief is based on claims, but the current infrastructure especially in vulnerable communities is weak to non-existent, which causes a lot of friction. The promise of a cryptographic approach to claims, is that groups of smaller actors can now more easily erect infrastructure …

            +

            We need frameworks and protocols for various types of endorsed claims that can be held self-sovereignty by individuals and groups.

            +
            @@ -117,12 +118,208 @@

            Emma's Duka Community Currency Movement

            -

            Click for recording. (not exactly what was recorded - but close enough)

            -
            -Click for recording. ` <https://youtu.be/BiArnG8jv9g>`_
            - -

            This song is called Emma’s Duka, and it's about Emma, and the

            -

            Duka where you could shop for all kinds of stuff, like peanuts, but Emma’s Duka is not …

            +

            Emma's Duka Community Currency Movement - in support of those seeking to free themselves from poorly designed monetary systems.

            +
            +
            +
            +
          +
          +
          +
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          + +
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          +
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          +
          By + Will Ruddick
          + +
          +
          +

          2021 Mid Year CIC Update

          +

          We grew from a few thousands users to over 50,000 and have seen roughly 3 Million USD worth of trade between users for basic needs.

          +
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          By + Will Ruddick
          + +
          +
          +

          Municipal Basic Income (MBI) via CIC

          +

          Consider the value in decentralized, municipally supported economies (networks of MBIs) - building and supporting local as well as regional

          +
          +
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          +
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          +
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          +
          By + Will Ruddick
          + +
          +
          +

          Community Currencies and DEX Multitudes

          +

          Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts...

          +
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          +
          By + Will Ruddick
          + +
          +
          +

          2020 Kenyan CICs in Review

          +

          We’re extremely excited about using CICs for developing support networks for vulnerable communities and households, and especially food syst

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          By + Will Ruddick
          + +
          +
          +

          CIC Indices for SDGs

          +

          By encouraging circular trade within communities humanitarian aid can build basic circulatory systems for support and resilience.

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        + Page 1 / 8 + » + ⇉ +

        diff --git a/output/author/will-ruddick2.html b/output/author/will-ruddick2.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d6abf11 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/author/will-ruddick2.html @@ -0,0 +1,361 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Articles by Will Ruddick + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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        Articles by Will Ruddick

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        + ⇇ + « + Page 2 / 8 + » + ⇉ +

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        Articles by Will Ruddick

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          +
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          Banking on the SILC Road

          +

          Rarely in development work do you see an intervention that sprouts its own two legs and starts running across the country without donor fund

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Shrimp Fishing Builds an Economy

          +

          Fishermen pay for their children’s school fees by selling shrimp to a cooperative with a freezer for storage. Women buy the shrimp and cook

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          300 Bob - a money story

          +

          This is a story I often tell to being to discuss what money is and what it could be. It is derived from a German tale. One day a Mama...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Celebrating Bernard's Inspiration

          +

          Bernard’s vision of diverse monetary eco-systems that support communities and the environment rather than extract from them, as they...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Interactive Village Market Simulator!

          +

          The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of...

          +

          The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of our MOOC. +The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of our MOOC. +The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of our MOOC. +YouTube MOOC

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          By + Will Ruddick
          + +
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          Sarafu Cooperative is born!

          +

          We are very happy to announce that today, for the first time in our organizational history, the community currency members of the Nairobi...

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          By + Will Ruddick
          + +
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          Ending Our 2017

          +

          Dear Friends and Stakeholders, In just three years, Grassroots Economics grew from a community group working to help improve living...

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        + ⇇ + « + Page 3 / 8 + » + ⇉ +

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        Articles by Will Ruddick

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          By + Will Ruddick
          + +
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          Community Currency Design Course Opening

          +

          Grassroots Economics has opened up its archives of design and implementation to students world wide through a hands-on, practical course...

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          By + Will Ruddick
          + +
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          Berkshares and Bangla-Pesa

          +

          The Schumacher Center for a New Economics has supported us with inspiration and advice since we began with Eco-Pesa in 2010. Before...

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          By + Will Ruddick
          + +
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          New Bills for a New Economy

          +

          We attended a meeting on DOEN's New Economy program, where our newest version of community currency bills were unveiled in Amsterdam. The...

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          Queen of Katwe

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          If there is one movie this year that captures the life we see here in East Africa each day it is the Queen of Katwe. There is so much...

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          Here We Are - Kenya 2016

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          Happy holidays! We're seeing the power of community currencies in developing thriving communities and prospering economies. This year has...

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          715 Members and Growing Fast

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          Sarafu-Credit users in five locations around Kenya have increased by over 83% since January 1st. Our Super Markets and Credit Clearing...

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          Sarafu-Credit Takes Shape

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          We began the year by looking at our successes and challenges with five Kenyan community currencies in 2015. Out of this came the...

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        Articles by Will Ruddick

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          Retreat and Renewal

          +

          September marked the first official renewal event for Bangla-Pesa after more than 2+ years in circulation (Starting in May 2013). The...

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          1st Community Currency Market and More

          +

          September 12th Community Currency groups in Mombasa and Nairobi both held simultaneous events. One was a community market and games day...

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          Lindi and Ng'ombeni Pesa Launched

          +

          The 4th and 5th Kenyan Community Currencies were launched last week within a span of 7 days. We now have our 3rd Nairobi Currency in...

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          African Community Currencies Update

          +

          Kenyan Community Currencies Nairobi Gatina-Pesa – The Gatina Business Network's members have been saving their Kenyan Shilings together...

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          Municipal Bonds and Community Currency

          +

          A Concept Paper based on observations during the FMDV inspired conference: Conference Resolutions Africa / Marrakesh 2014: Financing...

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          Berg Rand Launches in South Africa

          +

          The Berg Rand or BRAND - which means 'Fire' Money in Afrikaans, had an amazing launch today! The FlowAfrica team lead by John Ziniades...

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          Progress in South Africa

          +

          One of our partner programs in South Africa was recently featured on the news. "An exciting new era may be dawning for the Kokstad...

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          News from Brazil

          +

          Every now and then we get news of great things happening in Brazil. Here is a wonderful blog that details some things happening there....

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          Kangemi-Pesa Launched

          +

          Overcoming many obstacles in a shaken Kenya, we had an amazing launch today of the third community currency in Kenya! Kangemi-Pesa is...

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        Articles by Will Ruddick

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Looking Towards 2015

          +

          2014 has been an intense year developing the structures to allow community currency programs to one day become accessible across Africa....

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          Gatina & Bangla Pesa Nov Updates

          +

          After more than a year of trading Bangla-Pesa, with millions of shillings worth of bills changing hands, the program is running strong....

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Gatina-Pesa Starting Circulation

          +

          Nairobi's first community currency Gatina-Pesa, following Bangla-Pesa's success has started circulation with vigor. Due to its dense...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Gatina-Pesa Launched

          +

          With an amazing march through the slum, starting from Congo and ending at Gatina Primary School the entire community has been mobilized...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Gatina-Pesa Launch Prep

          +

          The Gatina Business Organization is busy preparing for the community currency's official launch on October 11th. Children from the...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Gatina-Pesa and South Africa

          +

          Gatina-Pesa in Nairobi (a sister currency to Bangla-Pesa) is set to launch in early October! Initial designs of the Gatina-Pesa have been...

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          Nairobi Bangla-Pesa Making Strides

          +

          Two settlements in Nairobi are racing to create their own Bangla-Pesa exchange networks. Kawangware and Kangemi groups are already near...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          School Fees with Bangla-Pesa

          +

          July has seen the Bangla-Pesa program surpass 200 accepting businesses and the introduction of three primary schools into the...

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          A New Kind of Cash

          +

          “Cash is the enemy of the poor,” wrote Rodger Voorhies, director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s program aimed at improving...

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        + ⇇ + « + Page 6 / 8 + » + ⇉ +

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        Articles by Will Ruddick

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          Bangla-Pesa Waste, Volleyball and Nairobi

          +

          Community Waste Collection This weekend the Bangladesh Business Network, the more than 180 people who trade their goods and services with...

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          Registration and Exchange Visits

          +

          Registration Last week the Bangladesh Business Network was 'finally' given it's official registration papers with the Kenyan Government...

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          Help Support Community Currencies

          +

          Dear Friends and Colleagues, We are happy to announce that we have won a precedent-setting court victory which legitimates community...

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          Bangla-Pesa - Can we do it again?

          +

          After winning court battles, relaunching the program, hearing heart breaking stories and finding amazing results the local government...

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          Elections, Service, Mapping and Nairobi

          +

          New Board and Community Service Contributions On April 19th the Bangladesh Business Network had their first official board elections and...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Margrit Kennedy - Thank You

          +

          One of our largest supporters and inspirations has passed on. Our whole team and the community of Bangladesh, Kenya wish to offer...

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          Church Offerings (Sadaka) in Bangla-Pesa

          +

          Faith based organizations (FBOs) are beginning to step up their usage of Bangla-Pesa to increase community services. FBOs act as a...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Bangla-Pesa Reloaded

          +

          We've been waiting since May 29th 2013 for this and it is finally here. Bangla-Pesa is back moving through the community. We've...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Bangla-Pesa Relaunch

          +

          Bangla-Pesa was officially relaunched today in partnership with the Kenyan Government. Represented by Hon. Badi Twalib Minister of...

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        + ⇇ + « + Page 7 / 8 + » + ⇉ +

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        Articles by Will Ruddick

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Bangla-Pesa Anticipating November

          +

          On May 29th 2013 we were arrested and charged with forgery. On August 23rd 2013 the case against Bangla-Pesa was dropped. A month after...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Bangla-Pesa Charges Dropped!

          +

          THE CASE IS OVER! Today the Director of Public Prosecutions announced that all charges against Bangla-Pesa are hereby dropped! This is a...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          Bangla-Pesa Turmoil

          +

          The Bangla-Pesa, a complementary currency created and backed by a local business network, offers a glimpse of true sustainable...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          +
          +

          Bangla-Pesa Launch

          +

          Today's launch of Bangla-Pesa was a great start to an empowering community process! 137 local business owners attended. Of the 137 local...

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          By + Will Ruddick
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          +

          Bangla Committee Meeting

          +

          Koru Kenya is working to capacity build the the Bangladesh Business Network (BBN) to create it's own complementary currency. The...

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          Motomoto Performing Arts

          +

          We've started off the year with two new MotoMoto classes on Tuesday and Thursdays in Mombasa thanks to Burners without Borders. Each...

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          BBN Meeting

          +

          After two small business meetings and several focus group sessions, the Bangla Business Network (BBN) had it's first large group meeting...

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        + ⇇ + « + Page 8 / 8 +

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        Authors on grassroots-pelican

        diff --git a/output/bangla-committee.html b/output/bangla-committee.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5097ada --- /dev/null +++ b/output/bangla-committee.html @@ -0,0 +1,130 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Bangla Committee Meeting + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
        +
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        + Bangla Committee Meeting +

        +
        +
        + +
        +

        Koru Kenya is working to capacity build the the Bangladesh Business Network (BBN) to create it's own complementary currency. The committee of the met today to work on it's draft constitution, membership registration process and next general meeting.

        +

        The meeting was held at St Mary's Secondary school with the attendance of: James Ochieng (Treasurer) representing Mens' Business, Sylvia Osodo (Vice Chairperson) representing Elders' Business, Alfred Sigo (Chairperson) representing Youths' Business, Emma Onyongo (Vice Secretary) representing Womens' Business, Rose Oloo (Secretary) representing Community Health Workers' Business.

        +

        After corrections and translations to kiswahili the comittee will meet again on the 23rd to begin work on registration, targeting 200 business. The Committee also decided on a second community for control group data collection to compare to their own called Gana Hola roughly 30 minutes away by foot.

        +

        #bangla

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        + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/bangla-pesa-anticipating.html b/output/bangla-pesa-anticipating.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fc43085 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/bangla-pesa-anticipating.html @@ -0,0 +1,130 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Bangla-Pesa Anticipating November + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
        +
        +
        +

        + Bangla-Pesa Anticipating November +

        +
        +
        + +
        + By Will Ruddick +
        + + + + + +

        + +
        +

        On May 29th 2013 we were arrested and charged with forgery. On August 23rd 2013 the case against Bangla-Pesa was dropped. A month after acquittal, the Central Bank of Kenya's Currency Department had finally made contact with us to ask us for information about the program (which they received). After nearly two months of misplaced court files, this last week of October we were finally given an official copy of the court order to drop the case against us. Receiving this court order signifies the end to prosecution and continuing the program under the guidance, if any, from local authorities and the Central Bank.

        +

        When the government decided Bangla-Pesa was illegal, with no prior investigation, they raided our one room office with over 20 police officers. The items taken from our office by police included Bangla-Pesa vouchers and identification stickers for businesses. These items are still being held by the police 5 months later! Given there is no case against us and the matter was investigated by the Director of Public Prosecution holding program materials makes no sense.

        +

        The police under OC Banking Fraud Investigations insists that they have the right to continue holding any materials as long as there is still an investigation. These investigations, which resulted in the case being dropped, may still never end we are told. Contrary to the police, the local administrative government officials have been very supportive and as of October there is no authority local, national or police telling us not to relaunch the program.

        +

        It seems doubtful that we'll ever receive the Bangla-Pesa and other materials taken from us by police, so, in order for the Bangladesh community to relaunch the program, they are working on a new design for the vouchers, which should be ready by our prospective launch date November 23rd. We look forward to support from many local stakeholders!

        + +
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        + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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        + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/bangla-pesa-charges.html b/output/bangla-pesa-charges.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..707e214 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/bangla-pesa-charges.html @@ -0,0 +1,143 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Bangla-Pesa Charges Dropped! + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
        +
        +
        +

        + Bangla-Pesa Charges Dropped! +

        +
        +
        + +
        + By Will Ruddick +
        + + + + + +

        + +
        +

        THE CASE IS OVER! Today the Director of Public Prosecutions announced that all charges against Bangla-Pesa are hereby dropped! This is a huge success for Bangladesh and for poverty reduction programs in Kenya. We are incredibly grateful for the huge amount of support in Kenya and around the world. Without it, this program could have easily been forgotten and the accused held in prison. There is no doubt that we are part of an International Complementary Currency movement that is growing daily!

        + +

        What does this mean for Bangla-Pesa?

        +
          +
        • That there are no laws in Kenya that have been broken by this program.
          • +
        • Before re-launching the program we are waiting on two things: confiscated Bangla-Pesa to be returned from the Central Bank, and official government recognition of the program.
          • +
        • Community Meetings will commence next week to get begin the process of putting Bangla-Pesa back to use.
          • +
        • We are asking for continued support of these programs, as communities around Kenya and East Africa wish to duplicate the successes of Bangladesh.
          • +
        • With the support raised so far via Indiegogo we hope to finalize all legal matters and relaunch the program with detailed monitoring and evaluation over the coming years.
          • +
        +

        Why is Bangla-Pesa so important? As a poverty reduction program, Bangla-Pesa points in a new direction for community development by fundamentally re-thinking our means of exchange and how it issued. It gives those living in dire conditions the ability to create their own means of exchange and stabilize their own economy.

        + +

        Watch News coverage on YouTube

        +

        Read in English News

        +

        Read in Swahili News

        +

        Read the letter from the DPP.

        +

        #complementary currencies #bangla

        + +
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        Today's launch of Bangla-Pesa was a great start to an empowering community process!

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        137 local business owners attended. Of the 137 local business owners that attended, 56 members completed their registration and backing process and created 400 credits each. At least 150 pending registrations will be completed in the next week.

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        Prior to the launch, members of the business network processed through Bangladesh, led in song by the Bangladesh Business Network (BBN) Committee, and following the Bangla-Pesa basket, which was escorted by local security officials.

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        During the launch, the Alpha and Omega youth group performed a drama detailing the uses of Bangla-Pesa and debunking community concerns about this relatively novel approach to community development. The dramas left people laughing, clapping, and better informed. Afterwards Will Ruddick presented the some results of the baseline data collection, helping members of the Bangla Business Network understand the size, seasonal and weekly fluctuations, and gender inequalities in the economy. Members also listened to speeches by the Committee Chairman and Josephat Kioko, who talked about the benefits of a Eco-Pesa, the predecessor to Bangla-Pesa used in Kongowea, Kenya. Then, the Bangladesh Businesses Network's constitution was read and discussed in detail. Members of the Network asked pointed questions about issues like voting rules, tribal equity in leadership, clearly communicating their understanding and investment in the Network.

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        Finally, members possessing completed registration forms, with 4 co-signers and the approval of the BBN's committee, received 400 Bangla-Pesa and a marketing sticker for their shops. 200 Bangla-Pesa was returned by each member as their registration fee. This registration fee will go toward community activities such as trash collection and health care, after an initial three month period to first strengthen the network's use of Bangla-Pesa.

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        The meeting ended with a hearty meal and a strong commitment to and excitement about using Bangla-Pesa. Koru-Kenya's monitoring and evaluation team, led by Morgan Richards, will perform surveys over the next weeks and months to determine the extent of Bangla-Pesa used, any problems that need addressing, and how the community has benefited from the use of Bangla-Pesa. And, in 3 months, the Business Network will have their next General Meeting to discuss further changes to their operating rules.

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        + Bangla-Pesa Market, Shoes and Permaculture +

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        Finally! The Bangladesh Business Network Market Day was a big success. Bangla-Pesa members gathered together to sell their goods and invited the general public to take part. At first people were hesitant to bring their goods but after realizing that clients were coming, vendors went back to add more goods as what they had brought had all been sold out. The Master of Ceremony at the event did a great job by ensuring that the event remains fun and active. There were 27 buyers who attended the market event and bought from more than one person. All the goods sold on this day were worth 3,310 BP and was paid back with the equivalent amount in Kenyan Shillings. Some of the Band Pesa used by buyers were earned through emerging as winners in the competitions held during the event.

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        Nthoki Ndindu one of the vendors says, “I hope this continues every month because I have met new customers and they have said that they will be coming to buy things from my ‘kibanda’. This day has given me the opportunity to advertise my business.”

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        Frank Goya one of the market clients says, “I have never had the opportunity to buy something with Bangla Pesa but today I have. I feel happy about this and at least I now know that it is just like Kenyan shillings”.

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        All went well on the event apart from one thing that I noted; It is important to have a first aid kit just in any case minor accidents occur like when one is peeling a fruit using a knife. Also ‘in every market there is a mad man’. Some people just have to create conflicts out of nothing so it is advisable to have security around. I had to assign 3 youths from the community to help maintain peace in the event.

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        This is Francis Odengeya. He is a cobbler in Bangladesh and a member of the Bangla Business Network. He registered as a member in 2013 and has not stopped using Bangla Pesa ever since. His customers bring him Bangla Pesa for him to repair their shoes. His common price for shoe repair is Khs. 10. For this he accepts 5 Bangla-Pesa and 5 Kenyan Shillings. “I take this amount because I don’t need to buy stock often, I mostly use materials that I get from old ‘scrape’ shoes to repair shoes,” he says. “I eat chapatis and buy omena with the Bangla Pesa I collect from my customers.”

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        Permaculture report from Caroline Dama

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        Our work to help create food gardens around schools using Bangla-Pesa is still in progress. With the swales done the schools have been concentrating on adding dry grass and manure to have some fertile soil ready by January also the dry grass will act as a cover to ensure when it rains the soil stays moist so we could bring in some soil friendly organisms like millipedes, earth worms among others.

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        The schools are closing for the holidays so we spent the past week capacity building the children on how to build and maintain a nursery bed, why we need one, how to collect wildings from trees that are already in their environment, seed collection and agroforestry. We envision that by the time the schools open they will be able to hit the ground running. We have not done more as we are worried about the holidays and security especially of sprouting seedlings from nursery beds. Otherwise we are confident that we are laying the foundation through capacity building.

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        + Bangla-Pesa Relaunch +

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        + By Will Ruddick +
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        Bangla-Pesa was officially relaunched today in partnership with the Kenyan Government. Represented by Hon. Badi Twalib Minister of Parliament, Ward Representatives, the Speaker for the County Assembly, Women's Representative, the Chief of Police (OCS) and the Mombasa County Secretary. Other guests included Human Rights representatives from Muhuri, the artist Carol Opondo and many others. There was a unanimous request from government representatives to replicate these programs to other areas in the County.

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        After waiting for 6 months since members of the program were arrested, the community danced, sang, performed dramas and and recited poetry. The team is extremely happy about the turn of events. On the Matatu home from the event I was happy to overhear some women talking about the program as a means of poverty reduction and it's complementary nature to the Kenyan Shilling to create local stability. Traditional Peke Dancing.Chief of Police (OCS) that once arrested us - now endorsing the Bangla-Pesa.Registration for the program will being afresh next week. Thanks for everyone's help making this event happen!

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        #bangla #relaunch #complementarycurrencies

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        + Bangla-Pesa Reloaded +

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        We've been waiting since May 29th 2013 for this and it is finally here. Bangla-Pesa is back moving through the community. We've re-registered from scratch 100 members so far, since the official relaunch. The newly designed Bangla-Pesa just arrived in the mail today (to replace those that the police took and refused to return) - featuring a shiny hologram. Our team has also been working around the clock to reestablish a set of baseline data so we can gauge the programs impact. Registration and allocation of Bangla-Pesa will continue over December and we hope to see a positive shift in January's market stability.

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        January is when schools fees are due. These fees generally empty the community of scare national currency - so we hope to see and measure (via our M&E Specialist, Morgan Richards) Bangla-Pesa starting to fill this gap by allowing the business community to trade their underutilized goods and services.

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        We're also happy to have the support of several churches that will be accepting tithing in Bangla-Pesa and using it for community services. There is a strong sense of community building and the beginning of something beautiful.

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        We are also happy to congratulate Caroline Dama and welcome her back home after representing the team and winning the top innovations in Africa award in Paris last week.

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        #bangla

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        + Bangla-Pesa Survey Results February 2014 +

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        Bangla-Pesa Follow-up Survey - February 2014 Results Two months since our re-launch in late November. Bangla-Pesa Re-IntroducedResilience and ingenuity are trademarks of impoverished communities here in Kenya. When we first introduced Bangla-Pesa it had a few ups and downs, but now it is being used in ways we had never imagined. We recently completed a follow-up survey asking members of the business network who are using Bangla-Pesa about how they are spending it, how they are making sales with it, and how it is impacting their business. The survey data back up the apparent success of case studies like that of Marciana.

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        What Bangla-Pesa is Doing?

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        Currently 123 surveyed businesses conduct on average 7% of their daily trades using Bangla-Pesa. Assuming these sales would not have occurred without the voucher, we can call this a 7% increase in local sales revenue. And, given that members have actually experienced an overall increase in sales revenue in Kenyan shillings compared to baseline data**, we believe these sales in Bangla-Pesa are “new” trades due to the program's ability to utilize excess capacity. Further, overall trade for businesses in the network has increased on average by an astonishing 83% compared to baseline data**. While we don't claim this increase is solely due to the program, based on interviews, we believe greater liquidity and stability of the market created by the complementary currency has helped tremendously, since this survey period covers one of the worst market seasons of the year. With roughly 9,600 KSH ($111 USD) worth of Bangla-Pesa transacted daily, the increase growth in the local economy can surpass the cost of the program implementation in about 3 months! This survey indicates that Bangla-Pesa not only increases overall trade in the community, but also specifically increases the trade in the national currency (Kenyan Shillings). This indicates that the program has measurable benefits for economic development and could subsides services otherwise provided by county governments. This shows that empowering communities to issue their own means of exchange is a simple and effective tool for reducing poverty and creating market stability by providing a way of trading which can be used even during harsh economic conditions and market stagnation. We will continue monitoring the effects of this program over time to see that these benefits hold true. With more than 2 billion people project to be living in slums by 2030 and over a billion people living in dire poverty now, this affects everyone on the planet. Who’s Using Bangla-Pesa? Bangladesh is a community of roughly 20,000 residents. The business network using Bangla-Pesa has a total of 141 small scale businesses as members. The “typical” network member is a 35 year-old mother who identifies herself as the main provider of 2-3 children. She has never gone to secondary school, and supports her family either by selling cooked food like flatbread, pastries, fried potatoes, or through a stand selling fruits and/or vegetables. She earns around 600ksh ($7 USD) a day. Despite long days minding her shop, she also spends 2-3 hours a day on household chores like cooking, cleaning, and childcare. The market in Bangladesh is extremely volatile, with business reporting their average daily sales revenue varying from 200ksh (~$2 USD) during bad periods to 1200ksh (~$14 USD) during good periods, as shown in the volatility graph.

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        This fluctuation tells us that businesses could meet a much higher demand for goods and services (as demonstrated

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        during good times) than they are during bad or even average per

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        We keep registering businesses! We know there are more than 200 small businesses in Bangladesh which are eligible for inclusion in the network. Given the benefits these initial findings attribute to the Bangla-Pesa, we would like to register all these businesses. Further, just over half of the businesses in the network report that there is not enough Bangla-Pesa in circulation. 200BP per business member is kept in a community fund for social services. The community will begin using these funds for health, sanitation, education, or other services, spending the vouchers into the community and providing more opportunities for businesses to trade, grow, and meet their families’ needs. As positive findings and reports continue to flow out of Bangladesh, we hope to one day replicate this program in other vulnerable informal settlements in the area. We also hope that other communities are inspired to take up their own complementary currency programs in Kenya and beyond. What this means for you:

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        • NGOs and International Aid Organizations. Communities don't need aid forever! Helping communities tap into their own abundance is cost effective and sustainable, without long term dependence on aid funding.
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        • Local and National Governments. Empower your people! This is a cost effective tool to increase local economies and help subsidize the need for government funding.
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        • Communities You can do this yourself! Don't wait for outside resource when you can tap into your own.
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        These findings will be published in more detail in the next few months. Contact us if you would like to be informed when the data is published. Baseline data collection started in November and continues for new members. Data were collected by three trained surveyors using Android phones and Open Data Kit. Report compilation and data analyses was done by Morgan Richards (M.A. Sociology) and Will Ruddick (M.S. Physics).

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        + Bangla-Pesa Turmoil +

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        The Bangla-Pesa, a complementary currency created and backed by a local business network, offers a glimpse of true sustainable development. After only a week of circulation, Bangla-Pesa was able to help community members tap into an estimated 22% increase in their sales through excess-capacity trading. This is a substantial increase in a community of people living in extreme poverty. We hope to see this program continue to benefit the people of Bangladesh, who have devoted their efforts in its formation.

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        A network of mico-enterprises coming together to co-own and create their own complementary currency could be considered the next step bringing together cooperatives and micro-finance. While positive results in a short time make complementary currencies like Bangla-Pesa an appealing sustainable development solution in poverty-stricken areas, we also have an immediate need for international support to promote legislation and understanding at national and central banking levels.

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        Sadly, because of a misunderstanding by local authorities, community members Alfred Sigo, Emma Onyango, Rose Oloo, Paul Omolo, Carolin Dama and Will Ruddick were jailed on suspicion that they were part of a secessionist terrorist group (nothing could be farther from the truth). After this was found to not be the case, and seeing no other reason to keep them in jail, the group of six (including two mothers, a grandmother, and a grandfather) were charged by the Central Bank of Kenya, with forgery for holding a printed voucher. This charge is baseless, and they in fact have a printing receipt from Kenya's top printer (Punchlines Ltd.). They are now out of jail on bail and awaiting trial.

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        Since this disruptive reaction from local authorities, there has been an outpouring of support. Please keep it coming! Without it, this matter could get stuck in court for years and deny Bangladesh businesses a tool that business networks worldwide use.

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        Thanks so much to all our supporters! And we hope very much that the community of Bangladesh continues to be supported. Click here if you can help us raise legal fees to keep these six people out of jail.

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        Resources below:

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        + Bangla-Pesa Waste, Volleyball and Nairobi +

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        Community Waste Collection

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        This weekend the Bangladesh Business Network, the more than 180 people who trade their goods and services with Bangla-Pesa, came together to start a regular community cleanup. They swept and collected community waste to a municipal waste collection area. Youth participating in the event were rewarded with Bangla-Pesa from the community fund to which each member contributes. Equipment, like rakes and wheelbarrows, were also rented using Bangla-Pesa.

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        After the cleanup, the community celebrated with a volleyball match and much laughter during light afternoon rains.

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        Study

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        A major study is nearly completed with interviews of each of the businesses using Bangla-Pesa. In a recent interview with several female business owners, participants reported that each time they used Bangla-Pesa for a purchase, they saved their Kenyan Shillings increasing the funds available to pay their children's school fees. These and other indicators suggest a steady improvement in this large, but marginalized community though the simple, cost effective tool of community currencies.

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        Nairobi's Bangla-Pesa

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        About 8 hours away by bus, three communities from separate sub-locations in the Kangemi and Kawangware slums of Nairobi started their first community discussions on creating their own Bangla-Pesa program. These communities will create business networks similar to the Bangla Business Network in Mombasa County, issue their own community vouchers, and use increased revenue to support tuition costs of children in surrounding schools.

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        Alfred Sigo and Will Ruddick did three workshops in Nairobi over the last week and are excited to see the community there taking the program into their own hands.

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        Fundraising

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        We ended our yearly crowd fundraising, raising nearly $3,000 USD. While this was only a fraction of our goal, we are extremely grateful for the chance to keep going even on a shoe string budget. If you didn't get a chance to donate please visit http://koru.or.ke/donate

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        + Bangla-Pesa - Can we do it again? +

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        After winning court battles, relaunching the program, hearing heart breaking stories and finding amazing results the local government through the Kenya National Assembly Minister of Parliament (Hon. Badi Twalib) as well a County Assembly representative (Hon. Duncan O. Onyango) have expressed their desire that Koru-Kenya focus on replicating the benefits of the Bangla-Pesa program in a nearby informal settlement named Ganahola.

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        Ganahola is in a dire condition. We talked with 208 small business in Ganahola and found that their sales revenue per day fluctuates between 100 Kenyan shillings per day during bad periods and 700 ksh in good periods. While the community of Bangladesh has seen as much as an 80% increase in sales, Ganahola is in dire straights.

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        With the introduction of a complementary currency like Bangla-Pesa (for which the community will create their own name for) we are allowing commerce to continue even when Kenyan Shillilngs are scarce. Businesses in Ganahola will be part of a small business network that uses an alternative means of exchange via a voucher that is redeemed for their own goods and services. Based on our results in Bangladesh, we project roughly 10,000 Kenyan shillings of trade to be facilitated daily. This comes to roughly 70 shillings of new trade per day per small business and means the difference between putting good food on the table and going hungry.

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        The full impact of allowing hundreds of micro-businesses in Kenya to trade without depending on scarce money, is a revolution in how we think about sustainable development and poverty reduction. People living in slums have a huge untapped capacity for trade and they only need a means of exchange to unlock their economy. Like its predecessor Bangla-Pesa, a similar program in Ganahola will put development in the hands of the people and help stabilize the local economy by allowing people to utilize their untapped capacity.

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        #bangla

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        + Bangla-Pesa's Fate in the hands of the DPP +

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        We are still being charged with forgery under penal code 367(e). For Kenyan Laws see page 121.

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        On July 15th - the Kenyan Dirctor of Public Prosecutions, Keriako Tobiko recalled our case file and hence the trial was not allowed to proceed.

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        Apparently this was due to a large amount of interest in the case and a recent petition . More in the news

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        So we are currently praying for a positive verdict from Keriako Tobiko so that these programs can continue.

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        #complementarycurrencies #bangla

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        + Banking on the SILC Road +

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        Rarely in development work do you see an intervention that sprouts its own two legs and starts running across the country without donor funds. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has done just that with their Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) model. We've been seeing it spreading across Kenya before we even knew CRS was involved - it has grown so viral that many people don't even know where it came from.

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        What's happening? CRS has found a way to turn community savings groups into their own banks with several loaning products and sustainable finances.

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        Here is the CRS 'SILC Field Agent Guide 5.0: https://www.crs.org/our-work-overseas/research-publications/silc-field-agent-guide-50

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        Groups of roughly 25 (mostly women) come together and save weekly and loan out their savings in different forms to each other, and redistribute all the funds (fees and interest) to those same members at the end of each year. They have a great governance model and sharing practices that help train the next community group.

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        What's wrong with SILCs? Well nothing - but there simply isn't enough money to save. What if these groups could issue credit?

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        So far 21 SILC groups have taken up Community Currencies as an alternative to saving their SILC funds in a metal box or using expensive bank or MPESA accounts. But more importantly we are learning how they are using Community Currencies as a way to leverage their savings into a local credit. This means that these SILCs which are already like small community 'banks' are actually able to do something that generally only banks can - that is leverage their reserves to create their own credit.

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        Using a variable exchange rate (via Bonding curves) their credit (in their own unique community currency) gains exchange value to the Kenyan shilling the more they save and visa versa, giving them an incentive to maintain the value of their credits and to make something like a bank-run impossible. In essence they are investing in the value of their own local currency which is also backed by local goods and services. The better their economy does the better their investment does.

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        These 21 SILC groups using Community Currencies have selected Trainers of Trainers to be trained by CRS to go out and create more SILC groups. We're so appreciative of CRS for bringing this to Kenya and really excited to see how these groups take Community Currencies as a tool in their already thriving kit.

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        #Catholicreliefservices #CRS #SILC #banking #lending #savings #credit #leverage

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        + BBN Meeting +

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        After two small business meetings and several focus group sessions, the Bangla Business Network (BBN) had it's first large group meeting on February 9th 2013 at the St. Patrick Hall.

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        Based on previous meetings 5 facilitators were chosen, representing Community Health Works, Youth, Elders and Men's and Women's businesses. Moblization for this meeting was done by these facilitators.

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        The 165 Business that attended the meeting consisted of:

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        • Water - 6
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        • Transportation - 2
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        • Hardware - 1
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        • Soap - 1
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        • Services - 17 (including tailoring, clobbering, manual laborer, house builders, salons, mechanical and electronic repairs, and porting)
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        • General Shops - 23 (Selling a variety of local and non-local items)
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        • Food Services - 49 (Selling cooked or processed food, on the road or in restaurants)
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        • Raw Food - 21 (Including fish, meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits and grains)
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        • Farming - 3
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        • Energy - 21 (including charcoal and lamp oil)
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        • Education - 1 (Primary and nursery school)
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        • Clothes - 4
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        • Drinks - 3 (including alcohol, soda and fruit drinks)
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        The Agenda included:

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        • Plenary
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        • Welcome and introductions
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        • Warm-ups.
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        • Brief Introduction to the program.
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        • Reading of an information sheet. (Here in swahili .pdf )
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        • Discussing design of vouchers.
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        • Open for initial thoughts and questions.
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        Small group demonstrations and discussion

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        • People were broken into five groups. Each facilitator described the program and facilitated a demonstration.
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        • Each demo participant was given 200/= of Bangla Pesa (represented by colors paper 2-5's, 3,-10's, 3,-20's 2,-50's)
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        • Each demo participant was also given white cards where their goods and services were listed along with the cost.
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          1. They should try to buy and sell as much as possible but stay within trading limits
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          1. When they have less than 200 they should sell more
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          1. When they have more that 400 Banglas they should buy more.
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        Plenary Discussion.

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        • Registering the BBN. It was decided that the current 5 facilitators should continue as an interim board and register the network.
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        • Moving forward. Business registration would start in the next month with a launch after the National Presidential Elections.
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        • At the launch each business will be given vouchers representing 400/= Bangla Pesa and half of this will be retained as a membership fee.
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        • Membership fees will facilitate the 5 board members with a monthly allowance.
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        TheBoard of Directors (5 people): 1 Youth Representative, 1 CHW Representative, 3 Business Representatives (1 man 2 women) will perform the following functions:

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          1. Accounting and Administration
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          1. Networking
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          1. Care Taking
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        • Organizing Community Service Work
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        • Security printing of the vouchers for businesses will take place in March 2013, and distributed publicly at the Launch event.
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        #complementarycurrencies #bangla

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        + Berg Rand Launches in South Africa +

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        The Berg Rand or BRAND - which means 'Fire' Money in Afrikaans, had an amazing launch today! The FlowAfrica team lead by John Ziniades and Anna Cowen of Meshfield spent over 6 months training local youth in topics of architecture, video creation (see their youtube channel), currency and businesses development. These youth helped mobilize a network of small businesses across 3 different towns in the Bergrivier region. The businesses formed the Bergrivier Exchange Network (BEN) and designed their own medium of exchange. Similar to Bangla-Pesa and the other community currencies in Kenya the members of the BEN must be local prosumers and guaranteed by four other members of the network and must contribute to a community fund with their BRAND for social service programs, like trash collection and alien vegetation clearing.

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        The BRAND will flow through the community connecting supply and demand when the National Currency (Rand) are scarce. Beyond the empowerment of the small businesses in the region, the launch of the BRAND was special in Africa as being the first to be met with support from both a National Treasury and local municipality. Right now the monetary system of South Africa does not value 'local' - it values the price of corn in the US more than it does potatoes grown in South Africa and this is a huge problem. The Community Currency movemen

        +

        t takes over where Crypto-Currencies like BitCoin has faltered by building local community and valuing local goods and services and their connection to the environment. Creating community currencies that work in parallel to national currencies is a holistic grassroots economic model. It is built around community trust and backed by local goods and services. This type of money simply makes sense to local businesses by allowing them to trade even when there is not enough national currency.

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        What is really exciting about the Flow Program in South Africa is that they have two very different municipalities taking part. Kokstad (KwaZuluNatal) (to launch in July) and Bergrivier (Western Cape). These programs are a new way to empower local businesses to lead the way and walk and in hand with local government. The BRAND launched today Pickterberg with spaza shops, farmers, creches, and more have formed an exchange network for their goods and services. With the levels of both business and governmental support we've seen in South Africa, we expect to see substantial increases in the local economy sales revenues and market stability. See more about the FLOW program at http://flowafrica.org

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        Our hope is that these programs will create a network of interconnected community currencies across Africa - to build a truly grassroots economy.

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        #SouthAfrica

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        + Berkshares and Bangla-Pesa +

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        + By Will Ruddick +
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        The Schumacher Center for a New Economics has supported us with inspiration and advice since we began with Eco-Pesa in 2010. Before starting our first currency, Eco-Pesa), I called Susan Witt (the Executive Director of the Schumacher Center) for advise, from one of those little international calling booths they used to have in Mombasa at 70 Kenyan Shillings a minute. The Schumacher Center is a pioneer in developing local currencies with their BerkShares a historic and leading example of a regional currency in Massachusetts. Susan told me the of the efforts over the years to get BerkShares flowing and that, while successful in so many way, it was continuing to evolve. She made it clear that developing community currencies in Kenya wasn’t going to follow a cookie cutter approach and that grit and hope would be my best companions.

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        Seven years later, The Schumacher Center’s patient advice has paid off. Through hardship and collective action, we have developed Community Currencies in regions around Kenya and trained groups in South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda. We were lucky enough to develop on the lessons of the Schumacher Center and apply those teachings to a Kenyan setting. Now, in turn, groups, NGOs and municipalities are using our programs as a model for resilient community development across Africa. We train communities to develop cooperative businesses that form the foundations of a community currencies and enable communities to develop resilient economies that can withstand seasonal market volatility and more people out of poverty. Since 2010 we’ve worked with over 2000 businesses, community groups, schools and clinics across Africa to develop cooperative businesses and 8 regional community currencies.

        +

        We believe that communities should be afforded the same privileges as nations and empowered to develop their own prospering economies with the stability of their own currencies. Because of our shared purpose, we are happy to announce that the Schumacher Center has agreed to serve as a sponsor of Grassroots Economics’ work in Africa. Donations are therefore tax-exempt under US law.

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        We encourage those that are able to support the cause by making a tax deductible donation donation to the Schumacher Center for a New Economics. To make sure your support reaches our work in Africa please indicate "Community Currencies — Africa." on your check or online payment.

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        Support for goes specifically to:

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        • Developing cooperative businesses (which back and enable Community Currencies to flow).
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        • Training leaders across Africa that communities have an alternative to debt-based finance.
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        +

        Please contact us to tell us about yourself.

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        + Biz Dev - Inspired +

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        + By Steve Okuku +
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        Business development using community currency

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        Being a business development coordinator whose main objective is to see communities’ assets put into good use, I do feel motivated and inspired when I see retailers at one of our communities in Gatina, Nairobi seeking consultation from us on how best to use their savings and what type of investments to undertake. Currently, small business traders participating in the Sarafu-Credit community currency program are saving KES 50/week (Merry-go-round) and the lump sum weekly payments being strictly used for business purposes. The traders also under their own accord save an additional KES 200/month that they intend to use for business improvement with the help and training offered by Grassroots Economics. These community currency traders come up with various initiatives to see their businesses thrive and make my work in asset development quite enjoyable as we seek to build thriving communities with absolute support from the community members.

        +

        It’s quite a motivating factor when traders at Gatina, one of our communities participate in programs to increase circulation of Sarafu-Credit as they have noticed that by accepting and using Sarafu-Credit, their volumes of trade get to increase. Just to give an example, a grocery trader called mama Desty who decided to trade using Sarafu-Credit less than a month ago has been excited by the progress she has made in terms of trade volumes - to the point of regretting why she didn’t get to join earlier. This type of excitement from traders, increasing trade volumes and trust among community members have been key reasons why our office at Kawangware has been receiving requests from neighboring communities to have the program expanded to cover them.

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        + Blockchain Currencies Fighting COVID-19 - Mukuru, Kenya +

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        Giving people a medium of exchange can save lives. With blockchain based Community Inclusion Currencies communities can support themselves in times of crisis.

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        Everyone is cautious about the spread of coronavirus in our communities. Here is Faith Mwaka, one of the community health volunteers (CHVs) in Mukuru. She is training her children and those from her neighbors how they can wash their hands regularly to prevent the spread of the virus . She is able to buy water from Irene using Sarafu (a Community Inclusion Currency) when she runs out of Kenyan Shillings.

        +

        Sarah Wambui is selling kerosene to Irene Mutua, who is a mother of two, to prepare lunch for her kids as they are now at home due to school closure. Stella and Irene are active users of community inclusion currencies and they are following safety measures which include using digital payments to make transactions.

        +

        Issac Manu is known for his delicacies in preparing chapati. He is accepting Sarafu rather than cash as one of the precautionary measures to prevent the spread of corona virus and also helps people in his community get food.

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        Hygiene is important in every community not only to fight coronavirus but also to fight other diseases like cholera. Grace Wandui sells cereals and she is a team leader in disaster response around the community. She is an advocate for cleanliness in the slums and has been paying people in Sarafu to clean ditches around her cereal shop. Grace has decided to help her community to get cereals using Sarafu even when their Kenya shillings run out.

        +

        Anyone can sign up. To get an account dial 0757628885 or send a sms with your name and what you can sell and what is your nearest town. Example: Eva Songa 07278xxxxx Chapati, Kakamega. While supplies last, new users get 400 Sarafu and Chamas (saving groups) can register to convert a limited amount of Sarafu to Mpesa. If you are in, or know, a chama please let us know.

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        #corona #virus #covid19 #CIC #Mukuru #RedCross

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        + Blockchain in Clinics, Vegetables, Cafes and Shops +

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        While the rest of the world wonders how blockchain will impact lives these people are using it daily to bring their community out of poverty. Welcome to 2019.

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        Dorothy Nyangara has been using Sarafu for the last one year. She owns a pharmacy and clinic in Lindi, Kibra (Kenya’s largest slum). She uses Sarafu to purchase food for her family at least four times a week. Dorothy accepts sarafu from users who come to purchase medicines for themselves or their children and seek medical checkups. She is happy that Sarafu is helping her save Kenya Shillings which she uses to pay for transport to Nairobi CBD whenever she is going to purchase medicines for her chemist. Her customers see Sarafu as a basic health insurance - they know that as long as they have it they can get the medicines and help they need.

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        Ruth Bosibori sells vegetables around Sunday Studio area in Kibra, Lindi Community. She joined Sarafu over 3 years ago has been using paper money until when she received her digital tokens. Ruth is among the people who trade daily using Sarafu in Lindi. She was rewarded by the community in November for being one of the people who had supported the community the most with Sarafu. Ruth uses Sarafu to purchase medicine and food for her family on a daily basis. She is also able to use Sarafu as part of her child’s school fees.

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        Edwin Makori is a hotel owner at Gatina in Kawangware. He joined Sarafu early 2018 but he was skeptical about using it because he had not seen its benefits yet. Around June, he started using the digital Sarafu (Community Currency). Edwin has seen the benefits of Sarafu because he can now save some Kenyan shillings when he goes to purchase fuel or food for his cafe. Now he is too excited about Sarafu since more people he trades with him daily also joined the network. Currently Edwin trades at least twice a week when he is missing Kenyan Shillings. He is able to buy raw food and also fuel using Sarafu.

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        Isaac Naimbona is a shopkeeper in Gatina. He joined Sarafu early last year through a client that sells fruits using Sarafu. According to him, Sarafu is beneficial to him since he is able to get food he needs for his family. He trades daily either on fruits or vegetables just outside his shop. When asked about his views on Digital blockchain-based system, he said that it is easier for him since he doesn’t have to carry a lot of money in his wallet and he can see his account history. Also, he says that he is able to send the fruit seller or the vegetable vendor money without having to leave his shop. Isaac is excited that last year December the community he trades with gave him a Christmas gift of some stock to boost his business.

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        + Blockchain Powered Village Checkers Tournament +

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        + By Will Ruddick +
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        How do you have a proper checkers tournament when no one can pay the entry fees?

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        Jacob the organizer saw an opportunity. His neighbors in several rural villages are in the worst time of the year because of the scarcity of Kenyan Shillings. Instead of shillings they are using their phones to exchange blockchain tokens (Community Inclusion Currencies) for basic needs. Jacob figured the many checkers (draft/draughts) players (a local tradition) who would be willing to pay an entry fee with those tokens which could be used as a reward for the top three players - and he was right!

        +

        After dozens of dramatic checkers matches the top three players emerged victorious and won 5000, 3000 and 2000 Sarafu respectively. Their main goal when asked what they would do with their winnings: employ their neighbors to assist in farming their lands and stocking their businesses with local produce like flour, casava, peanuts and coconuts.

        +

        Everyone wins! Checkers prowess is rewarded, youth are encouraged to learn the game and the winners can employ their neighbors for farming and buy local goods and services with Community Inclusion Currencies. This is one of many community activities, including collective farming, religious gatherings, that are being revitalized using a local medium of exchange and removing money scarcity.

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        That is me loosing horribly to Mr. Chibwara ..... till next time.

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        #checkers #blockchain #draft #draughts #CIC #Kenya #Zerosumgame

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        - Recycling Debt (Kusaga Deni, Kubali Sarafu) + Blockchain without Internet


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        Imagine having to endure constant reminders and threatening messages from predatory lenders your entire life.

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        Imagine going out of business because you’ve loaned out too many of your products to people in need.

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        This is daily life here in Kenya

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        Debtors suffer: People are taking on debts from payment apps, banks, shops, friends and family at a break-neck speed, because they see no other option. This is why we have millions Kenyans listed as loan defaulters by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) and increasing suicide rates of debtors

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        Lenders suffer: Not all lenders are predatory. When small businesses lend out their products they often never get paid back. They end up holding the debts of so many friends, family, neighbors that they go out of business. How much debt are you willing to hold for a friend, family, neighbor, colleague, acquaintance until they pay you back?

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        This situation creates what is known as economic gridlock (see video), strife and a culture that doesn’t care for each other. Frankly speaking, I believe we’ve been rendered unable to pay our debts by so many broken systems - we simply can’t solve this problem with the current national economic system which condones and profits off of it.

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        As a woman in her thirties and a single mother by choice, I’ve endured poverty because my urgency for money makes me vulnerable to borrowing - but I would have never thought I would have found help from the Red Cross. I always thought the Kenya Red Cross Society helped with disasters only - but it turns, out they are helping fix the disaster of our economy as well, by building a public free infrastructure for sharing our collective value called Community Inclusion Currencies (Sarafu in Kenya). Sarafu is a community driven basic income that helps individuals and small businesses achieve a debt recycling lifestyle - ending economic gridlock. Call Kenya Red Cross toll free 0800-720-577 to learn more.

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        The fact is 2020 was a tough year! We discovered how to incorporate hunger into our food diet in order to achieve our dreams. After the debt streak most of us have suffered, are we still willing to come together to help each other escape the debt gridlock and the “rat race”?

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        Recycle Debt: accepting and using community driven basic income is a solution we can all get behind. Sarafu are created for each and every Kenyan that registers using any phone by dialing *384*96# Safaricom with no charges or *483*46# on other networks.

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        Lenders are Heroes: When someone comes to you asking for a loan of money or product, ask them for Sarafu in return. Ensure that you hold a level that does not affect your business’ or personal financial flow and before you accept anymore, seek out your friends, families and debtors to help you spend it. This protects lenders form accruing too much debt and gives them away to spend their debt (kusaga deni).

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        Debtors support Lenders: Rather than keep asking for loans you can create your own Sarafu, which will help you purchase goods and services when you’re short of cash. Reach out to people that are generously holding Sarafu for work and accept it for your work and spend it among a network of your peers like is the case with Kilifi Kulture

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        Kusaga deni, kubali Sarafu Refusing our old notion of debt and accepting the use of a basic income (Sarafu) is a viable solution in promoting circular trade to help the economy thrive. It’s quite easy to see a useful tool when you need it.

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        As someone who has suffered from financial depression, I maintained a routine that gave me the strength to face my peers. Not many are strong enough to do so, and those are the people whose hands we need to hold. If you’re willing to share your strength with those around you, then you’re a hero.

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        Contact us to join a group of economic heroes in Kenya

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        We can't print enough paper notes for everyone who needs them. But nearly everyone has a phone (without internet). In order to reach a larger group of people across Kenya, Grassroots Economics has enabled feature phones with no internet, to have access to, trade and convert their blockchain-based tokens (Liquid Community Currencies (LCCs)) using the Bancor Protocol

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        Community currencies came about as an integrative medium of exchange that would promote revitalization of the local economy and encourage community activities. Through the 1990s to 2000s community currencies emerged worldwide and to date hundreds of community currencies have been listed in the complementary currency Resource Center Worldwide

        +

        According to research , the trade volume of Sarafu-Credit circulating in Kenya since 2010, covers approximately 12,500 out of 3 million people living in poverty. These (CCs) which reach users by being airdropped to business owners across different regions, have helped establish over 1200 local businesses, schools, farms and co-operatives like Miyani in Kwale county. They have also enabled households who live on less than a 100 shillings daily, afford at least one meal a day. But trading on paper meant that we could only have a limited reach.

        + +

        How it works: A business owner receives community currencies from field officers (as a voucher for that users goods and services), who monitor and educate the traders on full use of the credits in order to develop their business and community. This creates a network of businesses that rely on each other, increasing circulation of goods and services within the community hence boosting the local economy even when there are no Kenyan Shillings in supply.

        +

        In order to scale and sustain this economic innovation, there needs to be a means of transaction that:

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        • Is cost effective without the expense incurred in printing paper vouchers
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        • does not limit the user geographically, hence encouraging trade among other businesses in neighboring communities (via Bancor Protocol),
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        • can facilitate an increase in the amount of currency to at least offer 2 meals per day, compared to one as it is readily accessible,
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        • Is cheap for the user without incurring the large transaction fees
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        • and most importantly one that is both traceable (to measure SDG impacts) and scalable .
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        Grassroots Economics is pioneering the use of blockchain technology based on the Bancor protocol, which caters for communities at the Bottom-Of-The-Pyramid in Kenya.

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        Sarafu Network, it is a decentralized liquidity network that provides users with a simple, low cost way to buy and sell tokens directly through their wallets. This platform is the first of its kind to be USSD/SMS oriented which means that it is user friendly as it can be used on any phone without needing internet access. After every carried out transaction an SMS is sent to the user’s phone which acts as a statement of account showing the money sent/received and the balance remaining. The POA.network blockchain - this guarantees fast transactions, enabling users to easily monitor their daily transactions, sales and account information.

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        Furthermore, Sarafu connects digital currencies to each other across regions, with automated exchange rates based on productive capacity of the community.

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        The use of digital community currency is aimed at bridging the financial inclusion gap. As an easy method to develop and trade interest free forms of credit, it fosters economic development in marginalized communities, by addressing inflation and currency fluctuation in emerging markets. This curbs chronic poverty and food insecurity the contributing factors towards zero hunger, one of the SDGs enlisted by the UN.

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        #blockchain #nointernet #bottomofthepyramid #Bancor #featurephones #digitalcurrency

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        + Borstal Boys: Poi and Life Skills Behind Bars +

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        The MotoMoto Program is helping make a difference at the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution which houses 313 boys from all over Kenya. It’s one of only two such institutions in all of Kenya, with teenagers serving sentences for everything from petty theft (of even just a few dollars) to murder. For many, they came to the Borstal following conflicts with family, who then reported them to the police for petty theft or drug use. They would much rather be in the “Approved Schools,” which are also institutions for violent or unmanageable youth, but which offer secondary school services by government teachers. Instead, these boys stay in the Borstal, which does not offer secondary school and where the few years of primary school which are offered are taught by guards rather than teachers. The boys can, however, pursue one vocational skill; tailoring, farming, wiring, carpentry, or masonry, which they chose following their first 2 months in the institution.

        +

        The Borstal boys wake up around 5am every day. They cook their own breakfast (as they do with all other meals), clean the kitchen afterward, clean their rooms, sweep the common areas, and do whatever yard work is necessary for the compound. In the hours when they are not doing chores, they attend their vocational skills classes. At 4pm, they have diner and then return to their rooms, shared among 4 or more boys, for the rest of the evening.

        +

        However, Koru recently introduced a new element to the routine for 20 Borstal Boys, poi performing art and life skills. Since February, our poi and life skills coaches have gone to the Borstal on Fridays for a 1 hour poi lesson and a 1 hour life skills session. They work with boys ages 13-17 in the prison yard, surrounded by fences, barbed wire, and guards at all times. Unsurprisingly, the boys love this distraction, begging both coaches to stay even after the allotted time is finished.

        +

        Antone Karuki is one of our most promising new poi students. Like most of the Borstal residents (less than 5% of whom come from Mombasa), Antone was arrested for smoking marihuana far from Shimo La Tewa, in his home region of Kiambu, north of Nairobi. He was sentenced to 3 years in November, 2013, but will be released on probation after 1 year. After the first poi lesson, Antone made his own poi from grass and flexible sticks, preferring to practice with a highly imperfect instrument, rather than wait for the next lesson. He’s now perfected forward weaves and actively teaches others, who listen because of this natural leadership skills. Antone also actively engages in life skills discussions. He’s learned how to identify and cope with challenges as they arise, as well as learning how to nurture high self-esteem despite these challenges. He’s working on his masonry certification and hopes to go back to secondary school in November, even though his classmates would be years younger than himself.

        +

        Most of the Borstal boys made one or two really bad decisions, which have long term, negative consequences for their lives, interrupting their education, separating them from their families, exposing them to all the indignities and dehumanization which comes from living in a total institution like a prison. Although the prison offers vocations skills, many of these boys will struggle to return to school, which limits their employment opportunities into the future. We hope to fight against the loss of self-esteem and despair which might accompany these setbacks by giving the boys something to be proud of, their poi skills, and providing them with life skills to cope with the heavier challenges of their lives now and in the future.

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        #poi

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        + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/building-a.html b/output/building-a.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..299caae --- /dev/null +++ b/output/building-a.html @@ -0,0 +1,165 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Building a Public Registry for Community Currencies(DeFi) + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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        + Building a Public Registry for Community Currencies(DeFi) +

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        + +
        + +

        Even when you have no money you have resources. I’ve never met a poor woman in rural Kenya. They may have little resources compared to others but they aren’t poor.

        +

        Even when you have no money you have resources. I’ve never met a poor woman in rural Kenya. They may have little resources compared to others but they aren’t poor.

        +

        Even when you have no money you have resources. I’ve never met a poor woman in rural Kenya. They may have little resources compared to others but they aren’t poor.

        +

        When we do run out of money – and some people surely will and have already - how can we fairly offer and share our resources and time together?

        +

        Community Currencies (or Community Inclusion Currencies CICs) are a way for us to value our resources and time.

        +

        The ultimate way to issue them is as a voucher for your own goods and services. The way a supermarket might issue a voucher, you too can do this and those vouchers can circulate as long as people trust that you will redeem them at some point and they will want your goods or services in the future.

        +

        Sates spend currency into existence and accept it back as taxation. Banks and community groups (like the one shown above) in Kenya issue currency and accept it back as loan repayment. Marketing companies issue currency and accept it back as advertising fees.

        +

        A million people printing paper currencies is not going to be feasible. And a million different digital currencies aren't going to be practical either without a way to establish relative pricing and conversion.

        +

        The uniqueness of the blockchain in this situation is that it allows people and organizations to establish tokens that represent their goods and serves AND connect those all together into a decentralized economy.

        +

        If I create 1 Billion Tokens and say they are worth 1 Billion Euros and I will back them with carpentry services – I might have trouble backing up that claim by just working myself. People who don’t know me might not be able to trust these vouchers in exchange for the goods or services they sell.

        +

        But if those tokens are also backed by some real world collateral, then someone knows exactly what they can get out of those vouchers in case no one is accepting them.

        +

        That real world collateral needs to be a guaranteed backer of last resort – like the government, or a major supermarket or a bakery. It could also be a bank account with National Currency as the backing. National Currencies are not perfect in how they are issued or valued, BUT they are a point of common trust we can use to establish our own credit systems.

        +

        Across Europe people have created digital community currency using Community Forge using a drupal module module

        +

        In Italy people use Sardex.net.

        +

        In Japan right now elderly Japanese climb local mountains and thin out the dense forest. They use the Yen (National Currency) they get from timber sales and put it in a trust (at a local bank) then they create wooden chips called Enepo. These Enepo (energy points) are accepted by local businesses as a way to support the elderly. They flow around Takayama Japan and create their own small economy. If people want or need Yen they can go to the community bank and cash out their Enepo – which will go back into circulation when more wood is sold.

        +

        The core example you will find from Community Currencies working – is some form of dedicated backing and or collateral (be it time, products or services or National Currency). For more on paper currencies see our MOOC.

        +

        With the blockchain we can have a contract that monitors this collateral or reserve transaction by transaction. The reserve need not be a stable coin based on US dollars – but that is the best reserve we currently have that we can all agree on.

        +

        Now I’m going to get a little bit technical:

        +

        What we do is take xDAI a USD backed stable coin and leverage it to make a local credit (read more here). The National Currency forms our collateral but the primary backing is the communities that use and accept the tokens we call Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs). The main example of this right now is called Sarafu in Kenya. We work with over 11k businesses as well as the Red Cross to support marginalized communities to trade with each other in crisis even when they don’t have Kenyan shillings.

        +

        We use collateral to back the currencies from donors so that people STILL have an option to cash out to National Currency. Doing so lowers the exchange value of the CICs but also gives donors and people a cheaper rate to buy more CICs and fill back up the collateral pool.

        +

        In order to make a global CIC network of connected currencies there needs to be an index similar to DNS that allows them to find a path of common reserve between each other. This registry should allow people to write to it address of their tokens and what their reserves are without a centralized owner – i.e. a permissionless set of contracts.

        +

        Luckily we have the powerful open source Bancor contracts. Sadly they are very much permissioned, giving full control over minting and network access to whomever deploys the contracts. But this can be changed.

        +

        There are three key elements of the Bancor suite.

        +
        +
          +
        • A Token – which we call a CIC Community Inclusion currency. Bancor calls them liquid tokens. They have the ability to give control over to another contract to mint and destroy them.
          • +
        • A converter – which holds some reserve (in our case xDAI) and also holds ownership over the liquid Token or CIC to be able to mint more and destroy them. The converter also holds a set of equations
          • +
        • An Index – this records all the tokens on the network and how they can connect with eachother.
          • +
        +
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        It costs almost nothing to deploy a contract and create a token. On xDAI blockchain the cost is about 0.00001 cents. When you deploy the contract you mint an amount of tokens based on the reserve and the amount of leverage you are looking for. Those tokens belong to the issuer or group of issuers, but the converter once issued should be permissionless – Just because you deploy a contract doesn’t mean you should be able to extract a fee from people forever or manipulate the currency which is what is possible now with the Bancor contracts. Deploying a currency is actually as easy as a few lines of code but putting up the backing is what really counts - don't confuse the two.

        +

        The index also should be permision-less so that people can find your currency without having to buy into or pay a toll bridge and be at the risk of the index contract holder shutting down. +Creating a fully decentralized version of the Bancor suite (a Public Registry for Community Inclusion Currencies) would enable anyone in the world (including the Red Cross) to stake some reserve and create a credit system that can be connected to every other credit system on the planet. Localized reserves can connect regions of currencies while global reserve can connect larger and larger groups of currencies. This mountain range of decentralized currency networks represents and makes fluid and an echo system that can help humanity thrive even when some nations or their currencies fail.

        +

        We can build the infrastructure to enable a decentralized financial system without toll bridges or giving undue power over such core aspects of our lives.

        +

        We're working with the tools we have but can use a lot of support. The Bancor Contracts work well for a single network but need modification to make them more open for everyone without centralized risk (Permission-less converter, Open Indexer/ path registry, and modifications to bonding curves). If you are a programmer you can join https://t.me/CICBlockchain to help us build up these system.

        +
        +

        If you know someone in Kenya that needs help - please suggest they sign up for a Community Inclusion Currency account on the Sarafu network. Anyone can sign up. To get an account dial 0757628885 or send a sms with your name and what you can sell and what is your nearest town. Example: Eva Songa 07278xxxxx Chapati, Kakamega. While supplies last, new users get 400 Sarafu and Chamas (saving groups) can register to convert a limited amount of Sarafu to Mpesa. If you are in, or know, a chama please let us know.

        +

        #decentralized #defi #currency #economics #covid19 #corona #virus

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        + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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        + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/categories.html b/output/categories.html index 5965c1f..f3dd17d 100644 --- a/output/categories.html +++ b/output/categories.html @@ -70,7 +70,7 @@

        Categories on grassroots-pelican

        diff --git a/output/category/blog.html b/output/category/blog.html index 5ea99d9..8413da7 100644 --- a/output/category/blog.html +++ b/output/category/blog.html @@ -93,8 +93,8 @@

        GRE for ME

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        -

        To be perfectly honest, which isn’t necessarily considered a virtue in the blockchain space, Grassroots Economics is my absolute favorite community currency project on the face of the earth and I couldn’t be more excited to join as an advisor. Some people might not know that there are …

        +

        Thank you for doing the sacred and life-preserving work of creating financial opportunity and elevating people’s dignity

        +
        @@ -118,7 +118,8 @@

        Claims, Currencies and Cryptography

        -

        Global financial systems as well as humanitarian relief is based on claims, but the current infrastructure especially in vulnerable communities is weak to non-existent, which causes a lot of friction. The promise of a cryptographic approach to claims, is that groups of smaller actors can now more easily erect infrastructure …

        +

        We need frameworks and protocols for various types of endorsed claims that can be held self-sovereignty by individuals and groups.

        +
        @@ -142,12 +143,8 @@

        Emma's Duka Community Currency Movement

        -

        Click for recording. (not exactly what was recorded - but close enough)

        -
        -Click for recording. ` <https://youtu.be/BiArnG8jv9g>`_
        - -

        This song is called Emma’s Duka, and it's about Emma, and the

        -

        Duka where you could shop for all kinds of stuff, like peanuts, but Emma’s Duka is not …

        +

        Emma's Duka Community Currency Movement - in support of those seeking to free themselves from poorly designed monetary systems.

        +
        @@ -171,8 +168,158 @@

        SMEs the missing link in Circular Economies

        -
        -

        Clementina has a hair salon in an informal settlement on the outskirts of Nairobi’s industrial area. She has been accepting Sarafu for almost 5 years now. She’s the chairlady of the Shalom chama in Mukuru. She used to freely accept Sarafu for her hair salon services knowing she …

        +

        Organizations merely have to choose whether to help their local community, or pay taxes to a government whose reach is never felt in these s

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      +

      2021 Mid Year CIC Update

      +

      We grew from a few thousands users to over 50,000 and have seen roughly 3 Million USD worth of trade between users for basic needs.

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      By + Robin Gerbaux
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      Francis the Millionaire

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      Since several generations the family of Francis has been living in the same neighborhood of Nairobi, Gatina (Part of Kwangware). Gatina,...

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      Progress in South Africa

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      One of our partner programs in South Africa was recently featured on the news. "An exciting new era may be dawning for the Kokstad...

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      News from Brazil

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      Every now and then we get news of great things happening in Brazil. Here is a wonderful blog that details some things happening there....

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      By + Robin Gerbaux
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      New Business in Kawangware

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      Since its implementation, 8 months ago, Gatina-Pesa in Nairobi's Kawangware slum has had various benefits to its members. Some of them...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Kangemi-Pesa Launched

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      Overcoming many obstacles in a shaken Kenya, we had an amazing launch today of the third community currency in Kenya! Kangemi-Pesa is...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Looking Towards 2015

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      2014 has been an intense year developing the structures to allow community currency programs to one day become accessible across Africa....

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Gatina & Bangla Pesa Nov Updates

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      After more than a year of trading Bangla-Pesa, with millions of shillings worth of bills changing hands, the program is running strong....

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      Gatina-Pesa Starting Circulation

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      Nairobi's first community currency Gatina-Pesa, following Bangla-Pesa's success has started circulation with vigor. Due to its dense...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Gatina-Pesa Launched

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      With an amazing march through the slum, starting from Congo and ending at Gatina Primary School the entire community has been mobilized...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 10 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Gatina-Pesa Launch Prep

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      The Gatina Business Organization is busy preparing for the community currency's official launch on October 11th. Children from the...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Gatina-Pesa and South Africa

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      Gatina-Pesa in Nairobi (a sister currency to Bangla-Pesa) is set to launch in early October! Initial designs of the Gatina-Pesa have been...

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      By + Muthoni Kiguru
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      University of Nairobi Research Visit

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      “…I no longer sleep hungry. Even without the Kenyan money, I still have Bangla Pesa. I will survive one more day. This money never ends…”...

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      By + Francis Wanjala
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      Wanjala Visits Bangladesh

      +

      Francis Wanjala is the headmaster at Sifa Childrens Home in Nairobi. After making his first trip to Mombasa he shared with us his...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Nairobi Bangla-Pesa Making Strides

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      Two settlements in Nairobi are racing to create their own Bangla-Pesa exchange networks. Kawangware and Kangemi groups are already near...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      School Fees with Bangla-Pesa

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      July has seen the Bangla-Pesa program surpass 200 accepting businesses and the introduction of three primary schools into the...

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      A New Kind of Cash

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      “Cash is the enemy of the poor,” wrote Rodger Voorhies, director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s program aimed at improving...

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      Bangla-Pesa Waste, Volleyball and Nairobi

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      Community Waste Collection This weekend the Bangladesh Business Network, the more than 180 people who trade their goods and services with...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 11 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      Growing Up is Hard

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      Growing up is hard. It’s especially hard if you’re living on the streets in Mombasa, or if your misbehavior in your community led to your...

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      Roller Derby + Star Wars = Panties

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      Last Sunday marked the culmination of partnerships with an unexpected collection of people who came together to support the education and...

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      Registration and Exchange Visits

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      Registration Last week the Bangladesh Business Network was 'finally' given it's official registration papers with the Kenyan Government...

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      Help Support Community Currencies

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      Dear Friends and Colleagues, We are happy to announce that we have won a precedent-setting court victory which legitimates community...

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      Respect on the streets

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      Friday, April 11th, Koru-Kenya hosted a dialogue on street harassment. The original event was intended to be a rally, held on the 4th in...

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      Bangla-Pesa - Can we do it again?

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      After winning court battles, relaunching the program, hearing heart breaking stories and finding amazing results the local government...

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      Elections, Service, Mapping and Nairobi

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      New Board and Community Service Contributions On April 19th the Bangladesh Business Network had their first official board elections and...

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      Margrit Kennedy - Thank You

      +

      One of our largest supporters and inspirations has passed on. Our whole team and the community of Bangladesh, Kenya wish to offer...

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      Church Offerings (Sadaka) in Bangla-Pesa

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      Faith based organizations (FBOs) are beginning to step up their usage of Bangla-Pesa to increase community services. FBOs act as a...

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      Bangla-Pesa Reloaded

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      We've been waiting since May 29th 2013 for this and it is finally here. Bangla-Pesa is back moving through the community. We've...

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      Motomoto and the Dream Catchers

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      Koru-Kenya’s MotoMoto program has been paired with Wema Centre for the past few months, joining our Poi and Life Skills program with...

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      Bangla-Pesa Relaunch

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      Bangla-Pesa was officially relaunched today in partnership with the Kenyan Government. Represented by Hon. Badi Twalib Minister of...

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      Bangla-Pesa Anticipating November

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      On May 29th 2013 we were arrested and charged with forgery. On August 23rd 2013 the case against Bangla-Pesa was dropped. A month after...

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      By + Morgan Richards
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      Who could like this life? - Motomoto

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      Yesterday, we sat down with some boys from the streets of Mombasa (survivors, as they prefer to be called) in a shady patch of grass...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Bangla-Pesa Charges Dropped!

      +

      THE CASE IS OVER! Today the Director of Public Prosecutions announced that all charges against Bangla-Pesa are hereby dropped! This is a...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Bangla-Pesa Turmoil

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      The Bangla-Pesa, a complementary currency created and backed by a local business network, offers a glimpse of true sustainable...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Bangla-Pesa Launch

      +

      Today's launch of Bangla-Pesa was a great start to an empowering community process! 137 local business owners attended. Of the 137 local...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Bangla Committee Meeting

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      Koru Kenya is working to capacity build the the Bangladesh Business Network (BBN) to create it's own complementary currency. The...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Motomoto Performing Arts

      +

      We've started off the year with two new MotoMoto classes on Tuesday and Thursdays in Mombasa thanks to Burners without Borders. Each...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      BBN Meeting

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      After two small business meetings and several focus group sessions, the Bangla Business Network (BBN) had it's first large group meeting...

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      By + Jacky Kowa
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      Tiwi Orphans Visit

      +

      This visit is different, we sat down to eat together and had a frank chat. Am grateful The Koru team visited a village in Tiwi, which had...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 14 / 14 +

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Municipal Basic Income (MBI) via CIC

      +

      Consider the value in decentralized, municipally supported economies (networks of MBIs) - building and supporting local as well as regional

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    • @@ -93,7 +118,8 @@

      Static vs Bonded Liquidity Pools for CICs

      -

      As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity, Grassroots Economics is looking at various ways to connect these tokens together and as well to other networks. Below I'll describe and contrast two approaches, namely a Fixed vs Algorithmic Rate liquidity …

      +

      As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity,...

      +
      @@ -117,7 +143,183 @@

    Community Currencies and DEX Multitudes

    -

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts (like Community Inclusion Currencies) for different use cases. Using them opens us up decentralized network topologies that we would never have dreamed of with old fashion stock exchanges and other financial instruments …

    +

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts...

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    By + Will Ruddick
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    2020 Kenyan CICs in Review

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    We’re extremely excited about using CICs for developing support networks for vulnerable communities and households, and especially food syst

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    By + Janet Akinyi
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    Strong Communities - Strong Currencies

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    I had the pleasure to visit Kwe Kende in Nyalgunga, Siaya County one of the strongest groups (chamas) in the Sarafu Network across Kenya,...

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    By + Janet Akinyi
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    Rural Sarafu Network - CIC Impacts

    +

    Rosemary Owino is a widow from Siaya village in Siaya County. She has wanted desperately to curb her own poverty and make ends meet for...

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    By + Will Ruddick
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    CIC Indices for SDGs

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    By encouraging circular trade within communities humanitarian aid can build basic circulatory systems for support and resilience.

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    By + Will Ruddick
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    Sarafu Network Kenya Mid-Year CIC Update

    +

    We've reached nearly 90Million worth (~900,000 USD) of Community Inclusion Currency trading between 30,0000 users in Kenya for basic needs.

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    @@ -128,7 +330,9 @@

    ⇇ « - Page 2 / 2 + Page 2 / 14 + » + ⇉

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 4 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      By + Lynda Chalker
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      +
      +

      Use Cases - Honoring 2018

      +

      Closing 2018 with a bang! We mark the end of 2018 and the beginning of this festive season by honoring schools, clinics, micro and small...

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      By + Lynda Chalker
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      Blockchain without Internet

      +

      We can't print enough paper notes for everyone who needs them. But nearly everyone has a phone (without internet). In order to reach a...

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      By + Caroline Dama
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      +
      +

      Takaungu Pesa is here!

      +

      The Vindakala Youth Bunge’s motto “Coming Together is Just The Beginning.” mirrors this excitement we have after the launch of Takaungu...

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
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      +

      Interactive Village Market Simulator!

      +

      The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of...

      +

      The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of our MOOC. +The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of our MOOC. +The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of our MOOC. +YouTube MOOC

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
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      Sarafu Cooperative is born!

      +

      We are very happy to announce that today, for the first time in our organizational history, the community currency members of the Nairobi...

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      By + Daniel Mukosia
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      +
      +

      Happy Mother's Day!

      +

      As a way to celebrate we are happy to share two stories from our network members! Bevelyne Ombayo is a single mother, who lives in Lindi...

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      By + tatiana.rubiano.goubert
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      Empowering Mothers

      +

      Sarafu-Credit: empowering strong women who never stop fighting for their families wellbeing We are joining together to celebrate mothers’...

      +

      Sarafu-Credit: empowering strong women who never stop fighting for their families wellbeing

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 5 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      By + Marion Cauvet
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      A Wonderful Experience in Miyani

      +

      I am a French researcher involved in an MSc Agricultural Development at the University of Copenhagen. I am very interested in Community...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Ending Our 2017

      +

      Dear Friends and Stakeholders, In just three years, Grassroots Economics grew from a community group working to help improve living...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Community Currency Design Course Opening

      +

      Grassroots Economics has opened up its archives of design and implementation to students world wide through a hands-on, practical course...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Berkshares and Bangla-Pesa

      +

      The Schumacher Center for a New Economics has supported us with inspiration and advice since we began with Eco-Pesa in 2010. Before...

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      By + Daniel Mukosia
      + +
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      Skylife School and Community Currency

      +

      Grassroots Economics works with communities across Kenya to develop systems that allow parents to pay for their children's education...

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      By + Daniel Mukosia
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      Nairobi Coordinator Inspiration

      +

      For the first three months I started working as a volunteer. I am able to get in touch with different business individuals in all the...

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      By + Steve Okuku
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      Biz Dev - Inspired

      +

      Business development using community currency Being a business development coordinator whose main objective is to see communities’ assets...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 6 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      By + Lydia Anyango
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      +
      +

      Rural Miyani-Pesa Launched

      +

      Today we launched our first rural community currency! The event went well to initiate and train the first 20 members and set up a local...

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      By + Thibaud Dezyn
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      Preliminary Research Results 2017

      +

      Grassroots Economics currently facilitates Community Currency programs for 1140 businesses across 5 communities which report both social...

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      By + Lydia Anyango
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      Foundational Member Passes

      +

      It is sad to announce the sudden death of Dominic Okello (in the middle) who passed on early May 2017. He is a resident of Bangladesh...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      New Bills for a New Economy

      +

      We attended a meeting on DOEN's New Economy program, where our newest version of community currency bills were unveiled in Amsterdam. The...

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      By + Daniel Mukosia
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      +

      Detergent Accelerator

      +

      Julius Nyelele has been a member of Lindi Business Network for more than one year. He is a roadside seller of washing detergents and body...

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      By + Lydia Anyango
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      Not Your Typical Vegetable Kiosk

      +

      This is Julius Odhiambo. He owns a vegetable kibanda and has been using Community Currency called Bangla-Pesa, which is part of the...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Queen of Katwe

      +

      If there is one movie this year that captures the life we see here in East Africa each day it is the Queen of Katwe. There is so much...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Here We Are - Kenya 2016

      +

      Happy holidays! We're seeing the power of community currencies in developing thriving communities and prospering economies. This year has...

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      By + Ruth Mwangi
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      Education and Business Cycles

      +

      A lot has been said about the education system in Kenya. The introduction of free primary education in 2003 was received with mixed...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 7 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      715 Members and Growing Fast

      +

      Sarafu-Credit users in five locations around Kenya have increased by over 83% since January 1st. Our Super Markets and Credit Clearing...

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      By + Caroline Dama
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      Mangroves and the Eco-nomy

      +

      We've been working to replace the need for Mombasa's Bangladesh residents to import food and conserve their environment. Two schools near...

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      By + Ruth Mwangi
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      Super-Market Super-Currency

      +

      Hundreds and hundreds of settlers in Nairobi's Kawangware informal settlement will soon benefit from access to low priced goods...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Sarafu-Credit Takes Shape

      +

      We began the year by looking at our successes and challenges with five Kenyan community currencies in 2015. Out of this came the...

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      By + Caroline Dama
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      Permaculture School Farm Via Bangla-Pesa

      +

      Two neighboring schools St. Peter's & Paul's and St. Angeline are being trained and equipped to design, build and maintain a community...

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      By + Lydia Anyango
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      Mikindani Community Currency Market Day

      +

      The Kwa Ng'ombe Business Network held their 1st Market day on the 24th October 2015. Members came to sell and trade their goods at the...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 8 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Retreat and Renewal

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      September marked the first official renewal event for Bangla-Pesa after more than 2+ years in circulation (Starting in May 2013). The...

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      1st Community Currency Market and More

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      September 12th Community Currency groups in Mombasa and Nairobi both held simultaneous events. One was a community market and games day...

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      Smep Oiko-Credit Loans in Kangemi

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      SMEP a local OIKO-Credit partner is offering Loans and Training to Community Currency users in Kangemi and Kawangware. They have started...

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      Lindi and Ng'ombeni Pesa Launched

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      The 4th and 5th Kenyan Community Currencies were launched last week within a span of 7 days. We now have our 3rd Nairobi Currency in...

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      African Community Currencies Update

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      Kenyan Community Currencies Nairobi Gatina-Pesa – The Gatina Business Network's members have been saving their Kenyan Shilings together...

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      5 Kenyan Community Currencies Meet

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      Saturday, 27th June will remain a day to remember for various Business Networks in Kenya. A total of five Business Networks united by a...

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      Municipal Bonds and Community Currency

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      A Concept Paper based on observations during the FMDV inspired conference: Conference Resolutions Africa / Marrakesh 2014: Financing...

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      Kibera's Lindi-Pesa Gaining Momentum

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      June 6th 2015 was bound to be a typical morning in Kibera - but Saturday morning, the inhabitants of Kibera, the biggest slum of Nairobi,...

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      Update from Kangemi-Pesa Nairobi

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      It has been only 2 months since the members of Kangemi Business Network launched their community currency and received their 400...

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      Berg Rand Launches in South Africa

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      The Berg Rand or BRAND - which means 'Fire' Money in Afrikaans, had an amazing launch today! The FlowAfrica team lead by John Ziniades...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 9 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/municipal-will.html b/output/celebrating-bernards.html similarity index 61% rename from output/municipal-will.html rename to output/celebrating-bernards.html index 73832ae..97c66aa 100644 --- a/output/municipal-will.html +++ b/output/celebrating-bernards.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - Municipal Basic Income(MBI) via CIC + grassroots-pelican - Celebrating Bernard's Inspiration @@ -26,10 +26,6 @@ - - - - @@ -82,16 +78,13 @@

    - Municipal Basic Income(MBI) via CIC + Celebrating Bernard's Inspiration


    - municipal-will1 -

    A municipality, town or local administration is an ideal issuer and anchor for a basic/guaranteed income because the have the means to back it and the intention to build sustainable and thriving local markets– Such a Municipal Basic Income (MBI) can in turn act as a growth medium and network token for Community Inclusion Currencies which allow local groups and businesses to form strong local markets through the MBI network.

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    In its simplest form a municipality creates a token which is distributed to residents and local projects – and taxed and redistributed as a basic income for those active in the network. This MBI would be backed by the holding tax itself and as well local services offered by the municipality (like 50% off public transport or health services). This is similar to Sarafu in Kenya whose supply is set by the target population – taxed and redistributed. The tax and redistribution incentivizes trade and discourages hoarding.

    -municipal-will2 -

    Businesses and groups of residents can create a Community Inclusion Currency against their production (like a voucher) and offer some of these CICs in exchange for the MBI – in order to support the municipality. This is a measurable form of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social enterprise.

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    This allows business and communities to transparently and measurably connect their vouchers to the greater social service network formed by the MBI. Online marketplace could feature these supporting businesses as a way to drive traffic to them.

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    The initial supply and taxes collected from holding fees on balances of the MBI could also be used to aid community support networks and for local programs like Food Forests.

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    A municipality creating such a MBI would have to create a contract against its redemption as well as taxation and redistribution. This contract could be voted on signed and scanned as a pdf and fixed to the MBI token on a blockchain (low-tech).

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    Supporting business could in turn create their own CIC as a claim against their production (again in a signed contract) and place those CICs into liquidity pools that contain both their contribution of CIC (vouchers) and an amount of the MBI in order to enable traceable exchange between the two.

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    This means that people could keep their municipality economies thriving by accepting and trading a MBI which can be exchanged in limited amounts for business vouchers (ala liquidity pools with CICs)

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    While in Kenya we rely on Humanitarian organizations to supply a basic income token - a municipality, or local administration would be a wonderful anchor for community health in this way. The possibilities of MBIs combined with CICs are profound and life affirming. Consider the value in decentralized, municipally supported economies (networks of MBIs) - building and supporting local as well as regional or National economies.

    + +

    Bernard’s vision of diverse monetary eco-systems that support communities and the environment rather than extract from them, as they continue to do now, is the spark that moved me from physics in the US into economics in Kenya and is still the vision that motivates me and countless other community currency developers, researchers and activists. His vision preceded crypto currencies by decades. Back then, the only way we could move toward Bernard’s vision was by trial and error – creating currency after currency using paper bills or centralized databases.

    +

    I met Bernard Lietaer for the first time while implementing a small paper-based community currency program in three villages near Mombasa. He understood all the heart-wrenching challenges of fighting poverty and embraced me, knowing that the vision was true and we were doing our best with the sticks and stones we had to use. He spoke of Yin and Yang flows of different currencies for spending and savings and much more. The intricate dance and balance of these currencies working together was so tangible to him that you could feel it flowing through his whole being.

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    Connecting those early community currencies together into the ecosystem he envisioned wasn’t possible without blockchain. Bernard was convinced that solutions like bonding curves which allowed currencies to communicate with each other through and across blockchains was the key to scaling and viral growth. With Bernard as President of the Bancor Foundation and his ability to cut through the sensationalism of blockchain to its potential to empower humanity to develop sustainable and healthy monetary ecosystems – there was and is no place I would rather be. When asked to direct the foundation’s efforts on community currencies under his guidance, it was a dream come true. It was a great honor to walk in his footsteps and without him it is a great loss to me personally and sadly his dream of what Bancor could be ended.

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    The world has lost a visionary that inspired and united people to fix fundamental flaws in our monetary systems, which are the root causes of poverty and massive human and environmental strife. As we thank him for opening the doors and dedicate our work toward his vision, let us ensure his message continues to flourish and inspire future generations – that we banish the concept of monetary monoculture and embrace the values that are within each of us as the fundamental units of a diverse ecosystem of currencies that connect us all together in love and allow us to heal our planet and ourselves.

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    Sincerely with Love, Inspiration and Celebration of a life well lived,

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    Will Ruddick

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    #Bernard #Lietaer #BernardLietaer #communitycurrency #communitycurrency

    diff --git a/output/church-offerings.html b/output/church-offerings.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d22d514 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/church-offerings.html @@ -0,0 +1,130 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Church Offerings (Sadaka) in Bangla-Pesa + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Church Offerings (Sadaka) in Bangla-Pesa +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    Faith based organizations (FBOs) are beginning to step up their usage of Bangla-Pesa to increase community services. FBOs act as a conduit for community service when members of the Bangladesh Business Network use their Bangla-Pesa as an offering. The Legio Maria Church in Bangladesh (shown on the left) today took offerings (Sadaka in Swahili) in Bangla-Pesa. These Bangla-Pesa will increase the amounts the church collects on a weekly basis and be used to help feed community members with HIV/AIDS as well as support other community activities. The Legio Maria church puts hundreds of children through school and helps many in the community make ends meets.

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    After being active again for a few weeks the lists of goods and services members offer for Bangla-Pesa is growing rapidly. The trade of everything from produce and cooked foods, to shoe and TV repair, is increasing as the community becomes more knit together into a barter network.

    +

    As the community finds more ways to trade with each other, they also find more ways to give. Local faith based organizations struggle to raise funds for many basic programs, like feeding and schooling children. By accepting Bangla-Pesa as offerings they are allowing community members to contribute through their goods and services rather than scarce national currency. Needy community members then receive these offerings from the church, and can then spend it in the business network. This circular flow is one that both strengthens the local economy and provides a means for the community to help meet their own needs.

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    #bangla #church

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/cic-covid-19.html b/output/cic-covid-19.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..716f771 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/cic-covid-19.html @@ -0,0 +1,174 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - CIC (COVID-19 Crisis) Cash Aid + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + CIC (COVID-19 Crisis) Cash Aid +

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    Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) based Aid works as a cash distribution method during a crisis.

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    With unstable food systems and deteriorating markets and supply chains, knowing how to target aid is crucial to providing relief and building more resilient communities.

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    Sarafu, a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) in Kenya, has a rapidly growing distribution network with 11k (mostly very small) businesses in some of the poorest regions. Users form markets to trade goods and services using the vouchers and the data is stored on the blockchain. Using the blockchain transaction data we can target specific health and food related businesses to receive aid based on how connected they are to their community. These businesses can convert their CICs to donor funds using Mpesa with local community groups.

    +

    Farming, Food/Water, Health would be primary targets for CIC Aid. Grassroots Economics, the Sarafu CIC manager, processes data minute by minute on the most important parts of these networks and can focus in a way that can show tangible results - in terms of targeting cash distribution to hubs and promoting specific circulation, supply chains and markets.

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    Since 2010 CICs have been used in Kenya and reviewed and deemed an acceptable means of transaction by the Government of Kenya without violating any Kenyan Laws. The system works over USSD so that anyone in Kenya with a sim card can use it - No Internet or Smartphone required.

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    Parameters:

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    • Anyone with a sim card can sign up for Sarafu and receive an initial 400 Sarafu
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    • The weekly CIC Aid amount is determined by the amount of available aid funds and crisis projections.
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    • CIC recipients will get additional CICs proportionally to how many people they trade over 20 Sarafu to on a weekly basis.
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    • Users in specific business categories (Farming, Food/Water, Health) and deemed as hubs will receive double the Sarafu aid.
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    • Users can refer other users for an additional 100 Sarafu.
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    • Anyone can use Mpesa to buy Sarafu at a discount rate (based on how much Aid fund there is in total) and the current supply of Sarafu in circulation. We are giving out 2x the Mpesa sent to us in Sarafu for the next 90 days.
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    Outcomes:

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    • Aid funds are distributed and targeting fairly using verifiable parametric triggers based on need, market centrality and business type.
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    • CIC circulation – not being cashed out is ~10x times larger than the Aid funds being used.
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    • CIC Circulation data helps identify:
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    • current and future targets for aid
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    • avenues for trade, sharing and social cohesion
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    • Reporting and Dashboarding:
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    • GE provides weekly reports on targets, distribution and impact measurements.
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    • A public dashboard shows the various effects.
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    Next Steps:

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    • Begin on data analysis and targeting
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    • Inform existing key hubs
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    • Begin larger test distributions
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    • Monitor results:
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    • Expected increased trade frequencies and volumes
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    • Expected increased market size and density
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    • Surveys:
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    • User Feedback collected
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    • User Stories
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    Needs:

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    • Mobilization
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    • Using Sarafu now in Kenya:
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    If you know someone in Kenya that needs help - please suggest they sign up for a Community Inclusion Currency account on the Sarafu network. Anyone can sign up. To get an account dial 0757628885 or send a sms with your name and what you can sell and what is your nearest town. Example: Eva Songa 07278xxxxx Chapati, Kakamega. While supplies last, new users get 400 Sarafu and Chamas (saving groups) can register to convert a limited amount of Sarafu to Mpesa. If you are in, or know, a chama please let us know.

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    Current Statistics: (pre COVID-19)

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    In January this year we tracked in one month roughly 18 Million Shillings worth of transactions among over 10,000 Sarafu users in what would normally have been the hardest month of the year.

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    Frequently asked Questions can be found here

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    #covid18 #corona #virus #cashaid #aid #Kenya

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    + CIC Indices for SDGs +

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    The Kenyan Sarafu (a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC)) is distributed through an initial allocation to new users and continuous reward system – which is fed by a holding fee on CIC balances.

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    In a typical community dependent on injections of national currency – trade will often just slow to a crawl and stop due to lack of national currency as commodity prices increase. As we’ve seen in Kenya where Sarafu has been distributed to over 40,000 people, in communities with a Community Inclusion Currency trade can continue; The less national currency available, the more CIC will be used.

    +

    We posit that national currency unavailability can be evidenced in an increase of CIC volume per capita. Beyond that, CIC circulation meta data (the goods and services being bought and sold) tells us what commodities are in need due to the lack of National Currency in circulation. According to studies, CIC usage also shows people interacting by trading their goods and services when National Currency is not available, builds trust and local resilience. In the CIC Whitepaper section 4.2.1 Proof of Impact for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) there are ways to add information to nearly all the SDGs using this data.

    +

    Based on this evidence of need (increased CIC trade volumes per capita ~ lack of national currency) as well as specific usages (commodities) as well as networking (centrality and clustering), gender equality, and so on. We can derive various CIC indicies based on all that is possible to measure using CIC trade data.

    +

    Consider a typical CIC user: a woman in her 30’s providing for a family of 3 children by buying and reselling vegetables. She begins to accept a CIC for payment – because her clients, also mothers like herself, simply don’t have enough Kenyan Shillings. If she can spend this back at the shops of those other women, and they can then spend it back at her shop, there is a virtuous circle created that makes this network stronger than others not using CIC in the face of economic downturns.

    +

    This behavior is not only commendable, it is measurable and worthy of reward. The fact that a network of traders is using CIC is evidence for their lack of National Currency – and as well their ability to support each other without it.

    +

    What if this CIC Index could help us monitor and know how often, when and where to inject limited amounts of aid (and specifically cash transfer funding)? How best should aid be distributed? In cash transfer programming recipients are based on need assessments via surveys which are good at establishing needed recipients as well as a minimum expenditure baskets (MEBs) or basic allotments, but how can CIC data augment this?

    + +

    If we have 2 aid recipient populations that were equally qualified via survey work – and there was an opportunity to invest more aid (given they both receive a basic allotment) into one of these groups – our work suggests that the investment is much better placed with the one that accepts CIC from others to support their community (or chama as in the photo) and spends it to support their families. Such aid support could as well be given to vendors or specific productive capacity grants (like developing syntropic agroforestry (food forest) plots) where it can be tracked that they received CIC from such surveyed and in-need recipients.

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    By encouraging circular trade within communities (and even between communities by connecting CICs together) – humanitarian aid can help build and leave in place a basic circulatory system for community support and resilience. CICs could increase or decrease in usage relative to need and aid organizations as well as governments could monitor them and react surgically to support optimal market health.

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/cic-will.html b/output/cic-pilot.html similarity index 55% rename from output/cic-will.html rename to output/cic-pilot.html index 6893092..eb65477 100644 --- a/output/cic-will.html +++ b/output/cic-pilot.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - Community Currencies and DEX Multitudes + grassroots-pelican - CIC Pilot Impacts and Plans @@ -26,10 +26,6 @@ - - - - @@ -82,13 +78,13 @@

    - Community Currencies and DEX Multitudes + CIC Pilot Impacts and Plans


    -

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts (like Community Inclusion Currencies) for different use cases. Using them opens us up decentralized network topologies that we would never have dreamed of with old fashion stock exchanges and other financial instruments. The best part is that they can be used by anyone in the world with access to internet or even just an inexpensive phone using USSD/SMS.

    -cic-will1 -

    The basic Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) contract (shown above) is a token that holds a real world claim against redemption of goods and services - such as the harvest created by a group of women managing a communal Food Forest In 2018 our CIC's were pool tokens that were additionally bonded to a on-chain reserve called Sarafu upon deployment. But connecting a CIC's full supply to be convertible (even on a bonding curve) to a reserve isn't always useful, especially in situations where you want to limit how much of your CIC supply is convertible or join the network after token deployment.

    -cic-will2 -

    In that case the open source Bancor DEX contract's liquidity pools can be used as relays (this is actually the most common way to use these contracts). As such a CIC creator or anyone holding a CIC (or any ERC 20 token) can choose to create a relay or liquidity pool (as shown abovce) to any other token on the network, like Sarafu or another CIC (similar to Uniswap but with the ability to create variable strength bonding curves between pooled tokens). With a liquidity pool anyone can choose to create liquidity (conversion to other tokens) - but with an intrinsic reserve (as we used to have) only the token creator can decide and generally that means 100% of our token supply will be liquid in that one way chosen upon deployment.

    -

    A network token like Sarafu can still be used to connect to many different tokens - but it isn't needed upon CIC contract deployment. Below shows how Sarafu itself is issued as a kind of basic income token and also serves as a bootstrap network token.

    -cic-will3 -

    Hence a chama (women's group) or even a restaurant can create a CIC as a voucher for their future production of goods and services with proof of redemption commitment in physical contract with local authorities - then choose to take a limited amount of their CIC supply and place it in a liquidity pool along with Sarafu and/or some other token(s) such as ETH. This gives the CIC issuer the ability to choose if, when and how much they want to connect to other tokens or a whole network of tokens.

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    Given public infrastructure, this means we have a way of creating a currency as claims against redemption in goods and services and on-board those tokens when their community wants to into a connected network of Community Inclusion Currencies. These CIC holding users in such networks can provide proof of identity and various SDG impacts to direct humanitarian aid as below.

    -cic-will4 -

    Note that this network topology potentially gives humanitarian organizations the ability to directly create and support liquidity pools as well - creating limited conduits for exchange between aid funds (used to purchase ETH for instance) and CICs..

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    While our work is focused on specific use cases of this technology in vulnerable populations, Grassroots Economics is a non-profit foundation seeking to connect organizations and groups to the ability to create and manage their own medium of exchange with the option of joining into larger networks to create communities of currencies. All our systems are built on an open source tech stack with interchangeable blockchains, modules and interfaces. We hope this open software design paired with the power of DEX liquidity pools are the building blocks of an emergent decentralized economy.

    -cic-will5 + +

    In the last 30 days we have had 3015 users making at least 1 trade. For a volume of 2,336,655 Tokens (~23k USD equivalent of goods and services traded) … those 3015 users are holding 1,514,155 Tokens (~15k USD). That would be a monthly velocity of ~1.54 (CIC Supply/Trade) (that is 3x higher! than current M2 USD velocity https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/M2V reported quarterly)

    + +

    Note that currently no one can cash out their reserve yet (still building the software) – instead Grassroots Economics (GE) is buying tokens off the Groups accounts (groups of about 25 women who all run businesses and save together). In that same period we have bought 387,715 Tokens (~3.8k USD)

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    • Currently → Trade / Cash-out-Cost = (~23k usd) / (~3.8k USD) is about 6x impact (as measured by increased purchasing power compared to Kenyan shillings).
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    Again note that currently users can’t create their own CICs by adding reserve to their particular group’s CIC reserve nor can they cash out that reserve. In the next stage we are no longer buying off CICs (but rather users can cash out from their own reserves) and anyone (like a GE as a donor) can also add more reserve to mint CICs. We can then talk both amounts cashed out and cashed in (from/to reserves).

    +

    So in the (we hope very near) future there is an initial seed fund of USD (DAI) going into reserve (which creates ~4x (leverage to) the number of CIC tokens to reserve based on risk/ size of reserve) – then cashing out from that (burning CICs) and adding back to it (minting CICs). See equations here: https://www.grassrootseconomics.org/single-post/Enabling-Leverage

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    • Near Target → Trade / Cost = (~23k usd) / (~1.1k USD Cashed our minus cashed in) is about 20x impact.
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    For a fully resilient CIC the Cashing-out and Cashing-in are equal over a time period (given adequate market size) – hence the cashing-out ‘cost’ here goes to zero. Leaving the cost to support the initial seed fund as well as maintain customer support/systems (Fixed costs of staff and services).

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    • Future Target → Continuous Trade / (Once time cost + minimal support cost) = +100x
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    • Preliminary studies (https://www.grassrootseconomics.org/single-post/eMoney-vs-CIC) using eMoney suggest that if you compare 15k USD worth of CICs entering the network of ~3000 traders vs 15k USD worth of eMoney (MPESA) injected you get comparable trade volume (23k USD). The distinction is that with eMoney over 90% of it ends up outside the network in the same time period while with CICs it stays in local circulation – only 25% (3.8k/15k) was turned into Mpesa (through GE purchases) and quickly leaves the community. Also important to note there that the 15k of CIC tokens were created with only 3.7k USD of collateral / reserve.
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    Hence, currently we are able to get the same volume of trade as Mpesa with roughly 50% of the cost (3.7+3.8=7.6k USD) of injecting Mpesa directly, while also assuring that the trade will be at least 75% in the network. More effort to track cash and eMoney in these networks is needed to properly compare. This would double the trade volume / impact, based on the same donations given out of organizations like Give Directly that do cash transfer (and ideally much more than double in future iterations with more direct access to reserve).

    +

    Finally note that our method of initial distribution of CICs, in lieu ofand eventually in addition to not yet being able to allow people to create their own, is to give each new user 400 (~$4USD roughly the cost of feeding a family of 5 for one day. Other distribution methods being developed include redistributing a collective tax chosen by a community, using a users connectivity to the network in different trade categories (I.e.. supporting social services with democratic participatory budgeting).

    +

    Trade data can now be found here: http://grassecon.org/research Please bear with us. We are working on a new dashboard and faster live updates!

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    #pilot #reserve #donation #impact

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    + CIC Training from Response to Recovery +

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    Response:

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    As support to vulnerable communities humanitarian organizations start by airdropping tokens to needy people in coordination with local authorities and village groups and elders, and facilitating periodic buy backs in Kenyan shillings (KSH) from those community groups. We also reward people with tokens for referring others and based on trading in network. The Sarafu token in Kenya is one such an aid-based Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) which is meant to bootstrap the creation of local CICs to be used toward recovery. Let’s call such an bootstrapping CIC (like Sarafu) ‘CIC_a’.

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    An aid program in Kenya has developed 16 Million Sarafu tokens in Kenya collateralize by 4 Million Kenyan Shillings ($40,000 USD) of a digital asset (DAI). (Note that CIC_a is collateralized by being bonded to a digital asset (DAI) using donor funds on a public blockchain – which can be extracted and used to create community based CIC, which we will discuss below. )

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    In vulnerable communities across Kenya anyone joining the network receives 400 Sarafu as well as additional Sarafu based on trade and referrals. Community groups receive additional donor funds for a limited amount of Sarafu (CIC_a) collected.

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    Note that using this technique alone in Kenya has produced more than 80 Million KSH ($800,000 USD) worth of trade in these communities so far. (the photo above is from Sarafu usage in Nairobi read more about it here.)

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    Recovery:

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    The community group is trained to use the digital assets bonded to CIC_a to create their own Community Inclusion Currency (CIC). They come up with a name, (Let’s call this new CIC, ‘CIC_b’) a vision and goals as well as community projects to be funded by their CIC_b. Note that there can be many community groups creating their own CICs (CIC_c ... d ... e, etc) depending on the scale of the CIC_a distribution. In Kenya the Sarafu distribution has reached over 27,000 household in dozens of communities so we expect many CICs to be created, while pulling out the digital assets from Sarafu. (the Photo on the left show a community discussion on projects tehy could fund with their own CIC)

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    The members of the community group pull the digital asset (valued in Kenyan Shillings) out of their CIC_a (destroying CIC_a) and place it into a new contract for CIC_b.

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    For each $1 Kenyan Shillings (KSH) (worth of digital assets pulled out of their CIC_a) placed in the new CIC_b contract, 4 CIC_b’s will be created. (Note that we require a minimum amount of collateral and a collateral to CIC_a ratio of 25% to start a CIC).

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    The community group then comes up with audited commitments to accept their payment for goods and services for CIC_b with 1:1 value to Kenyan shillings. They also develop rules for managing those commitments and local arbitration. i.e. one community member will agree to accepting 100 CIC_b a day for 100 KSH worth of day care for toddlers.

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    For each 1 CIC_b created there must be a commitment from the groups members to accepting 1 KSH worth of goods or services. Hence each CIC_b is 100% backed by commitments of local goods and services.

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    Eg. So for 400,000 CIC_b created, there is full backing in commitments by the community group as well as 100,000 KSH (~1,000 USD) worth of collateral. Based on community discussion, generally half of these 400,000 CIC_b’s go to the contributing members and the other half goes to voted-on community projects managed by agreed on community project managers. (the photo on the right shows Ruth Njau teaching trainers on the usage of a hatch board, recording commitments).

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    The photo here shows Roy Awaho from Kenya Red Cross and comunity members learning about Bonding Curves - which explains the diminishing returns from pulling out of their collateral fund - explained below and more in depth in our training materials.

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    Basic Usage:

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    Now that members of the community group have created their own CIC (CIC_b), they are now able to liquidate (cash out) their CIC_b against the collateral fund and receive Kenyan Shillings (via Mpesa eMoney). Each time they pull out of their collateral out it takes more CIC_b to pull out the same amount. For instance 1004 CIC_b (destroyed/liquidated) will pull out roughly 1000 KSH out of the collateral. After that it will take 1012 CIC_b to pull out 1000 KSH. After that it will take 1020 CIC_b to bull out 1000 KSH and so on.

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    This gives businesses some assurance that they can get Kenyan shillings when needed. As the amount of CIC_b to pull out KSH increases – there is an opportunity to add KSH back into the collateral pool. 1000 KSH in our last example added to the collateral would create 1020 CIC_b’s and as long as the community group is holding their commitments there is an advantage to doing so – in order to buy local products. This market effect stabilizes the exchange value.

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    Impact investors and aid organizations can also support communities by adding to the collateral pool and minting CIC_b’s. Just by doing so they increase the exchange value of CIC_b. This is like an investment into the economy of CIC_b users. The CIC_b’s created in the process can be donated to needy community members as well.

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    Giving humanitarian organizations a way to respond to crisis and seed resilient economies is at the heart of CICs. The end effect is that communities have a way to create their own credit systems for supporting themselves responsibly with both social and hard collateral.

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    We live in and have to navigate in a world of claims. One of the chief claims we unknowingly deal with on a daily basis are claims against currency redemption, indeed the currencies we hold are valuable because they are claims against some form of redemption. Endorsements on those claims give us more and more confidence in currencies.

    Governments along with banks issue national currencies, and claim they will redeem that them against taxes over time. This fiat bargain works as long as the issuance of more and more credit doesn’t cause inflation and there isn't a loss of endorsement. Endorsements to build trust in national currencies are not always obvious but can come in many forms, such as circulation data, peer to peer business acceptance as well as legal systems that upholds claims. This type of currency, being our standard medium of exchange worldwide, has many repercussions – namely inequality as issuance is centralized and the lack resiliency when such massive systems fail.

    Issuers, who are not nations or banks, with their own claims and tokens have popped up from time immemorial. The growth of non-national currencies, lies in their claims and endorsements and ability to integrate with other systems.

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    Canadian Tire Money are simple vouchers denominated in Canadian dollars and have been in circulation since the 1950's with only one business as the backing. Because their supply and circulation (liquidity) is low compared to the size of the community they operate in, they don’t operate effectively as a medium of exchange - but for a village in Kenya or Cameroon they could, or when combined with producer credits from many other businesses they could span a market.

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    -Canadian Tire Money
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    Canadian Tire Money are simple vouchers denominated in Canadian dollars and have been in circulation since the 1950's with only one business as the backing. Because their supply and circulation (liquidity) is low compared to the size of the community they operate in, they don’t operate effectively as a medium of exchange - but for a village in Kenya or Cameroon they could, or when combined with producer credits from many other businesses they could span a market.

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    In a credit system like Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs) we have an issuer and a claim of redemption and a token – which is a divisible and can change owner and can act as broader medium of exchange given strong endorsement. e.g. A group of women in a village may create a CIC to use as a medium of exchange as a claim against the produce from their cooperative food forest. These CICs may be accepted outside of the group by a local hair salon because the local elders have endorsed them and people have been able to spend them on food from the cooperative.

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    The idea of taking such Producer Credits and combining them together into networks of CICs to build resilience in vulnerable communities, works well as long as there are strong foundational issuers and strong endorsements, such as groups of businesses and leaders. Towns issuing their own script (currency) were immensely effective at supporting local economies during depression eras. Had these depression era systems been taxable/integrate-able by larger states they might still be in use today. Now days, we have programmable tokens which can be taxed automatically (via demurrage/ holding taxes ). We also have systems that can network together servers to create censor resistant and secure ledgers. Decentralized economic systems could really change dynamics in areas with chronic shortage of money. Generally, brute force airdropping currency on a population doesn't create local ownership or stakeholders for good reason – because such a token is missing both: fundamental claims against redemption and endorsements.

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    The idea of taking such Producer Credits and combining them together into networks of CICs to build resilience in vulnerable communities, works well as long as there are strong foundational issuers and strong endorsements, such as groups of businesses and leaders. Towns issuing their own script (currency) were immensely effective at supporting local economies during depression eras. Had these depression era systems been taxable/integrate-able by larger states they might still be in use today. Now days, we have programmable tokens which can be taxed automatically (via demurrage/ holding taxes ). We also have systems that can network together servers to create censor resistant and secure ledgers. Decentralized economic systems could really change dynamics in areas with chronic shortage of money. Generally, brute force airdropping currency on a population doesn't create local ownership or stakeholders for good reason – because such a token is missing both: fundamental claims against redemption and endorsements.

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    The idea of taking such Producer Credits and combining them together into networks of CICs to build resilience in vulnerable communities, works well as long as there are strong foundational issuers and strong endorsements, such as groups of businesses and leaders. Towns issuing their own script (currency) were immensely effective at supporting local economies during depression eras. Had these depression era systems been taxable/integrate-able by larger states they might still be in use today. Now days, we have programmable tokens which can be taxed automatically (via demurrage/ holding taxes ). We also have systems that can network together servers to create censor resistant and secure ledgers. Decentralized economic systems could really change dynamics in areas with chronic shortage of money. Generally, brute force airdropping currency on a population doesn't create local ownership or stakeholders for good reason – because such a token is missing both: fundamental claims against redemption and endorsements.

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    -Towns issuing their own script demurrage
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    Cryptographically Endorsing Claims

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    How do we trust claims as well as tokens issued against them? If we think of a digitized claim as a declaration held by an entity/issuer and endorsed with an encrypted signature (private key) – we can treat that data object like a non-editable and encrypted file on a computer (or decentralized ledger system / non-fungible token) that only the owner can choose to show to others. That claim could declare anything, such as what a currency is being issued and redeemed for and it could be co-signed as an endorsement using the private keys of people and institutions that believe that claim. The number of tokens created against that claim could be determined by the endorsements (in a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) or old-school paper contract that is later scanned) as could the various parameters like demurrage and where the initial supply could go and linkages to other tokens or collateral. Finally, as someone looking to accept these tokens, I could look at the claim they are issued against as well as the entire supply and circulation history of those tokens on a ledger – as a form of peer to peer endorsement. These tokens could also be held in liquidity pools connecting them to other tokens and claims, meaning that even if the token issuer fails to redeem them there are other avenues for spending the tokens. We can even look at how these tokens circulate to get a lot of information about how they are distributed, how quickly are they redeemed and redistributed and so on. This gives us a way to de-risk and trust community currencies not issued by governments or banks by inspecting claims as well as endorsements and associated data.

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    How do we trust claims as well as tokens issued against them? If we think of a digitized claim as a declaration held by an entity/issuer and endorsed with an encrypted signature (private key) – we can treat that data object like a non-editable and encrypted file on a computer (or decentralized ledger system / non-fungible token) that only the owner can choose to show to others. That claim could declare anything, such as what a currency is being issued and redeemed for and it could be co-signed as an endorsement using the private keys of people and institutions that believe that claim. The number of tokens created against that claim could be determined by the endorsements (in a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) or old-school paper contract that is later scanned) as could the various parameters like demurrage and where the initial supply could go and linkages to other tokens or collateral. Finally, as someone looking to accept these tokens, I could look at the claim they are issued against as well as the entire supply and circulation history of those tokens on a ledger – as a form of peer to peer endorsement. These tokens could also be held in liquidity pools connecting them to other tokens and claims, meaning that even if the token issuer fails to redeem them there are other avenues for spending the tokens. We can even look at how these tokens circulate to get a lot of information about how they are distributed, how quickly are they redeemed and redistributed and so on. This gives us a way to de-risk and trust community currencies not issued by governments or banks by inspecting claims as well as endorsements and associated data.

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    How do we trust claims as well as tokens issued against them? If we think of a digitized claim as a declaration held by an entity/issuer and endorsed with an encrypted signature (private key) – we can treat that data object like a non-editable and encrypted file on a computer (or decentralized ledger system / non-fungible token) that only the owner can choose to show to others. That claim could declare anything, such as what a currency is being issued and redeemed for and it could be co-signed as an endorsement using the private keys of people and institutions that believe that claim. The number of tokens created against that claim could be determined by the endorsements (in a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) or old-school paper contract that is later scanned) as could the various parameters like demurrage and where the initial supply could go and linkages to other tokens or collateral. Finally, as someone looking to accept these tokens, I could look at the claim they are issued against as well as the entire supply and circulation history of those tokens on a ledger – as a form of peer to peer endorsement. These tokens could also be held in liquidity pools connecting them to other tokens and claims, meaning that even if the token issuer fails to redeem them there are other avenues for spending the tokens. We can even look at how these tokens circulate to get a lot of information about how they are distributed, how quickly are they redeemed and redistributed and so on. This gives us a way to de-risk and trust community currencies not issued by governments or banks by inspecting claims as well as endorsements and associated data.

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    How do we trust claims as well as tokens issued against them? If we think of a digitized claim as a declaration held by an entity/issuer and endorsed with an encrypted signature (private key) – we can treat that data object like a non-editable and encrypted file on a computer (or decentralized ledger system / non-fungible token) that only the owner can choose to show to others. That claim could declare anything, such as what a currency is being issued and redeemed for and it could be co-signed as an endorsement using the private keys of people and institutions that believe that claim. The number of tokens created against that claim could be determined by the endorsements (in a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) or old-school paper contract that is later scanned) as could the various parameters like demurrage and where the initial supply could go and linkages to other tokens or collateral. Finally, as someone looking to accept these tokens, I could look at the claim they are issued against as well as the entire supply and circulation history of those tokens on a ledger – as a form of peer to peer endorsement. These tokens could also be held in liquidity pools connecting them to other tokens and claims, meaning that even if the token issuer fails to redeem them there are other avenues for spending the tokens. We can even look at how these tokens circulate to get a lot of information about how they are distributed, how quickly are they redeemed and redistributed and so on. This gives us a way to de-risk and trust community currencies not issued by governments or banks by inspecting claims as well as endorsements and associated data.

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    -non-fungible token old-school paper contract liquidity pools
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    The idea of taking such Producer Credits and combining them together into networks of CICs to build resilience in vulnerable communities, works well as long as there are strong foundational issuers and strong endorsements, such as groups of businesses and leaders. Towns issuing their own script (currency) were immensely effective at supporting local economies during depression eras. Had these depression era systems been taxable/integrate-able by larger states they might still be in use today. Now days, we have programmable tokens which can be taxed automatically (via demurrage/ holding taxes ). We also have systems that can network together servers to create censor resistant and secure ledgers. Decentralized economic systems could really change dynamics in areas with chronic shortage of money. Generally, brute force airdropping currency on a population doesn't create local ownership or stakeholders for good reason – because such a token is missing both: fundamental claims against redemption and endorsements.

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    Cryptographically Endorsing Claims

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    How do we trust claims as well as tokens issued against them? If we think of a digitized claim as a declaration held by an entity/issuer and endorsed with an encrypted signature (private key) – we can treat that data object like a non-editable and encrypted file on a computer (or decentralized ledger system / non-fungible token ) that only the owner can choose to show to others. That claim could declare anything, such as what a currency is being issued and redeemed for and it could be co-signed as an endorsement using the private keys of people and institutions that believe that claim. The number of tokens created against that claim could be determined by the endorsements (in a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) or old-school paper contract that is later scanned) as could the various parameters like demurrage and where the initial supply could go and linkages to other tokens or collateral. Finally, as someone looking to accept these tokens, I could look at the claim they are issued against as well as the entire supply and circulation history of those tokens on a ledger – as a form of peer to peer endorsement. These tokens could also be held in liquidity pools connecting them to other tokens and claims, meaning that even if the token issuer fails to redeem them there are other avenues for spending the tokens. We can even look at how these tokens circulate to get a lot of information about how they are distributed, how quickly are they redeemed and redistributed and so on. This gives us a way to de-risk and trust community currencies not issued by governments or banks by inspecting claims as well as endorsements and associated data.

    While we can look at currency through the lens of cryptographically endorsed claims, we can also look at all sorts of claims, i.e. I claim I live in Kenya, founded a non-profit foundation and have a daughter. Just like a claim against redemption, that claim can be digitized and endorsed directly by co-signers and as well by secondary data. Community Currencies when combined with other types of claims offer a huge amount of secondary data to support various claims about impacts and even identity.

    Various claims can be supported using community currency data along with other survey or IoT data such as:

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    • Product offerings: How many people are buying those products and giving ratings on them.
    • Organic supply chains: Following the purchases from farm to plate for specific foods.
    • Currency risk: How circular is the economy, velocity of the tokens, distribution of the token supply, connection to other currencies
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    Rewarding Verified Claims

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    Rewarding Verified Claims

    Frameworks and protocols for various types of endorsed claims that can be held self-sovereignty by individuals and groups (related to trade, demographics, impacts and even carbon offsetting) as well as marketplaces that consume that information, are needed across sectors; from humanitarian organizations trying to measure and reward impacts against sustainable development goals, to people wanting to derisk an investment.

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    Consumers of endorsed claims (organization that need trustworthy data) could include the UNICEF supporting SDGs, carbon offset purchasers, impact investors, loan and insurance providers and so on. Rewards or payment related to such claims also need to support the system of endorsements, (such as peer endorsements, web of trust and surveys), as well as the ledger systems that are holding those claims and providing data integrity and security. Such a claim market and reward system would promote people, institutions and even impact investors to seek out verified impacts. The same could also give people positive incentives for running servers (nodes) in order to validate data in order to mine impact rewards.

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    Consumers of endorsed claims (organization that need trustworthy data) could include the UNICEF supporting SDGs, carbon offset purchasers, impact investors, loan and insurance providers and so on. Rewards or payment related to such claims also need to support the system of endorsements, (such as peer endorsements, web of trust and surveys), as well as the ledger systems that are holding those claims and providing data integrity and security. Such a claim market and reward system would promote people, institutions and even impact investors to seek out verified impacts. The same could also give people positive incentives for running servers (nodes) in order to validate data in order to mine impact rewards.

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    Consumers of endorsed claims (organization that need trustworthy data) could include the UNICEF supporting SDGs, carbon offset purchasers, impact investors, loan and insurance providers and so on. Rewards or payment related to such claims also need to support the system of endorsements, (such as peer endorsements, web of trust and surveys), as well as the ledger systems that are holding those claims and providing data integrity and security. Such a claim market and reward system would promote people, institutions and even impact investors to seek out verified impacts. The same could also give people positive incentives for running servers (nodes) in order to validate data in order to mine impact rewards.

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    Consumers of endorsed claims (organization that need trustworthy data) could include the UNICEF supporting SDGs , carbon offset purchasers, impact investors, loan and insurance providers and so on. Rewards or payment related to such claims also need to support the system of endorsements, (such as peer endorsements, web of trust and surveys), as well as the ledger systems that are holding those claims and providing data integrity and security. Such a claim market and reward system would promote people, institutions and even impact investors to seek out verified impacts. The same could also give people positive incentives for running servers (nodes) in order to validate data in order to mine impact rewards.

    UNICEF SDGs
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    While Grassroots Economics is working to implement these concepts, the creation of open source frameworks and protocols for claim endorsement and rewards, is a vision held by many people and organizations. We’re proud to join the ranks of inspiring humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, UNICEF, World Food Program and GIZ who want to enable local resilience and measure and reward impact, as well as technical groups like IXO.world and Regen.network who are building open source application specific systems on Cosmos meant to give humanity the infrastructure we need to solve real problems and live in harmony while navigating a world of claims.

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    While Grassroots Economics is working to implement these concepts, the creation of open source frameworks and protocols for claim endorsement and rewards, is a vision held by many people and organizations. We’re proud to join the ranks of inspiring humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, UNICEF, World Food Program and GIZ who want to enable local resilience and measure and reward impact, as well as technical groups like IXO.world and Regen.network who are building open source application specific systems on Cosmos meant to give humanity the infrastructure we need to solve real problems and live in harmony while navigating a world of claims.

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    While Grassroots Economics is working to implement these concepts, the creation of open source frameworks and protocols for claim endorsement and rewards, is a vision held by many people and organizations. We’re proud to join the ranks of inspiring humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, UNICEF, World Food Program and GIZ who want to enable local resilience and measure and reward impact, as well as technical groups like IXO.world and Regen.network who are building open source application specific systems on Cosmos meant to give humanity the infrastructure we need to solve real problems and live in harmony while navigating a world of claims.

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    While Grassroots Economics is working to implement these concepts, the creation of open source frameworks and protocols for claim endorsement and rewards, is a vision held by many people and organizations. We’re proud to join the ranks of inspiring humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, UNICEF, World Food Program and GIZ who want to enable local resilience and measure and reward impact, as well as technical groups like IXO.world and Regen.network who are building open source application specific systems on Cosmos meant to give humanity the infrastructure we need to solve real problems and live in harmony while navigating a world of claims.

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    -IXO.world Regen.network Cosmos
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    While Grassroots Economics is working to implement these concepts, the creation of open source frameworks and protocols for claim endorsement and rewards, is a vision held by many people and organizations. We’re proud to join the ranks of inspiring humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, UNICEF, World Food Program and GIZ who want to enable local resilience and measure and reward impact, as well as technical groups like IXO.world and Regen.network who are building open source application specific systems on Cosmos meant to give humanity the infrastructure we need to solve real problems and live in harmony while navigating a world of claims.

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    We are co-creating an eco-system of connected blockchain based tokens across Kenya to help communities build their own economies in times of crisis and recovery – and we need an entire technical blockchain eco-system to do it.

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    A Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) is a financial instrument that allows for the issuance of a token that is backed by goods or services to also have a bonded collateral. We use the Bancor contract suite and basic bonding curves created by Eyal Hertzog, Yudi Levi and team.

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    For the CICs we use now and will be empowering communities and aid organizations to create, they have a pool with only one token (right now) in reserve (soon to be DAI (bridged to xDAI as the reserve) )

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    The CICs are backed by goods and services of the creator as well as bonded collateral. In the case of Grassroots Economics and Red Cross that is donor funds and donated items, phone and field support, training. There is also a (soon to be bonded $40k in reserve)

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    A core idea behind CICs is that anyone should be able to create a medium of excahnge based on what they value. A group of businesses in Kenya should be able to make a token against the promise to redeem it for their tomatoes, school fees, and so on. These credits need some collateral behind them, so that we can de-risk our trust in their tokens and so we can safely value them against other such CICs and national currency.

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    The interoperability of these tokens between each other and national currency make them viable for real people and businesses and organization – not just tech bubbles. What if this interoperability was extended into the blockchain network and entire tech eco system?

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    What if validation nodes backed a CIC with block validation (GAS) costs and bonded that gas to a stable coin? Could there be a Gas CIC? A short primer on Gas.

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    Say a blockchain was built with a bonded native token (like we create CICs)call it cicG (CIC Gas). Say a group of block validators measured 4 Million USD in the cost of server fees, devOps and node maintenance for 10 years and issued those tokens to themselves and any contributors in a hatch phase. Say the initial supply of cicG tokens is 4 Million tokens and the validators guarantee that these tokens will be accepted for gas fees (as designed always 1:1 with their reserve). And what if there were 1 Million DAI (bridged to xDAI or some table token) as the bonded collateral (reserve) for these tokens.

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    As validators receive cicG as GAS and liquidate it for DAI – they reduce the exchange value of cicG <> DAI and allow people to add more DAI to reserve and cheaply mint additional cicG in order to pay for gas fees cheaply (filling back the reserve of DAI). This creates a constrained and autonomous market for cicG while allowing validators to pay for maintaining their nodes. The more demand for gas on the blockchain the higher the exchange value for cicG will become – benefiting cicG holders and those building the ecosystem of traders.

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    What if communities in Kenya or aid organizations using their own CICs could pay for gas costs themselves by converting their tokens into cicG automatically? Conversion fees between cicG<>DAI could also go into the reserve pool encouraging cicG holders. (All functions already built into the Bancor contracts)

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    What other services besides, hair cuts, tomato farming and block validation could create interoperable tokens? – Looking inward at our donor funded work here at Grassroots Economics, how about all the services we offer as a non-profit such as small business networking and marketing, phone support, and training?

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    Let’s not assume that everyone can use ETH or DAI tokens as a medium of exchange right off the bat! Bonding curves give us a way to create credit based on services with trusted collateral and build economics systems that have value right now for people who need it. Read more about our efforts in Kenya with Red cross..

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    In order to spread adoption of a new economic models that heal economic trauma and use blockchain as a source of truth that connects us, we need bonded - inter-operable systems at all levels.

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    For more blockchain based discussion on CICs you can visit https://t.me/CICBlockchain and visit our GitLab https://gitlab.com/grassrootseconomics/cic-docs/-/blob/master/README.md

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    A few decades ago, the idea of giving money to poor people instead of food packages and healthcare was almost scandalous. Free money? With no strings attached? Surely, this was aid gone wrong – a desperate attempt to do things differently that was bound to fail.

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    Today, the evidence for cash transfers as an effective form of aid has changed the way we think about giving money to the poor, as well as the methods we use to fight poverty. In December 2018, a number of UN agencies released a statement that identified “cash-based assistance as one of the most significant reforms in humanitarian assistance in recent years”. This is just one example of how innovative approaches to old methods can shift the mentality of an entire industry.

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    At Grassroots Economics, we believe that poverty alleviation and innovation go hand in hand. The UN estimates that the gap in financing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is $2.5 trillion per year in developing countries alone. This creates a real crisis for the humanitarian field. It doesn’t matter how effective new methods are – they need to be financed. So where will the money come from?

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    Blockchain-powered community currencies promise to revolutionize how we do aid. Giving people money will only get you so far. Injecting cash into stagnant economies doesn’t change the underlying structure of those cash-strapped, underutilized networks. The real challenge is creating socio-economic value systems that are rooted in vibrant, cohesive and resilient communities.

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    In order to do this, communities need to be empowered to turn cash circulation into economic activity. A cash transfer recipient who still has to commute 4 hours to grind their maize is still burdened by the fact that key products and services aren’t available in their area. As a result, most of the money that goes into the community goes straight out again, making no difference to local business growth, employment opportunities or access to resources.

    + +

    The Sarafu network is a community currency system that has existed for nearly a decade in Kenya. We give people the power to define money in their own terms, where value is backed by the productive assets of the community. In other words, instead of giving cash, we enable mutual credit. Using Bancor’s blockchain API, we’ve been able to see the real-time growth of robust economic networks. Token data offers powerful insights on demurrage (negative interest rates), incentive structures and promoting economic resilience and development. When people use Sarafu to trade with each other, pay for school fees, or start a business, they’re making sure that the credit that enters the community stays there.

    +

    Community currencies create robust local networks: A snapshot inside the Sarafu network in Lindi. Nodes represent individual traders.

    + +

    Bill Gates and Silicon Valley can’t finance the gaps that exist in the developing world. Poor communities don’t lack demand, or labour, or ideas. They lack a medium of exchange to deploy their under-utilized resources. When people are empowered to create that medium of exchange for themselves, they’re able to kickstart stagnant economies and create value where there previously was none.

    +

    This is how you build prospering economies powered by thriving communities. For more information on our work in Kenya, visit our blog.

    +

    #sarafu #sustainabledevelopment #blockchain #Bancor #SDG

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
    +
    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/community-currencies.html b/output/community-currencies.html index daf6c00..84ea798 100644 --- a/output/community-currencies.html +++ b/output/community-currencies.html @@ -108,22 +108,13 @@

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts (like Community Inclusion Currencies) for different use cases. Using them opens us up decentralized network topologies that we would never have dreamed of with old fashion stock exchanges and other financial instruments. The best part is that they can be used by anyone in the world with access to internet or even just an inexpensive phone using USSD/SMS.

    - -

    The basic Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) contract (shown above) is a token that holds a real world claim against redemption of goods and services - such as the harvest created by a group of women managing a communal Food Forest. In 2018 our CIC's were pool tokens that were additionally bonded to a on-chain reserve called Sarafu upon deployment. But connecting a CIC's full supply to be convertible (even on a bonding curve) to a reserve isn't always useful, especially in situations where you want to limit how much of your CIC supply is convertible or join the network after token deployment.

    -

    The basic Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) contract (shown above) is a token that holds a real world claim against redemption of goods and services - such as the harvest created by a group of women managing a communal Food Forest. In 2018 our CIC's were pool tokens that were additionally bonded to a on-chain reserve called Sarafu upon deployment. But connecting a CIC's full supply to be convertible (even on a bonding curve) to a reserve isn't always useful, especially in situations where you want to limit how much of your CIC supply is convertible or join the network after token deployment.

    -
    -Food Forest
    + +

    The basic Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) contract (shown above) is a token that holds a real world claim against redemption of goods and services - such as the harvest created by a group of women managing a communal Food Forest . In 2018 our CIC's were pool tokens that were additionally bonded to a on-chain reserve called Sarafu upon deployment. But connecting a CIC's full supply to be convertible (even on a bonding curve) to a reserve isn't always useful, especially in situations where you want to limit how much of your CIC supply is convertible or join the network after token deployment.

    -

    In that case the open source Bancor DEX contract's liquidity pools can be used as relays (this is actually the most common way to use these contracts). As such a CIC creator or anyone holding a CIC (or any ERC 20 token) can choose to create a relay or liquidity pool (as shown abovce) to any other token on the network, like Sarafu or another CIC (similar to Uniswap but with the ability to create variable strength bonding curves between pooled tokens). With a liquidity pool anyone can choose to create liquidity (conversion to other tokens) - but with an intrinsic reserve (as we used to have) only the token creator can decide and generally that means 100% of our token supply will be liquid in that one way chosen upon deployment.

    -

    In that case the open source Bancor DEX contract's liquidity pools can be used as relays (this is actually the most common way to use these contracts). As such a CIC creator or anyone holding a CIC (or any ERC 20 token) can choose to create a relay or liquidity pool (as shown abovce) to any other token on the network, like Sarafu or another CIC (similar to Uniswap but with the ability to create variable strength bonding curves between pooled tokens). With a liquidity pool anyone can choose to create liquidity (conversion to other tokens) - but with an intrinsic reserve (as we used to have) only the token creator can decide and generally that means 100% of our token supply will be liquid in that one way chosen upon deployment.

    -
    -Bancor DEX contract's liquidity pools
    +

    In that case the open source Bancor DEX contract's liquidity pools can be used as relays (this is actually the most common way to use these contracts). As such a CIC creator or anyone holding a CIC (or any ERC 20 token) can choose to create a relay or liquidity pool (as shown abovce) to any other token on the network, like Sarafu or another CIC (similar to Uniswap but with the ability to create variable strength bonding curves between pooled tokens). With a liquidity pool anyone can choose to create liquidity (conversion to other tokens) - but with an intrinsic reserve (as we used to have) only the token creator can decide and generally that means 100% of our token supply will be liquid in that one way chosen upon deployment.

    A network token like Sarafu can still be used to connect to many different tokens - but it isn't needed upon CIC contract deployment. Below shows how Sarafu itself is issued as a kind of basic income token and also serves as a bootstrap network token.

    -

    Hence a chama (women's group) or even a restaurant can create a CIC as a voucher for their future production of goods and services with proof of redemption commitment in physical contract with local authorities - then choose to take a limited amount of their CIC supply and place it in a liquidity pool along with Sarafu and/or some other token(s) such as ETH. This gives the CIC issuer the ability to choose if, when and how much they want to connect to other tokens or a whole network of tokens.

    -
    -Hence a chama (women's group) or even a restaurant can create a CIC as a voucher for their future production of goods and services with proof of redemption commitment in physical contract with local authorities - then choose to take a limited amount of their CIC supply and place it in a liquidity pool along with Sarafu and/or some other token(s) such as ETH. This gives the CIC issuer the ability to choose if, when and how much they want to connect to other tokens or a whole network of tokens.
    -

    Hence a chama (women's group) or even a restaurant can create a CIC as a voucher for their future production of goods and services with proof of redemption commitment in physical contract with local authorities - then choose to take a limited amount of their CIC supply and place it in a liquidity pool along with Sarafu and/or some other token(s) such as ETH. This gives the CIC issuer the ability to choose if, when and how much they want to connect to other tokens or a whole network of tokens.

    +

    Hence a chama (women's group) or even a restaurant can create a CIC as a voucher for their future production of goods and services with proof of redemption commitment in physical contract with local authorities - then choose to take a limited amount of their CIC supply and place it in a liquidity pool along with Sarafu and/or some other token(s) such as ETH. This gives the CIC issuer the ability to choose if, when and how much they want to connect to other tokens or a whole network of tokens.

    Given public infrastructure, this means we have a way of creating a currency as claims against redemption in goods and services and on-board those tokens when their community wants to into a connected network of Community Inclusion Currencies. These CIC holding users in such networks can provide proof of identity and various SDG impacts to direct humanitarian aid as below.

    Note that this network topology potentially gives humanitarian organizations the ability to directly create and support liquidity pools as well - creating limited conduits for exchange between aid funds (used to purchase ETH for instance) and CICs..

    diff --git a/output/community-currency.html b/output/community-currency.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b8fa69d --- /dev/null +++ b/output/community-currency.html @@ -0,0 +1,161 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Community Currency Design Course Opening + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    +
    +
    +

    + Community Currency Design Course Opening +

    +
    +
    + +
    + By Will Ruddick +
    + + + + + +

    + +
    +

    Grassroots Economics has opened up its archives of design and implementation to students world wide through a hands-on, practical course in Kenya. After having our first round of students this year with great results, we are excited to open up enrollment to students across Africa and abroad.

    +

    Become a certified Community Currency designer.

    +

    Become a certified Community Currency designer.

    +
    +certified Community Currency designer
    +

    After understanding how to tap into the abundance of communities and build resilient thriving local economies you will never look at money in the same way.

    +
    +Click here to inquire about the course
    +

    This course will immerse you into the world of Community Currencies as a tool for economic and community development. We will cover why and how Community Currencies have been implemented in marginalized communities as well as their history. In the field you interact with people using Community Currencies in real life settings to understand the social dynamics and economic systems that are needed to make Community Currencies thrive. After completing this course you will be have a strong foundation to design, customize and implement Community Currencies.

    +

    Topical Outline:

    +

    Community Currency Theory:development economics, history of money, financial systems and debt, currency models, goals standards and ethics.

    +

    Preparation & Development: community participation and ownership, system design, voucher creation, communications, partnerships, and legality.

    +

    Preparation & Development: community participation and ownership, system design, voucher creation, communications, partnerships, and legality.

    +

    Preparation & Development: community participation and ownership, system design, voucher creation, communications, partnerships, and legality.

    +

    Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing.

    +

    Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal.

    +

    Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing.

    +

    Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal.

    +

    Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing.

    +

    Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal.

    +

    Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing.

    +

    Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal.

    +

    Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing.

    +

    Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal.

    +

    Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing.

    +

    Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal.

    +

    Setup & Launch: cooperative facilitation, collateral asset development, financial sustainability, and marketing.

    +

    Long Term Care: long-term support, audits, Community Currency renewal.

    +

    Management: system maintenance, legal reporting, accounting, currency circulation, administration, data collection, and personnel.

    +

    Management: system maintenance, legal reporting, accounting, currency circulation, administration, data collection, and personnel.

    +

    Management: system maintenance, legal reporting, accounting, currency circulation, administration, data collection, and personnel.

    +

    Fieldwork: on-the-ground survey work and interviews; lessons learned from previous Community Currency models; taking part in community currency events and activities; economic resource mapping.

    +

    Fieldwork: on-the-ground survey work and interviews; lessons learned from previous Community Currency models; taking part in community currency events and activities; economic resource mapping.

    +

    Fieldwork: on-the-ground survey work and interviews; lessons learned from previous Community Currency models; taking part in community currency events and activities; economic resource mapping.

    +

    Schedule: The course covers five days of classroom and field experiences but can be shortened to as little as three days to meet the needs of the students.

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
    +
    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/community-inclusion.html b/output/community-inclusion.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9037665 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/community-inclusion.html @@ -0,0 +1,173 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Community Inclusion Currencies are Now Open Source + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    +
    +
    +

    + Community Inclusion Currencies are Now Open Source +

    +
    +
    + + +
    + By Will Ruddick +
    + + + + + +

    + +
    + +

    Today the Grassroots Economics and volunteers spanning 5 countries gathered in Kenya to launch Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) trading on a new open source platform!

    +

    We’ve been waiting for this since 2015 when we first started using USSD to connect simple feature phones to a digital ledger. The dream to be able to use a system we could share freely and build on with others is finally here. This is still just the beginning, but I am so grateful for the Red Cross teams for making this happen.

    +

    This means we can fully customize the system to:

    +

    This means we can fully customize the system to:

    +

    This means we can fully customize the system to:

    +
    +
      +
    • Use any blockchain, smart contracts or reserve tokens.
      • +
    • From virtual backing to on-chain collateral for CICs
      • +
    • Improve speeds and usability:
      • +
    • Wallet Creation and Registration process: 15 minutes to 2 minutes
      • +
    • Transaction and Validation Process: 2+ minutes to 5 seconds
      • +
    • Provide real time support for user challenges
      • +
    +
    +

    These may sound like small improvements, but because of them our current, 8000+ and growing, users will be able to trade and create CICs to support their local communities across Kenya. CICs allow users to easily create shares of pooled funds in national currency as a medium of exchange for local goods and services. We’re so appreciative to stand on the shoulders of giants like Eyal Hertzog (and the Bancor team's open source smart contract), as well as Friedrich Hayek and Bernard Lietear with their vision for multi-currency ecosystems.

    +
    +What’s left to do?
    +

    What’s left to do?

    +
    +
      +
    • Analysis and Modeling: BlockScience and researchers with on the ground pioneer communities
      • +
    • Improving the platform: Volunteer programmers and teams with security audits while reacting to user feedback
      • +
    • Dashboarding and Support: Gender, Business types, transaction data, SDG Impacts. How can detailed CIC economic data be used to help marginalized economies become resilient?
      • +
    • User Guides and Materials: Red Cross and users, translations, localizations, modular systems and local customizations
      • +
    +
    +

    Finalizing the above list in 2020 will push CICs farther in a year than we’ve been able to move for the last ten years.

    +

    Note that we are rebuilding the code base and will not be using Sempo's system in 2021.

    + + + +

    #opensource #RedCross #CIC

    +

    #opensource #RedCross #CIC

    +
    +#opensource
    +

    #opensource

    +
    +#RedCross
    +

    #RedCross

    +
    +#CIC
    +

    #CIC

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
    +
    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/complementary-currency.html b/output/complementary-currency.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c4f5952 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/complementary-currency.html @@ -0,0 +1,154 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Complementary Currency: Business Network Creation + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    +
    +
    +

    + Complementary Currency: Business Network Creation +

    +
    +
    + +
    + By Will Ruddick +
    + + + + + +

    + +
    +

    With our partners, Koru works with small community businesses of Bangladesh, Kenya, in order to implement a complementary currency system.

    +

    Bangladesh, Kenya is an informal settlement of approximatly 20 000 inhabitants and 200 businesses located outside Mombasa Kenya - map here. Our first community meetings were mobilized through a local clinic, the local church as well as a youth group. Local business owners were asked to come participate in a 2 hour workshop described briefly as Business Networking.

    +

    The purpose of these sessions was to:

    +
      +
    1. Gauge business community interest in Complementary Currencies (mutual credit).
      2. +
    2. Identify benefits and challenges of a Complementary Currency
      3. +
    3. Talk about barter and how it is already being used in the community.
      4. +
    4. Talk about how money is used for barter and in general in the community
      5. +
    5. Speak about benefits and challenges of both barter and money.
      6. +
    6. Identify and visualize the existing business networks in the community.
      7. +
    7. Plan next steps.
      8. +
    +

    For a full report on the first two meetings visit:

    +

    Meeting 1 +Meeting 2

    +

    Meeting 1 +Meeting 2

    +
    +Meeting 1 Meeting 2
    +

    These meetings will continue in January and help lead the way for base line data collection, community ownership and implementation.

    + +

    #complementarycurrencies #bangla

    +
    +#complementarycurrencies
    +

    #complementarycurrencies

    +
    +#bangla
    +

    #bangla

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
    +
    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/detergent-accelerator.html b/output/detergent-accelerator.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..550c870 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/detergent-accelerator.html @@ -0,0 +1,140 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Detergent Accelerator + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    +
    +
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    + Detergent Accelerator +

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    +
    + +
    + +

    Julius Nyelele has been a member of Lindi Business Network for more than one year. He is a roadside seller of washing detergents and body jelly. He says that, at first he never understood the concept behind community currency, but later when he actively started using Sarafu-Credit he got more customers who are part of the Business Network. He has been selling most of his products along the road since he didn’t have a place to store his products, but currently he has a host of ready customers who are part of the business network that always purchase his products using Kenya Shillings and Sarafu-Credit (Community currency). He says that his products are always first moving now and that’s increasing his sales and savings. He is also starting to use the community super market space to store his products and has expanded his business to selling larger quantities.

    +

    Julius is benefiting from increased connection among the members and businesses of his community. By virtue of hundreds of shops receiving an interest free credit to use among each-other in an area overall efficiency greatly increases. Instead of waiting on Kenyan Shillings to make a purchase, members of these networks can trade using credit that is readily available. These networks also develop assets, like supermarket stock, that backs the credits (community currency) in case of defaults and to grow the credit supply.

    +

    #detergent #bodyoil #businessaccelerator

    +

    #detergent #bodyoil #businessaccelerator

    +
    +#detergent
    +

    #detergent

    +
    +#bodyoil
    +

    #bodyoil

    +
    +#businessaccelerator
    +

    #businessaccelerator

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
    +
    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/education-and.html b/output/education-and.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e62ba5e --- /dev/null +++ b/output/education-and.html @@ -0,0 +1,143 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Education and Business Cycles + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    +
    +
    +

    + Education and Business Cycles +

    +
    +
    + +
    + By Ruth Mwangi +
    + + + + + +

    + +
    + +

    A lot has been said about the education system in Kenya. The introduction of free primary education in 2003 was received with mixed reactions across the country, UNESCO, (2005). The government’s task force reported that the implementation of the program was faced with a number of glaring challenges that required to address. Delays in the disbursement of funds to support free primary school education have frustrated many teachers and put financial pressure on parents.

    +

    According to UNESCO, 2015, the mismanagement, misallocation and embezzlement of funds by corrupt government officials is another challenge facing free primary education in Kenya.

    +

    Since privately-ran schools do not benefit from free primary education, they are faced with the challenge of students missing school due to lack of tuition fees; but not in the 14 schools in Gatina and Kangemi area where parents have the liberty of supplementing their children’s school fees with Sarafu-Credit. A teacher offering tuition on a Saturday morning would accept between 10% and 50% of payment in Sarafu-Credit and the rest in Kenya Shillings. A school such as Sifa School located in Nairobi’s Kawangware area accepts at least 100 Sarafu-Credit for every Ksh. 1000 paid as school fees. Sifa School has not only been accepting part of its school fees in Sarafu-Credit, it has also being using this form of community currency for salary advances to its teachers since October 2014. This arrangement has seen less students miss school due to lack of National currency while enabling teachers to get access to advance payments in Sarafu-Credit.

    +

    Accumulated Sarafu-Credit is traded back in the community for fruits, vegetables and other basic needs; while the vendors in turn use the Sarafu-Credit received to supplement their children’s school fees. Excess Sarafu-Credit is exchanged back for Kenya Shillings each month.

    +

    At Grassroots Economics, we believe that every child has a right to education hence we have a role to play in ensuring that our next generation of leaders have access to education.

    +

    #education #kenya #sarafu

    +

    #education #kenya #sarafu

    +
    +#education
    +

    #education

    +
    +#kenya
    +

    #kenya

    +
    +#sarafu
    +

    #sarafu

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
    +
    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/elections-service.html b/output/elections-service.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4c71a0d --- /dev/null +++ b/output/elections-service.html @@ -0,0 +1,136 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Elections, Service, Mapping and Nairobi + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    +
    +
    +

    + Elections, Service, Mapping and Nairobi +

    +
    +
    + +
    +

    New Board and Community Service Contributions

    +

    On April 19th the Bangladesh Business Network had their first official board elections and ratified their statues. They also voted on the use of their community funds. When each member is registered to join the network they receive 200 Bangla-Pesa and another 200 Bangla-Pesa is added to the community fund backed by their goods and services. The community fund consists of each 170 members dues of 200 Bangla-Pesa each minus those used for administrative purposes – such as networking exercises.

    +

    Community funds were given to both environmental and health organizations in the community. A community environmental and waste collection team was awarded 2,000 Bangla-Pesa as was a group of Community Heath Workers. These funds will be used by the members of those groups to purchase goods and services at the shops of the network members. This way the network is helping to support their community through their own goods and services.

    +

    Networking

    +

    Our networking team led by Alfred Sigo has been working to knit the community businesses together. Beyond having a means of exchange to trade among each other there is a lot of work to make sure there is a thriving market in which everyone is aware of each others' offers and wants. In a more efficient market less and less currency is needed to facilitate daily trade. For this purpose we continue to visit each member of the network and connect them with new customers. We've been slowly generating the following map of businesses in the community – once it is done we will create a sign board to help people know where to use their Bangla-Pesa.

    +

    Kangemi-Pesa? – Nairobi

    +

    Last week Will Ruddick was invited to Kangemi, an informal settlement in Nairobi, where a group of local schools together with Nyendo-Learning Hand in Hand are taking their first steps in replicating the Bangla-Pesa program. We are excited to see another community benefit from enabling themselves to issue and manage their own community currency. We are also happy to be talking with professors of economics from the University of Nairobi on studying these programs.

    +
    +#bangla
    +

    #bangla

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    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
    +
    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/empowering-mothers.html b/output/empowering-mothers.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5d82d0d --- /dev/null +++ b/output/empowering-mothers.html @@ -0,0 +1,165 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Empowering Mothers + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    +
    +
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    + Empowering Mothers +

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    +
    + +
    + +

    We are joining together to celebrate mothers’ lives. It is no secret that being a mother is like no other job in the world. It is a job that never ends and that demands the uttermost dedication. As daughters, grandmothers, fathers, brothers and sons we have come to understand of what commitment, extravagant grace and creativity looks like.

    +

    But even though the ripples of their work are present every day in our lives we can sometimes forget to be grateful and take their efforts for granted. Because of this we want to use this opportunity to celebrate the lives of these women and to make sure that they know how much we appreciate them.

    +

    This post goes out then to all women out there, in Bangladesh, Miyani, Lindi, Gatina, Ng’ombeni and Kangemi who are using community currencies to help support their children and ensure their offspring have the best possible chances in life. With the increase of income, women use most of the resources to improve the standard of living of their families above all other expenses. We have seen these heroines working with Sarafu-Credit to overcome the daunting obstacles that have previously kept their families in cyclical poverty. These mothers are breaking the chains of circumstances and rising to the opportunity to ensure food security and education for the next generation. The importance of their endeavors cannot be underestimated, women become the pillars of development on which their communities are built upon.

    + +

    Zainabu, member of the Sarafu-Credit in Miyani, recalls the day when women came together to dig special pits to store water where they would eventually plant maize and legumes: “That time was special because I got paid in Sarafu-Credit from the community shop, this means when am done digging I can go to the community posho mill to mill my maize and have lunch ready for my children when they come from school. It also means I can go to other community members to buy vegetables or fruits to add to the meals!” - Testimonial collected by Caroline Dama

    + +

    “My daughter used not to go to school because I did not have enough money. I decided to let the boys go and let the girl stay at home. But ever since I joined the BN, I was able to use the CC on my daily needs like food and water and save enough money such that I was able to enroll my daughter to school.”

    +

    Dama Ngala , member of Bangla-Pesa network since 2016 and a proud mother sending all of her children to school. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango

    +

    “My daughter used not to go to school because I did not have enough money. I decided to let the boys go and let the girl stay at home. But ever since I joined the BN, I was able to use the CC on my daily needs like food and water and save enough money such that I was able to enroll my daughter to school.”

    +

    Dama Ngala , member of Bangla-Pesa network since 2016 and a proud mother sending all of her children to school. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango

    +

    “My daughter used not to go to school because I did not have enough money. I decided to let the boys go and let the girl stay at home. But ever since I joined the BN, I was able to use the CC on my daily needs like food and water and save enough money such that I was able to enroll my daughter to school.”

    +

    Dama Ngala , member of Bangla-Pesa network since 2016 and a proud mother sending all of her children to school. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango

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    “My daughter used not to go to school because I did not have enough money. I decided to let the boys go and let the girl stay at home. But ever since I joined the BN, I was able to use the CC on my daily needs like food and water and save enough money such that I was able to enroll my daughter to school.”

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    Dama Ngala , member of Bangla-Pesa network since 2016 and a proud mother sending all of her children to school. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango

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    “My daughter used not to go to school because I did not have enough money. I decided to let the boys go and let the girl stay at home. But ever since I joined the BN, I was able to use the CC on my daily needs like food and water and save enough money such that I was able to enroll my daughter to school.”

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    Dama Ngala , member of Bangla-Pesa network since 2016 and a proud mother sending all of her children to school. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango

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    Ever since I joined the network I started receiving many more people who come to fetch my water. Because I accept SC I get more customers.”

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    Priscilla, member of Ng’ombeni-Pesa since 2015 is happy that she can feed and take good care of her granddaughter Caro by using of Sarafu-Credit. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango

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    Ever since I joined the network I started receiving many more people who come to fetch my water. Because I accept SC I get more customers.”

    +

    Priscilla, member of Ng’ombeni-Pesa since 2015 is happy that she can feed and take good care of her granddaughter Caro by using of Sarafu-Credit. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango

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    Ever since I joined the network I started receiving many more people who come to fetch my water. Because I accept SC I get more customers.”

    +

    Priscilla, member of Ng’ombeni-Pesa since 2015 is happy that she can feed and take good care of her granddaughter Caro by using of Sarafu-Credit. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango

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    Ever since I joined the network I started receiving many more people who come to fetch my water. Because I accept SC I get more customers.”

    +

    Priscilla, member of Ng’ombeni-Pesa since 2015 is happy that she can feed and take good care of her granddaughter Caro by using of Sarafu-Credit. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango

    +

    Ever since I joined the network I started receiving many more people who come to fetch my water. Because I accept SC I get more customers.”

    +

    Priscilla, member of Ng’ombeni-Pesa since 2015 is happy that she can feed and take good care of her granddaughter Caro by using of Sarafu-Credit. - Testimonial collected by Lydia Anyango

    +

    #mothersday #sarafu #communitycurrencies

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    #mothersday #sarafu #communitycurrencies

    +
    +#mothersday
    +

    #mothersday

    +
    +#sarafu
    +

    #sarafu

    +
    +#communitycurrencies
    +

    #communitycurrencies

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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/ending-our.html b/output/ending-our.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5de461d --- /dev/null +++ b/output/ending-our.html @@ -0,0 +1,175 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Ending Our 2017 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Ending Our 2017 +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    Dear Friends and Stakeholders,

    +

    In just three years, Grassroots Economics grew from a community group working to help improve living conditions for residents of a slum with Bangla-Pesa, to a Foundation spreading its unique local development approach to six regions and thousands of businesses and schools around Kenya. Today these regions have become teaching centers for Certified Community Currency Designers (CCDs) around the world.

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    One of our first outside-Kenya duplications is in Kokstad, South Africa, which has become a learning center on its own. Such next generations of Community Currencies (CC) built on our models for rural and urban Sarafu-Credit will all in turn become teaching centers.

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    This years we have certified five Community Currency Designers and are working directly with roughly 1200 Kenyan businesses and schools trading over half a million USD in goods and services yearly using CCs. We are also consulting on a growing number of programs in Spain, Columbia, Nigeria, Uganda, and Congo.

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    Why Community Currencies?

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    The results from six Kenyan programs and those in other countries have some important features in common. A local means of exchange can build stability. We enable local production and service industries to create their own interest-free credit – which they can use to employ local labor, who can in turn afford to purchase local products, even at times when seasonal and external markets are stagnant. Not only do CCs create stable markets but they also develop more trusting communities and enable social and environmental services.

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    More Effective Aid:

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    NGOs have shown that when their services are combined with Community Currency, they are more effective and more sustainable, as the CC enables a community to develop and sustain funding for social and environmental services.

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    How do our Community Currencies work?

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    Existing assets and future capacity of cooperative businesses are identified and developed as the basis for a mutual-credit that is sustainably used for community service work.

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    Our core staff, along with a network of CCDs, provide:

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    Our core staff, along with a network of CCDs, provide:

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    Our core staff, along with a network of CCDs, provide:

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    +
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    • Baseline and feasibility analysis services for budding communities, as well as assistance in monitoring and evaluation.
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    • Certification of Community Currency Systems and Designers – assuring that they follow a high professional and ethical standard and perform regular financial auditing and renewal.
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    • In-person support to impart practical success stories and co-design customized systems. We also provide printing and digital currency services through our partners. as well as This seems to be a different topic.
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    • Capacity building for NGOs, local governments, communities and businesses to implement and manage a Community Currency.
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    With only six staff members, we are stretched thin! In Nairobi and Mombasa we have three employees each, a regional director, field officer and cooperative business developer, serving over 2,500 businesses AND providing support for certifying new CCDs. As demand for more local currencies and more CCDs continues to grow, we are not prepared and need your support.

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    Where is Support Needed?

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    Where is Support Needed?

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    Where is Support Needed?

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    • Staffing:
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    • Grant writing, marketing and communications staff
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    • Training and certification staff
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    • IT and programming staff to support digital currencies
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    • An in-house accountant (we currently outsource our accounting).
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    • An Operations Manager
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    • Research, Monitoring and Evaluation
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    • Scholarships for Certified Community Currency Designers across Africa. We wish to train 50 CCDs from communities that can’t afford to come to Kenya next year. We will support each CCD in turn to develop a program in their country of origin.
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    • Development of training materials (curriculum, videos, methodological tools)
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    • Further development of the community currencies in Kenya. We need more examples of Community Currency being used in Kenya with different populations. We wish to develop five more sites in urban, peri-urban and rural regions. In each region in Kenya we target thousands of small businesses and schools serving a greater community of tens of thousands in chronic need of stable markets and food security.
      • +
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    How Will We Get There?

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    This year we managed to cover roughly 20% of our operating costs through consulting, training, certification and cooperative business development. In 2018 we are seeking to sustainability cover our costs through international CCD student fees and consulting programs. In order to do this we need your support.

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    This year we managed to cover roughly 20% of our operating costs through consulting, training, certification and cooperative business development. In 2018 we are seeking to sustainability cover our costs through international CCD student fees and consulting programs. In order to do this we need your support.

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    +support
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    #endyear #2017

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    +#endyear
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    #endyear

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/food-forests.html b/output/food-forests.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2b41e76 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/food-forests.html @@ -0,0 +1,176 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Food Forests and Syntropic Currencies + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Food Forests and Syntropic Currencies +

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    Having worked on a myriad farming techniques, I’ve never been more inspired by the practicality and theory behind Syntropic Agroforestry. Regenerating soil while practically providing crops and long term food forests is actually possible!

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    We’ve had the pleasure of hosting Roland van Reenen from Curacao and sent to us by Curadao.

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    We’ve had the pleasure of hosting Roland van Reenen from Curacao and sent to us by Curadao.

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    +Curadao
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    He is convinced that food forestry via Syntropic Agroforestry will solve most of our fundamental crises and works with the government of Curacao on regenerative organic agriculture programs. Above you can see a group of Kenyan farmers taught agroforestry by Roland, who are also using Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs) here in Kenya to fund themselves to develop the food forest. If these few demo plots produce as much food as similar plots in Curacao (a drought stricken island with only half the annual rainfall of Kenya), we will have a grassroots revolution underway.

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    Some core syntropic principals:

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    • Ensure Soil is covered: so that water and nutrients don’t evaporate and that roots and mycorrhizal fungi can absorb and move around those nutrients. (Don’t even step on bare soil).
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    • Maximize Photosynthesis: plants requiring different amounts of sunlight can be planted above, below and around each other to ensure that sunlight isn’t wasted on the soil and at least twice the amount of energy can be consumed by plants.
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    • Succession: Ensure that there is a clear succession of plants. E.g. As a cassava grows it can give shelter to a fruit tree.
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    • Stratification – Fill each layer of vegetation and maintain diversity for system health. Space (stratification) has to be harmonized over time (life cycle), respecting the successional steps within each of the systems
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    • Management – Keeping balance, reducing excess growth.
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    Using community currency to budget for the creation and maintenance of food forests seems as natural as the syntropic principals themselves. Indeed the circulation of community currency mirrors the concepts of mycorrhizal association and hyphal networks. “In some more complex relationships, mycorrhizal fungi do not just collect immobilized soil nutrients, but connect individual plants together by mycorrhizal networks that transport water, carbon, and other nutrients directly from plant to plant through underground hyphal networks.”

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    Using community currency to budget for the creation and maintenance of food forests seems as natural as the syntropic principals themselves. Indeed the circulation of community currency mirrors the concepts of mycorrhizal association and hyphal networks. “In some more complex relationships, mycorrhizal fungi do not just collect immobilized soil nutrients, but connect individual plants together by mycorrhizal networks that transport water, carbon, and other nutrients directly from plant to plant through underground hyphal networks.”

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    +hyphal networks
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    In this sense CICs connected through membranes (bonding curves) enable communities to transport vital resources. Further a CIC is a voucher for a particular group of resources identified by a village. One can hardly think of a better source of primary production than the food from a food forest being the anchor (backing of last resort) for a community currency.

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    Syntropic Agroforestry is the best candidate I have seen for regenerating rich soil, and developing sustainable fertile crops in a way that can be integrated into traditional farming here in Kenya. This could be the carbon sequestration, water harvesting and food system we need to heal our ecosystems. I’m excited that community inclusion currencies could be the way to both fund their development, maintenance – but also that these food forests establish a solid basis for the intrinsic value for currencies.

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    We don’t have to stretch far at all to apply syntropic principals to a community currency and networks of community currencies. Syntropic principals loosely applied to community currency:

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    • Ensure basic needs are covered: Using anything but community currency for basic needs creates a dependency on foreign currencies or aid.
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    • Maximize resources: The benefits of foreign and local resources are best consumed by an entire supply chain in order to produce local productive capacity. Ensure a community currency is being utilized by each level of production, services and value addition.
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    • Succession: Ensure that there is a clear succession of community currency utilization. We often call this braiding: as the usage for CC among trade for food, moves into education, and haircuts and so on.
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    • Stratification: Ensure a diversity of usages for Community Currency - any gaps in diversity can lead toward extraction of local resources and eventual stagnation..
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    • Management: Ensure that the growth of a Community Currency is clearly bounded and its supply and value can’t keep growing forever. When CC accumulates and stops flowing or dissipates into another ecosystems, management is key to regain healthy flow.
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    + +

    In the above diagram, a community inclusion currency issued (1) based on needed inputs and labor for a food forest and circulates locally among diverse local users and (3) can be redeemed for the food produced. These food forest based currencies can hold a common reserve (4) which limits their growth and (5) allows them to connect to other communities.

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    We're excited to be adding this key component to anchor the flow of rural community currencies - and for what it may mean for food security and environmental restoration! Very appreciative to Roland and Curadao for spreading these systems far and wide!

    +

    Here is a simple illustrated handbook for Syntropic Agroforestry

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    + Foundational Member Passes +

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    It is sad to announce the sudden death of Dominic Okello (in the middle) who passed on early May 2017. He is a resident of Bangladesh community and also an active community currency member. He has been trading with Sarafu Credit since he joined the network in 2013 and has been a great inspiration to other members of the BN and through his stories he was able to entice others to join the BN.

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    The two BN in Mombasa (Ng’ombeni and Bangla) have come together to support the family of the late.

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    + Francis the Millionaire +

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    Since several generations the family of Francis has been living in the same neighborhood of Nairobi, Gatina (Part of Kwangware). Gatina, which means in Kikuyu “people that are behind”, is one of the biggest slums of the city. Basic public utilities, such as electricity, roads and sanitation are here deficient. For a living people are doing precarious daily jobs or when they have the opportunity they start their own informal business on the side of the road. That is what did Francis,5 years ago. At the age of 25, not having enough money to go to university he started selling sweets. After years of efforts, he was finally able to open a little shop and called it, as the bill board on its roof says, “Millionaire base”. Since then, to answer his basic needs and the ones of his wife and daughter, Francis works from 6am to 9pm, 7 days a week. But the business isn’t good all year through. When comes the end of the months, Kenyan Shillings become scarce and trade decreases. Moreover, during the rainy season, because of the poor water draining system, floods are more than common and trade becomes nearly impossible.

    +

    After hearing of the Bangla-Pesa program Nyendo-lernen, a German NGO that works with schools in Kawangware, invited us to introduce the concept to the Gatina community. When Francis first heard about the success of Bangla-Pesa in Mombasa and the project of bringing it to Gatina, he was convinced and took part in the introduction of the idea to the community. Few months later we, together with the community, started the program. Gatina-Pesa was launched and Francis became the vice chairman and member of the Gatina Business Organization as did nearly 100 other businesses, schools and churches within the area. Every day, a part of his trade with the other members of the network happens through Gatina-Pesa. The members can now buy his products, even when they don’t have enough Kenyan Shilling by topping up with Gatina-Pesa. As a result, his number of costumers and daily revenue increased. The same happened with the costumers belonging to the network. Indeed, as he put it “You buy in my shop, I buy in your shop”. According to him, this daily interaction with the members also made his shop famous among the community.

    +

    Every day, he usually receives 200 Gatina-Pesa (2$) from the members. But at the end of the months, when the Kenyan shillings are becoming scarce, the part of trade in Gatina Pesa increases and Francis get as much as 300 Gatina-Pesa a day.

    +

    This amount is spent daily to answer 2/3 of his family needs in food, water, paraffin, charcoal and medicine. Additionally, when comes the time to pay his daughter school fees he can also pay a part in Gatina-Pesa, the school being a member of the network.

    +

    As a result, the 200 Kenyan shillings that he would have otherwise been spent are saved in the common saving account of the Gatina Business Organization. In few months he hopes that through this program, he will be able to get a loan and to expand his business. Indeed he wishes in the long term to grow from his small shop to a supermarket and to a wholesaler. Additionally, Gatina-Pesa can also help to manage the lack of cash for the change. Francis gives up to 100 Gatina-Pesa a day as part of the change for his costumers, members and even non members if they know how to spend it.

    +

    But according to him the Gatina business Organization is also beneficial as a network in itself. As Francis says : “The first thing it does, it brings us together because in our network, we have the Kikuyus, we have the Hindus, we have the Luos, we have many tribes, and when we come up together we create this unity, this union, and when you walk as one, I believe you can achieve a lot. As the saying goes, divided we fall, together we rise”.

    +

    Francis is part of a big family that is expanding every day. Other businesses of Nairobi have decided to implement community currencies in their area too. Grassroots Economics has also brought a community currency to Kangemi (a neighboring informal settlement) and Kangemi-Pesa has already been launched a month ago and Lindi-Pesa will soon too be in Kibera. The three Complementary Currencies will be exchangeable among them which we hope will multiply the positive benefits for their members and will allow more families such as the one of Francis to be more confident about their future.

    +

    Robin Gerbaux is studying International Development Studies as a graduate student at the Université Joseph Fourier, in Grenoble, France. He has been investigating community currencies while living in Nairobi.

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    + Gatina & Bangla Pesa Nov Updates +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    After more than a year of trading Bangla-Pesa, with millions of shillings worth of bills changing hands, the program is running strong. The community had an Annual General Meeting, followed by a volleyball match and trash cleanup last week. The team also interviewed a cobbler who has been using Bangla-Pesa for nearly two years never stopping even when the program was under assault in mid 2013.

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    Gatina-Pesa continues to pick up steam spreading out from schools in Nairobi's Kawangware informal settlement. This video was created by Nyendo-lernen to explain why the currency was needed and how it works today.

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    Lots of new and exciting things are on the horizon set to launch in 2015, if we get the right support! New Currencies in Nairobi and Mombasa counties, as well as more in South African Municipalities.

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    + Gatina Business Organization and the Love School Success Story +

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    Love School is one of the schools that has enabled children to acquire education by allowing them to pay part of their school fees and tuition fees using Community Currency (Sarafu-Credit, Gatina pesa).The school is located in Congo,Gatina.

    +

    30 students are proud and happy to be able to pay their fees using community Currency. The total fees per student per term is Ksh 1,000( ksh 900 + Sc 100) and tuition fees is Ksh 30( Ksh 20 + Sc 10). The teachers do receive Sarafu-Credit as part of their salaries in advance. They use the Sarafu-Credit in exchange or purchase food from vendors in the network or alternatively purchase goods from the Sarafu Shop.

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    + Gatina-Pesa and South Africa +

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    Gatina-Pesa in Nairobi (a sister currency to Bangla-Pesa) is set to launch in early October!

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    Initial designs of the Gatina-Pesa have been made by local students in Kawangware under the direction of Headmaster Francis Wanjala who is the Chairman of the Gatina Business Organization – modeled off the Bangladesh Business Network. The Gatina Business Organization is a registered Community Based Organization that has spread from primary schools in the area to incorporate more than 50 businesses so far, with the hope to grow to more than 100 in the next few months.

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    This program is being supported by Nyendo-lernen who connect school children in Kenya to students from Germany, and also Chiemgauer a regional currency program in Germany.

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    Similar to Bangla-Pesa the goals of Gatina-Pesa is to help support:

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    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

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    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

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    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

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    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

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    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

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    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

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    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

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    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

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    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

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    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

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    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

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    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

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    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

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    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

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    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

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    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

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    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

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    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

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    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

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    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

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    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

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    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

    +

    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

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    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

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    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

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    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

    +

    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

    +

    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

    +

    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

    +

    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

    +

    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

    +

    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

    +

    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

    +

    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

    +

    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

    +

    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

    +

    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

    +

    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

    +

    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

    +

    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

    +

    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

    +

    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

    +

    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

    +

    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

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    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

    +

    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

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    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

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    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

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    Education: Through helping pay for school fees

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    Environment: By helping to pay for youth centered environmental programs like waste collection and preventing flooding.

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    Economy: By increasing trade and decreasing unemployment in the area.

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    Community: By supporting community services and increasing interconnectivity of people.

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    South Africa wants Bangla-Pesa!

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    Koru's own Will Ruddick was invited to South Africa to teach a group formed by Meshfieldabout our experiences working with Community Currencies in Kenya. The Meshfield team has brought together the University of Cape Town, local municipalities and the SA Treasury to spearhead a Community currency program in two municipalities of South Africa. We're really exited to see this sort of coalition between government and universities supporting these important programs.

    +

    John Ziniades from Meshfield and Will Ruddick also got to meet with Tim Jenkin the founder of CES and a global leader in the Complementary Currency movement.

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    #bangl #gatina #SouthAfrica

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    #bangl #gatina #SouthAfrica

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    +#bangl
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    #bangl

    +
    +#gatina
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    #gatina

    +
    +#SouthAfrica
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    #SouthAfrica

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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/youth-will.html b/output/gatina-pesa-launch.html similarity index 74% rename from output/youth-will.html rename to output/gatina-pesa-launch.html index 1e03d94..833e6df 100644 --- a/output/youth-will.html +++ b/output/gatina-pesa-launch.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - Youth Employment via Elderly/Vulnerable Support + grassroots-pelican - Gatina-Pesa Launch Prep @@ -26,9 +26,6 @@ - - - @@ -81,13 +78,13 @@

    - Youth Employment via Elderly/Vulnerable Support + Gatina-Pesa Launch Prep


    - youth-will1 -

    Using a basic income (Sarafu in Kenya) youth can support their elderly and vulnerable by giving them their Sarafu. Then those elderly/vulnerable in turn spend it with other youth run businesses, who could in turn give it to their elderly/vulnerable - who could, in turn, spend it on other youth run businesses and so on - Creating a virtuous circle of markets and employment for youth and support for the elderly.

    -youth-will2 -

    While new in Kenya, this type of system has been around in Japan since 1995 and is called Fureai kippu . This system was one of the inspirations for bringing the concept of community currency to Kenya over 10 years ago. While this has been piloted in small communities - for the idea to really catch on - elders, chiefs, youth run businesses and chamas all need to understand the virtuous circle created and keep supporting it. This support network is a commons - and it takes identification, communication, training and care. We're very excited about the Kenya Red Cross taking up the challenge to spread

    -youth-will3 -

    Above is a Kenya Red Cross volunteer working in Kisauni explaining how youth can support their communities and their own families using Sarafu a Community Inclusion Currency/ basic income.

    +

    The Gatina Business Organization is busy preparing for the community currency's official launch on October 11th. Children from the community are preparing songs and dances while a group of local youth are preparing dramas. Gatina-Pesa membership has surpassed an initial 100 local prosumers including: schools, baby care centers, beans, spices, shoes, internet cafes, clothes, barbers, salons, flour, tailors, fruit, vegetables, soap, entertainment, cooked foods, photography, fish, charcoal, electronic repairs, and more. Each local good and service provider must also be a local buyer of goods and services and backed by four other community members.

    +

    After a wonderful design process with local students in Kenya and Nyendo-lernen as well as the Cheimgauer in Germany the Gatina-Pesa have been printed and are on their way to Kenya. Hopes are high and there is a strong commitment to seeing this program take off.

    +

    #bangla #gatina #nairobi

    +

    #bangla #gatina #nairobi

    +
    +#bangla
    +

    #bangla

    +
    +#gatina
    +

    #gatina

    +
    +#nairobi
    +

    #nairobi

    diff --git a/output/gatina-pesa-launched.html b/output/gatina-pesa-launched.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cb1a461 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/gatina-pesa-launched.html @@ -0,0 +1,132 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Gatina-Pesa Launched + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Gatina-Pesa Launched +

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    + +
    + By Will Ruddick +
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    + +

    With an amazing march through the slum, starting from Congo and ending at Gatina Primary School the entire community has been mobilized around their own Community Currency Gatina-Pesa. Hon. Simba Arati, the area Minister of Parliament, officially cut the ribbon and launched the program. With an 107 initial registrations from local businesses the Gatina community has a strong start.

    +

    Thanks so much to all those who supported the Indiegogo Campaign as well as Nyendo-lernen and the Chiemgauer from Germany for supporting this program, as well as so many others. What is different? People at a grassroots level are able to create, back-up and issue their own currency supported with their own goods and services.

    +
    +This is not how money creation normally works. Instead of money coming from debt this Community Currency supports free trade and poverty reduction. Gatina-Pesa has spread out of schools in the area so that local parents can pay their school fees with their goods and services via a mututal-credit voucher (Gatina-Pesa) as a means of exchange. Teachers can then get better salaries and use the Gatina-Pesa at more than 100 shops in the community where it continues to circulate. Each member of Gatina-Pesa also pledges 200 Gatina-Pesa to a community fund so that youth can be paid for waste collection and more children can have their school fees paid for. This is how a community learns to support itself.
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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/gatina-pesa-starting.html b/output/gatina-pesa-starting.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..05fc134 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/gatina-pesa-starting.html @@ -0,0 +1,132 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Gatina-Pesa Starting Circulation + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Gatina-Pesa Starting Circulation +

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    + +
    + By Will Ruddick +
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    +

    Nairobi's first community currency Gatina-Pesa, following Bangla-Pesa's success has started circulation with vigor. Due to its dense population and size the area of Nairobi's Kawangware is really showing potential as an alternative trading hub.

    +

    Each day more and more small business owners are able to trade with each other even when they don't have 'money'. This program grew out of schools like Sifa Children's Center who are accepting Gatina-Pesa for their tuition. In one virtuous circle - parents can pay for part of their children's school fee; teachers then make better and more stable salaries; teachers use the Gatina-Pesa to buy goods and services from the parents in the community and the parents use the funds for tuition again.

    +

    Will Ruddick can be seen on the right giving a seminar at the University of Nairobi, with the hope that more research will focus on these alternative financial programs.

    +
    +#gatina
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    #gatina

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/growing-up.html b/output/growing-up.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7c26fa2 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/growing-up.html @@ -0,0 +1,135 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Growing Up is Hard + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Growing Up is Hard +

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    Growing up is hard. It’s especially hard if you’re living on the streets in Mombasa, or if your misbehavior in your community led to your short-term imprisonment in a correctional facility. These are the children with which we work through the MotoMoto program. Although the children and youth from the streets and the youth from the correctional facility have very different pasts and experiences, they are still responding to our methodology in similarly positive ways.

    +

    Who They Are

    +

    The table below contains a summary of basic characteristics of MotoMoto participants separated by type of participant (from the streets or from the Borstal). The average age is very similar, around 18 years old. All the children in the Borstal are male by necessity, but most of the children (all but 2) from the streets are also male. However, those in the Borstal have much more education than those in the streets, having completed at least primary school on average. Prior to entering the Borstal, most of these boys were also living with and being supported by their parents. Those children from the streets, in contrast, were living without parents and supporting themselves primarily by begging, hustling, and garbage collection.

    + +

    What They Need

    +

    These different life experiences have led the youth from the streets and those from the Borstal to have very different needs. Those in the Borstal often need help with psycho-emotional issues and pursuing further education. Addressing psycho-emotional issues and facilitating access to future education will ensure they can reintegrate with their families and pursue meaningful employment after their incarceration. In contrast, the children from the streets most often cite substance abuse treatment and employment skills as key needs, seeking practical skills to maintain themselves on the streets.

    +

    In response to these unique needs, our life skills counselor has focused on providing psycho-emotional tools to deal with these differing challenges. In the Borstal, we focus on teaching self-awareness and positive decision-making skills, so youth, who were mostly incarcerated for petty theft and under-aged sex, can identify their emotional state and make good decisions despite how they feel. On the streets, we focus on why youth use drugs, how it affects them, and how to stop.

    +

    How They’ve Progressed

    +

    On the streets, the youth population is unstable and transitory, they disappear for months only to return and resume training with the Poi and life skills. For that reason, even though the Borstal sessions were added later, those boys have attended almost as many sessions as those on the streets. Not surprisingly, the boys from the Borstal are also rapidly catching up in terms of their Poi skill level, with most being intermediate level (like the street youth) in common tricks like helicopter, weave, and backward weave. Both the Borstal boys and the street children have a meaningful understanding of life skills related to identifying common needs and challenges facing themselves (and youth in general), as well as self-esteem and decision-making. Some of the street youth are already engaging in behavior change, stopping their drug use during class, at least. Further, some in the Borstal are actively expressing more positive attitudes toward themselves and their futures.

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/happy-mothers.html b/output/happy-mothers.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9b8c592 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/happy-mothers.html @@ -0,0 +1,134 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Happy Mother's Day! + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Happy Mother's Day! +

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    + +
    +

    As a way to celebrate we are happy to share two stories from our network members!

    + +

    Bevelyne Ombayo is a single mother, who lives in Lindi Slums, Kibera.Running a business(selling fruits)and an active member of Lindi Business Network. She is celebrating more than one year being in the network and using Community Currency. She has been able to acquire more sales compared to her previous period before she joined the network. The network has enabled her trade with other members,being involved in activities such as Merry go rounds and table banking.The business caters for some of her daily needs, she doesn't miss a meal on the table and children as well go school. Through working as a team in the network has enabled grow her business through holding more sales from members that has attracted other customers who are not members of the network.She can acquire loans due to her personal savings in the chama.

    + +

    Iglah Shimenga a mother of one is a member of Gatina Business Organization and runs a grocery business( tomatoes, onions, fruits and vegetables at ksh 10= ksh 5 + Sc 5) on Muthiora Road in Gatina Location. The price is favourable to the members of the the surrounding community that enables her get more frequent customers making more sales and expanded her business. She joined the network in 2017. Being amongst the most active members has enabled her do savings. She doesn't have to hussle for food since she can purchase food for her family from a vendor in the network as well as her child at 4 years old is getting education in a member school Bensofil Community School in the network that allows her to pay part of the tuition using Community Currency.Currently her business is fairing well more than average," I really have more customers to date" she said.

    +
    +#mothersday
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    #mothersday

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    + Help Support Community Currencies +

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    +

    Dear Friends and Colleagues,

    +

    We are happy to announce that we have won a precedent-setting court victory which legitimates community currencies as a development tool in Kenya! Finally, community currencies are free to spread, empowering people in slums to take charge of their local economies.

    +

    How? By removing the key barrier to trade – lack of money.

    +

    Through community currency programs, people have the are able to issue their own currency within networks of small businesses. This breakthrough allows people to access interest-free credit in the form of vouchers issued by the community, without being locked into unmanageable debt. And the results are immediate—increased sales and market stability.

    +

    Over the next month, it is crucial that we raise funds to leverage program development at this unparalleled time in history.

    +

    We are poised to change the face of aid in Kenya and beyond as we scale these currencies to any and all communities with unstable markets from credit shortages. We need your support to lead this poverty reduction revolution.

    +

    This is not aid as you know it. Together we can create sustainable change that will make a difference for many generations to come.

    +

    Please make a donation of at least $50 dollars to give women like Marciana the power to trade through a community currency, despite her poverty, or market conditions. We will be happy to mail you samples of the currency created by the community as well as artwork, and pledge to keep you informed about the change your donation creates.

    +

    Please make a donation of at least $50 dollars to give women like Marciana the power to trade through a community currency, despite her poverty, or market conditions. We will be happy to mail you samples of the currency created by the community as well as artwork, and pledge to keep you informed about the change your donation creates.

    +

    Please make a donation of at least $50 dollars to give women like Marciana the power to trade through a community currency, despite her poverty, or market conditions. We will be happy to mail you samples of the currency created by the community as well as artwork, and pledge to keep you informed about the change your donation creates.

    +

    Visit Indiegogo to contribute.

    +

    Thank You!

    +

    All funds will come to Kenya via – Burners Without Border and The Burning Man Project, a 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Federal Tax Exempt ID #45-2638273.

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    + Here We Are - Kenya 2016 +

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    + +
    + By Will Ruddick +
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    + +

    Happy holidays!

    +

    We're seeing the power of community currencies in developing thriving communities and prospering economies. This year has been exciting for Grassroots Economics Foundation and for Community Currencies in Kenya. With a largely volunteer staff, we've doubled our capacity to over 1000 small business users and 20 schools, and are trading over 100,000 EUR worth of community currency yearly in 5 networks across Kenya. We're seeing people able to accept 30% of their goods and services in Community Currency and equivalent increases to their sales in Kenyan Shillings.

    +

    We've been honored by documentaries (Please watch if you haven't already. 1st minute in Dutch then English), media & research and awards, this year, but failed to find the support needed to really grow as a non-profit foundation. We're seeking matching funds to fulfill a challenge grant from Stichting DOEN, for a June 2017 deadline, but have so far failed to reach our targets. If you are able to support us or can recommend personal connections (rather than general calls for proposals), please continue to push us toward sustainability.

    +

    In order to reach sustainability we are considering, in early 2017, adopting a hybrid social-venture structure in order to generate revenue and investment needed to grow. It would focus on one of the key parts of the Foundation - developing and managing environmentally-sound import-replacing cooperative businesses in community currency networks. We've made headway, but there is a huge amount of work and support needed to get there! We would really love to hear your advice as we move forward!

    +

    Have a wonderful holiday and healthy 2017!

    +

    #kenya #2016 #yearlyreport

    +
    +#kenya
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    #kenya

    +
    +#yearlyreport
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    #yearlyreport

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    + Hon. Paul Simba Arati MP Dagoretti - North +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    Nairobi's Dagoretti North MP. Hon. Paul Simba Arati will be attending the launch of Gatina-Pesa in October. Besides support from local chiefs, having the interest of the area MP means a lot in terms of political endorsement for the first sister currency to Bangla-Pesa in Kenya.

    +

    It's not often that a community realizes they have a wealth of untapped supply and demand for local goods and services and can create their own medium of exchange to match them. With Bangla-Pesa having traded roughly over 2 million shillings worth of goods and service since it's relaunch in November last year, this first attempt to duplicate the program in Nairobi gives us hope that regional economies built from the ground up are not only possible but inevitable.

    +

    Meanwhile we're working hard to spell out good implementation strategies and standards for such programs, so that marginalized communities around the world can take action.

    +

    In Nairobi we've got a long way to go in terms of registering enough small businesses to reach a critical mass before launch but the team is making a huge effort. Richard Ogolla is leading the registration efforts and doing a great job.

    +

    While schools have been the heart of the network in Kawangware Richard has reached out to boda-bodas, maize millers, and so many different kinds of businesses. Dramas are being prepared to explain to people how the program works. The community's designs of the Gatina-Pesa have gone to the printers in Germany and with a little bit more push for awareness we're looking forward to a powerful launch. As Morgan Richards would say - we're cautiously optimistic.

    +

    #gatina #nairobi

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    +#gatina
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    #gatina

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    +#nairobi
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    #nairobi

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    GRE for ME

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    To be perfectly honest, which isn’t necessarily considered a virtue in the blockchain space, Grassroots Economics is my absolute favorite community currency project on the face of the earth and I couldn’t be more excited to join as an advisor. Some people might not know that there are …

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    Thank you for doing the sacred and life-preserving work of creating financial opportunity and elevating people’s dignity

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    Claims, Currencies and Cryptography

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    Global financial systems as well as humanitarian relief is based on claims, but the current infrastructure especially in vulnerable communities is weak to non-existent, which causes a lot of friction. The promise of a cryptographic approach to claims, is that groups of smaller actors can now more easily erect infrastructure …

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    We need frameworks and protocols for various types of endorsed claims that can be held self-sovereignty by individuals and groups.

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    Emma's Duka Community Currency Movement

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    Click for recording. (not exactly what was recorded - but close enough)

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    -Click for recording. ` <https://youtu.be/BiArnG8jv9g>`_
    - -

    This song is called Emma’s Duka, and it's about Emma, and the

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    Duka where you could shop for all kinds of stuff, like peanuts, but Emma’s Duka is not …

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    Emma's Duka Community Currency Movement - in support of those seeking to free themselves from poorly designed monetary systems.

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    SMEs the missing link in Circular Economies

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    -

    Clementina has a hair salon in an informal settlement on the outskirts of Nairobi’s industrial area. She has been accepting Sarafu for almost 5 years now. She’s the chairlady of the Shalom chama in Mukuru. She used to freely accept Sarafu for her hair salon services knowing she …

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    Organizations merely have to choose whether to help their local community, or pay taxes to a government whose reach is never felt in these s

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    By + Will Ruddick
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    2021 Mid Year CIC Update

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    We grew from a few thousands users to over 50,000 and have seen roughly 3 Million USD worth of trade between users for basic needs.

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    + Page 1 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

    diff --git a/output/index10.html b/output/index10.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..10ed5ba --- /dev/null +++ b/output/index10.html @@ -0,0 +1,361 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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      By + Robin Gerbaux
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      Francis the Millionaire

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      Since several generations the family of Francis has been living in the same neighborhood of Nairobi, Gatina (Part of Kwangware). Gatina,...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Progress in South Africa

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      One of our partner programs in South Africa was recently featured on the news. "An exciting new era may be dawning for the Kokstad...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      News from Brazil

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      Every now and then we get news of great things happening in Brazil. Here is a wonderful blog that details some things happening there....

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      By + Robin Gerbaux
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      New Business in Kawangware

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      Since its implementation, 8 months ago, Gatina-Pesa in Nairobi's Kawangware slum has had various benefits to its members. Some of them...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Kangemi-Pesa Launched

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      Overcoming many obstacles in a shaken Kenya, we had an amazing launch today of the third community currency in Kenya! Kangemi-Pesa is...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Looking Towards 2015

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      2014 has been an intense year developing the structures to allow community currency programs to one day become accessible across Africa....

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Gatina & Bangla Pesa Nov Updates

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      After more than a year of trading Bangla-Pesa, with millions of shillings worth of bills changing hands, the program is running strong....

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Gatina-Pesa Starting Circulation

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      Nairobi's first community currency Gatina-Pesa, following Bangla-Pesa's success has started circulation with vigor. Due to its dense...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      +
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      Gatina-Pesa Launched

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      With an amazing march through the slum, starting from Congo and ending at Gatina Primary School the entire community has been mobilized...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 10 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/index11.html b/output/index11.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d0776c9 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/index11.html @@ -0,0 +1,361 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Gatina-Pesa Launch Prep

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      The Gatina Business Organization is busy preparing for the community currency's official launch on October 11th. Children from the...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Gatina-Pesa and South Africa

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      Gatina-Pesa in Nairobi (a sister currency to Bangla-Pesa) is set to launch in early October! Initial designs of the Gatina-Pesa have been...

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      By + Muthoni Kiguru
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      University of Nairobi Research Visit

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      “…I no longer sleep hungry. Even without the Kenyan money, I still have Bangla Pesa. I will survive one more day. This money never ends…”...

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      +
      By + Francis Wanjala
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      Wanjala Visits Bangladesh

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      Francis Wanjala is the headmaster at Sifa Childrens Home in Nairobi. After making his first trip to Mombasa he shared with us his...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Nairobi Bangla-Pesa Making Strides

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      Two settlements in Nairobi are racing to create their own Bangla-Pesa exchange networks. Kawangware and Kangemi groups are already near...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      School Fees with Bangla-Pesa

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      July has seen the Bangla-Pesa program surpass 200 accepting businesses and the introduction of three primary schools into the...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      A New Kind of Cash

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      “Cash is the enemy of the poor,” wrote Rodger Voorhies, director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s program aimed at improving...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Bangla-Pesa Waste, Volleyball and Nairobi

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      Community Waste Collection This weekend the Bangladesh Business Network, the more than 180 people who trade their goods and services with...

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      By + Morgan Richards
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      Growing Up is Hard

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      Growing up is hard. It’s especially hard if you’re living on the streets in Mombasa, or if your misbehavior in your community led to your...

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      By + Morgan Richards
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      Roller Derby + Star Wars = Panties

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      Last Sunday marked the culmination of partnerships with an unexpected collection of people who came together to support the education and...

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
      +
      +

      Registration and Exchange Visits

      +

      Registration Last week the Bangladesh Business Network was 'finally' given it's official registration papers with the Kenyan Government...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Help Support Community Currencies

      +

      Dear Friends and Colleagues, We are happy to announce that we have won a precedent-setting court victory which legitimates community...

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      By + Morgan Richards
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      Respect on the streets

      +

      Friday, April 11th, Koru-Kenya hosted a dialogue on street harassment. The original event was intended to be a rally, held on the 4th in...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Bangla-Pesa - Can we do it again?

      +

      After winning court battles, relaunching the program, hearing heart breaking stories and finding amazing results the local government...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Elections, Service, Mapping and Nairobi

      +

      New Board and Community Service Contributions On April 19th the Bangladesh Business Network had their first official board elections and...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 12 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Margrit Kennedy - Thank You

      +

      One of our largest supporters and inspirations has passed on. Our whole team and the community of Bangladesh, Kenya wish to offer...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Church Offerings (Sadaka) in Bangla-Pesa

      +

      Faith based organizations (FBOs) are beginning to step up their usage of Bangla-Pesa to increase community services. FBOs act as a...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Bangla-Pesa Reloaded

      +

      We've been waiting since May 29th 2013 for this and it is finally here. Bangla-Pesa is back moving through the community. We've...

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      By + Morgan Richards
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      Motomoto and the Dream Catchers

      +

      Koru-Kenya’s MotoMoto program has been paired with Wema Centre for the past few months, joining our Poi and Life Skills program with...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Bangla-Pesa Relaunch

      +

      Bangla-Pesa was officially relaunched today in partnership with the Kenyan Government. Represented by Hon. Badi Twalib Minister of...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Bangla-Pesa Anticipating November

      +

      On May 29th 2013 we were arrested and charged with forgery. On August 23rd 2013 the case against Bangla-Pesa was dropped. A month after...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 13 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      +
      By + Morgan Richards
      + +
      +
      +

      Who could like this life? - Motomoto

      +

      Yesterday, we sat down with some boys from the streets of Mombasa (survivors, as they prefer to be called) in a shady patch of grass...

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
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      +

      Bangla-Pesa Charges Dropped!

      +

      THE CASE IS OVER! Today the Director of Public Prosecutions announced that all charges against Bangla-Pesa are hereby dropped! This is a...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Bangla-Pesa Turmoil

      +

      The Bangla-Pesa, a complementary currency created and backed by a local business network, offers a glimpse of true sustainable...

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      • +
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      +
      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
      +
      +

      Bangla-Pesa Launch

      +

      Today's launch of Bangla-Pesa was a great start to an empowering community process! 137 local business owners attended. Of the 137 local...

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
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      Bangla Committee Meeting

      +

      Koru Kenya is working to capacity build the the Bangladesh Business Network (BBN) to create it's own complementary currency. The...

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
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      +

      Motomoto Performing Arts

      +

      We've started off the year with two new MotoMoto classes on Tuesday and Thursdays in Mombasa thanks to Burners without Borders. Each...

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
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      BBN Meeting

      +

      After two small business meetings and several focus group sessions, the Bangla Business Network (BBN) had it's first large group meeting...

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      +
      By + Jacky Kowa
      + +
      +
      +

      Tiwi Orphans Visit

      +

      This visit is different, we sat down to eat together and had a frank chat. Am grateful The Koru team visited a village in Tiwi, which had...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 14 / 14 +

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
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      +

      Municipal Basic Income (MBI) via CIC

      +

      Consider the value in decentralized, municipally supported economies (networks of MBIs) - building and supporting local as well as regional

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    • @@ -93,7 +118,8 @@

      Static vs Bonded Liquidity Pools for CICs

      -

      As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity, Grassroots Economics is looking at various ways to connect these tokens together and as well to other networks. Below I'll describe and contrast two approaches, namely a Fixed vs Algorithmic Rate liquidity …

      +

      As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity,...

      +
      @@ -117,7 +143,183 @@

    Community Currencies and DEX Multitudes

    -

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts (like Community Inclusion Currencies) for different use cases. Using them opens us up decentralized network topologies that we would never have dreamed of with old fashion stock exchanges and other financial instruments …

    +

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts...

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    + + + + +
  • +
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    By + Will Ruddick
    + +
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    2020 Kenyan CICs in Review

    +

    We’re extremely excited about using CICs for developing support networks for vulnerable communities and households, and especially food syst

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    By + Janet Akinyi
    + +
    +
    +

    Strong Communities - Strong Currencies

    +

    I had the pleasure to visit Kwe Kende in Nyalgunga, Siaya County one of the strongest groups (chamas) in the Sarafu Network across Kenya,...

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    By + Janet Akinyi
    + +
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    Rural Sarafu Network - CIC Impacts

    +

    Rosemary Owino is a widow from Siaya village in Siaya County. She has wanted desperately to curb her own poverty and make ends meet for...

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    By + Will Ruddick
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    CIC Indices for SDGs

    +

    By encouraging circular trade within communities humanitarian aid can build basic circulatory systems for support and resilience.

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    By + Will Ruddick
    + +
    +
    +

    Sarafu Network Kenya Mid-Year CIC Update

    +

    We've reached nearly 90Million worth (~900,000 USD) of Community Inclusion Currency trading between 30,0000 users in Kenya for basic needs.

    +
    @@ -128,7 +330,9 @@

    ⇇ « - Page 2 / 2 + Page 2 / 14 + » + ⇉

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      By + Lynda Chalker
      + +
      +
      +

      Use Cases - Honoring 2018

      +

      Closing 2018 with a bang! We mark the end of 2018 and the beginning of this festive season by honoring schools, clinics, micro and small...

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      By + Lynda Chalker
      + +
      +
      +

      Blockchain without Internet

      +

      We can't print enough paper notes for everyone who needs them. But nearly everyone has a phone (without internet). In order to reach a...

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      +
      By + Caroline Dama
      + +
      +
      +

      Takaungu Pesa is here!

      +

      The Vindakala Youth Bunge’s motto “Coming Together is Just The Beginning.” mirrors this excitement we have after the launch of Takaungu...

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
      +
      +

      Interactive Village Market Simulator!

      +

      The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of...

      +

      The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of our MOOC. +The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of our MOOC. +The 5th installment of the Village Market Simulator series is now online! You can find it on YouTube or in the 'Simulations' section of our MOOC. +YouTube MOOC

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
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      Sarafu Cooperative is born!

      +

      We are very happy to announce that today, for the first time in our organizational history, the community currency members of the Nairobi...

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      +
      By + Daniel Mukosia
      + +
      +
      +

      Happy Mother's Day!

      +

      As a way to celebrate we are happy to share two stories from our network members! Bevelyne Ombayo is a single mother, who lives in Lindi...

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      By + tatiana.rubiano.goubert
      + +
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      +

      Empowering Mothers

      +

      Sarafu-Credit: empowering strong women who never stop fighting for their families wellbeing We are joining together to celebrate mothers’...

      +

      Sarafu-Credit: empowering strong women who never stop fighting for their families wellbeing

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 5 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      By + Marion Cauvet
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      +
      +

      A Wonderful Experience in Miyani

      +

      I am a French researcher involved in an MSc Agricultural Development at the University of Copenhagen. I am very interested in Community...

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
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      +

      Ending Our 2017

      +

      Dear Friends and Stakeholders, In just three years, Grassroots Economics grew from a community group working to help improve living...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Community Currency Design Course Opening

      +

      Grassroots Economics has opened up its archives of design and implementation to students world wide through a hands-on, practical course...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Berkshares and Bangla-Pesa

      +

      The Schumacher Center for a New Economics has supported us with inspiration and advice since we began with Eco-Pesa in 2010. Before...

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      By + Daniel Mukosia
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      Skylife School and Community Currency

      +

      Grassroots Economics works with communities across Kenya to develop systems that allow parents to pay for their children's education...

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      By + Daniel Mukosia
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      Nairobi Coordinator Inspiration

      +

      For the first three months I started working as a volunteer. I am able to get in touch with different business individuals in all the...

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      By + Steve Okuku
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      Biz Dev - Inspired

      +

      Business development using community currency Being a business development coordinator whose main objective is to see communities’ assets...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 6 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      By + Lydia Anyango
      + +
      +
      +

      Rural Miyani-Pesa Launched

      +

      Today we launched our first rural community currency! The event went well to initiate and train the first 20 members and set up a local...

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      By + Thibaud Dezyn
      + +
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      Preliminary Research Results 2017

      +

      Grassroots Economics currently facilitates Community Currency programs for 1140 businesses across 5 communities which report both social...

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      By + Lydia Anyango
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      Foundational Member Passes

      +

      It is sad to announce the sudden death of Dominic Okello (in the middle) who passed on early May 2017. He is a resident of Bangladesh...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      New Bills for a New Economy

      +

      We attended a meeting on DOEN's New Economy program, where our newest version of community currency bills were unveiled in Amsterdam. The...

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      By + Daniel Mukosia
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      Detergent Accelerator

      +

      Julius Nyelele has been a member of Lindi Business Network for more than one year. He is a roadside seller of washing detergents and body...

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      By + Lydia Anyango
      + +
      +
      +

      Not Your Typical Vegetable Kiosk

      +

      This is Julius Odhiambo. He owns a vegetable kibanda and has been using Community Currency called Bangla-Pesa, which is part of the...

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      +
      +
      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
      +
      +

      Queen of Katwe

      +

      If there is one movie this year that captures the life we see here in East Africa each day it is the Queen of Katwe. There is so much...

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
      +
      +

      Here We Are - Kenya 2016

      +

      Happy holidays! We're seeing the power of community currencies in developing thriving communities and prospering economies. This year has...

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      By + Ruth Mwangi
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      +

      Education and Business Cycles

      +

      A lot has been said about the education system in Kenya. The introduction of free primary education in 2003 was received with mixed...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 7 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      +
      +

      715 Members and Growing Fast

      +

      Sarafu-Credit users in five locations around Kenya have increased by over 83% since January 1st. Our Super Markets and Credit Clearing...

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      By + Caroline Dama
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      +
      +

      Mangroves and the Eco-nomy

      +

      We've been working to replace the need for Mombasa's Bangladesh residents to import food and conserve their environment. Two schools near...

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      By + Ruth Mwangi
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      +
      +

      Super-Market Super-Currency

      +

      Hundreds and hundreds of settlers in Nairobi's Kawangware informal settlement will soon benefit from access to low priced goods...

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      By + Will Ruddick
      + +
      +
      +

      Sarafu-Credit Takes Shape

      +

      We began the year by looking at our successes and challenges with five Kenyan community currencies in 2015. Out of this came the...

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      +
      By + Caroline Dama
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      +
      +

      Permaculture School Farm Via Bangla-Pesa

      +

      Two neighboring schools St. Peter's & Paul's and St. Angeline are being trained and equipped to design, build and maintain a community...

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      +
      By + Lydia Anyango
      + +
      +
      +

      Mikindani Community Currency Market Day

      +

      The Kwa Ng'ombe Business Network held their 1st Market day on the 24th October 2015. Members came to sell and trade their goods at the...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 8 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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      +
      By + Will Ruddick
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      +
      +

      Retreat and Renewal

      +

      September marked the first official renewal event for Bangla-Pesa after more than 2+ years in circulation (Starting in May 2013). The...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      +
      +

      1st Community Currency Market and More

      +

      September 12th Community Currency groups in Mombasa and Nairobi both held simultaneous events. One was a community market and games day...

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      By + Ruth Mwangi
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      +

      Smep Oiko-Credit Loans in Kangemi

      +

      SMEP a local OIKO-Credit partner is offering Loans and Training to Community Currency users in Kangemi and Kawangware. They have started...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      +
      +

      Lindi and Ng'ombeni Pesa Launched

      +

      The 4th and 5th Kenyan Community Currencies were launched last week within a span of 7 days. We now have our 3rd Nairobi Currency in...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      +
      +

      African Community Currencies Update

      +

      Kenyan Community Currencies Nairobi Gatina-Pesa – The Gatina Business Network's members have been saving their Kenyan Shilings together...

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      By + Ruth Mwangi
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      +
      +

      5 Kenyan Community Currencies Meet

      +

      Saturday, 27th June will remain a day to remember for various Business Networks in Kenya. A total of five Business Networks united by a...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Municipal Bonds and Community Currency

      +

      A Concept Paper based on observations during the FMDV inspired conference: Conference Resolutions Africa / Marrakesh 2014: Financing...

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      By + Robin Gerbaux
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      Kibera's Lindi-Pesa Gaining Momentum

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      June 6th 2015 was bound to be a typical morning in Kibera - but Saturday morning, the inhabitants of Kibera, the biggest slum of Nairobi,...

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      By + Robin Gerbaux
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      Update from Kangemi-Pesa Nairobi

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      It has been only 2 months since the members of Kangemi Business Network launched their community currency and received their 400...

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      By + Will Ruddick
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      Berg Rand Launches in South Africa

      +

      The Berg Rand or BRAND - which means 'Fire' Money in Afrikaans, had an amazing launch today! The FlowAfrica team lead by John Ziniades...

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    + ⇇ + « + Page 9 / 14 + » + ⇉ +

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/kenyancic-will.html b/output/interactive-village.html similarity index 76% rename from output/kenyancic-will.html rename to output/interactive-village.html index 26a5533..2185f98 100644 --- a/output/kenyancic-will.html +++ b/output/interactive-village.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - 2020 Kenyan CICs Review + grassroots-pelican - Interactive Village Market Simulator! @@ -26,10 +26,6 @@ - - - - @@ -82,13 +78,13 @@

    - 2020 Kenyan CICs Review + Interactive Village Market Simulator!


    - kenyacic-will1 -
    -

    Brief Historical Overview

    -

    Starting in 2010 Grassroots Economics worked with local communities to issue vouchers aka Community Currencies (CCs) as a medium of exchange with the belief that CCs could enable communities to develop a source of local credit based on productive capacity and local values, while creating a monetary system better suited to eradicate poverty and the multiple indicators of deprivation targeted by the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. After working with over a dozen communities by 2018 we began to support communities in digitizing their CCs.

    -
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    2020 Survival Mode

    -

    Starting in 2020 we embarked on the huge task of developing, refining and modularizing open source infrastructure that would enable communities to issue and manage their own Community Inclusion Currencies (CICs). CICs are blockchain contracts that enable a community to issue a digital voucher against claims of future production and create a possibility of conversion between that voucher to other similar vouchers.

    -
    +

    This episode goes through the basic premises of community currencies and how they affect economies. The simulator takes an agent based approach to simulating basic economic intereactions with two currencies. Field surveys from (7) locations across Kenya and South Africa suggest that the fragility of local markets due to exogenous market conditions gives rise to volatile local markets that result in chronic seasonal illiquidity and local market stagnation. Further data suggests that endogenous sources of liquidity through circulating vouchers refered to as Community Currency (CC) can counteract these seasonal trends and increase overall trade volume.

    + +

    What is especially exciting about this one is that it will be available in Github and you can play with all the bells and whistles, and experiment by yourself how changing different variables affect trade within the village.

    +

    What is especially exciting about this one is that it will be available in Github and you can play with all the bells and whistles, and experiment by yourself how changing different variables affect trade within the village.

    +
    +Github
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    Make sure you have python running on your computer and have fun with the code!

    diff --git a/output/kangemi-pesa-launch.html b/output/kangemi-pesa-launch.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..74d84e6 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/kangemi-pesa-launch.html @@ -0,0 +1,131 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Kangemi-Pesa Launch Prep and More Currency News + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Kangemi-Pesa Launch Prep and More Currency News +

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    Kangemi-Pesa is launching on April 4th 2015! After six months of preparation the Kangemi Businessness Network has reached over 100 members-including small shops, tailors, teachers, suppliers, resalers, restaurants and much more. Each member on the launch day will be allotted 400 Kangemi-Pesa of which 200 goes toward a community fund to pay for trash collection and other community efforts. The Kangemi-Pesa is backed by the goods and services of the community.

    +

    Along with Bangla-Pesa, first launched in 2013 and Gatina-Pesa launched in 2014, Kangemi-Pesa is the third of what will be six community currencies trading in Kenya by the end of this year. Kangemi-Pesa's introduction and launch was suported by Lush Cosmetic. Neighboring Gatina-Pesa in Kawangware will be tradable with Kangemi-Pesa. These business networks form the core of a decentralized banking system for Nairobi County. Coming soon are currencies in Kibera as well as two more in Mombasa County. We are also excited to be supporting the implementation of programs in South Africa and are looking forward to a community currency being launched there in May!

    +

    Experiences from Community Currency users remind us of why these programs are important. John Wacharia has a small Kinyozi (Barber shop), and when there was a system wide power outage for three days, he told us, "Bangla-Pesa allowed me to provide for my family, eat and survive when I could no longer work". These programs form a buffer system against unstable markets by allowing people to trade their goods and services even when they don't have Kenyan shillings. So far each one of these currency programs creates an additional 3 million shillings of trade each year. Networked together, hundreds of these programs could increase the GDP by more than a Billion dollars.

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    + Kangemi-Pesa Launched +

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    + +
    + +

    Overcoming many obstacles in a shaken Kenya, we had an amazing launch today of the third community currency in Kenya! Kangemi-Pesa is also tradeable with Gatina-Pesa their neighboring community, who came out in force to support the program along with the area chief. These two community currencies are the beginning of a grassroots economic network of decentralize monetary systems.

    +

    The event was honored with students and teachers from 8 different schools in the area that will be accepting Kangemi-Pesa for school fees - helping to raise the salaries of local teachers by allowing parents to pay with their goods and services.

    +

    We are also on track to launch Lindi-Pesa in Kibera, and two more currencies in Mombasa this year! These programs would not be possible without Nyendo a German organization that works with local schools, LUSH who have helped sponsor our Nairobi programs and DOEN who are helping with our Mombasa programs. Chiemgauer and Regios from Germany also kindly helped with printing of the Kangemi-Pesa.

    +

    Community Currencies represent the foundation of what is rapidly becoming a global movement toward democratic and decentralised monetary systems. With immediate social and financial impacts, these currencies bypass the limitations of crypto-currencies and micro-finance, by enabling resilient markets across Africa.

    +

    Currently community currencies are now trading in areas effecting over 100,000 people with over 500 local businesses in Nairobi and Mombasa. Four more programs have already started this year in Kenya and two in South Africa via FlowAfrica which will put community currencies unlocking the trade potential of over 200,000 people by 2016. Each community currency so far can increase local trade in impoverished communities by as much as 100K EUR each year. Increasing trade in Africa by more than 10 Billion Dollars a year is not only possible but within our reach. Support for these programs has enabled communities to being to sustainably trade goods and services, raising standards of living and even allowing people to pay for school fees.

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    + Kibera's Lindi-Pesa Gaining Momentum +

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    June 6th 2015 was bound to be a typical morning in Kibera - but Saturday morning, the inhabitants of Kibera, the biggest slum of Nairobi, saw their daily routine disturbed by the sound of children, tamtam, klaxons and a megaphone when a vibrant and empowered group marched through the streets, cheering and distributing flyers about something called “Lindi-Pesa“.

    +

    The march was organized by the Lindi Business Network to raise awareness in the community of Kibera about Lindi-Pesa, the third community currency of Nairobi that will be launched in the coming months. The group already has over 120 small businesses pre-registered and waiting for the launch!

    +

    The group that attended the march was composed of members of Lindi Business network that answered the call of the committee members equipped with a megaphone, pupils from member schools, a group of drummers and a dozen boda-boda's (motorcycles). Members of the committees of Kangemi Business Network and Gatina Business organization were also there to represent the already existing currencies (Gatina-Pesa and Kangemi-Pesa).

    +

    The march across Kibera was 3 km long and the lasted two hours. The businesses along the way were given flyers about the community currency and the chairman lost his voice speaking through the megaphone! The walkers were very energetic and even the rain didn’t stop the older members of the troop from dancing to the rhythm of the drums.

    +

    Once the destination was reached, the chairman of Gatina Business Organisation, Francis Wanjala and Lindi Business Network George Owino gave a speech and the participants were offered drinks bought from one of the member. We warmly thank Citizen Radio for covering the event - And also the participation of Nyendo-lernen. Two German students, part of Nyendo-lernen, attended the event, one of whose hands are part of the design of the Lindi-Pesa itself!

    +

    The march was a success and we hope, as the chairman of Gatina Business Organisation told the participants of the march, that the Lindi-Pesa will surpass in users and dynamism all the other currencies launched so far.

    +

    About the author - Robin Gerbaux is studying International Development Studies as a graduate student at the Université Joseph Fourier, in Grenoble, France. He has been investigating community currencies while living in Nairobi.

    +

    Many thanks to our partners Nyendo-lernen, Lush Cosmetics and DOEN for making this a reality.

    +

    #kibera #nairobi

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    +#kibera
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    #kibera

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    +#nairobi
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    #nairobi

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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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    + Kwaheri 2015 - Community Service and Results +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    + +
    +

    Five Community Currency (CC) trading business networks in Kenya have started their end of the year activities, using collected membership dues in CC as a community fund to care for the needy. A lot has happened this year. With only ~2,000 Euros worth of CC in circulation between five networks, we're seeing as much as 350 Euros of daily trade. This makes a huge impact on the lives of small businesses and schools in informal settlements.

    +

    Trade Volume

    +
    +
      +
    • Amount in circulation: 216,000 Kenyan Shillings (1,911 EUR)
      • +
    • Daily Circulation estimate in November. 39,430 Kenyan Shillings. This is 18% of total in circulation traded daily. (358 EUR)* This is a low estimate for average yearly as we approach holiday seasons.
      • +
    • Monthly Circulation: ~1,118,000 Kenyan Shillings (10,750 EUR)
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    • Yearly Circulation: ~14,000,000 Kenyan Shillings (129,000 EUR) This as new trade within five low income informal settlements.
      • +
    +
    +

    The amount of trade is more than 200% higher than the amount of funding it has taken to setup these programs and will continue to grow.

    +

    CC Users

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    CC Users

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    CC Users

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    +
      +
    • Business Network Members: 599
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    • Schools: 18
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    • Teachers: 72
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    • Community Fund beneficiaries outside of Networks( such as service work participants): ~500.
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    • Saving & Loan Members: ~100
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    Secondary Users

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    Secondary Users

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    Secondary Users

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    +
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    • Students: 540
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    • Family members: ~3000
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    • Surrounding communities depending on businesses and schools: 100,000 (at roughly 20k people in each community around the shops)
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    +
    +

    Typical CC Uses

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    General Trade

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    General Trade

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    General Trade

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    • Increases to sales and customers
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    • Not going hungry and stability during poor markets
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    • Offering CC as change during National Currency sales.
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    Schools

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    Schools

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    Schools

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    • Higher enrollment and less student debt
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    • Teacher salary advances
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    Open Air Markets

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    Open Air Markets

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    Open Air Markets

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    • Selling more stock and getting new clients
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    • Public usage of CC during event
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    Savings and Loan

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    Savings and Loan

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    Savings and Loan

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    • Ability to save and invest. Networks savings increasing.
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    Community Services

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    Community Services

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    Community Services

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    • Waste Collection, care for the needy, sports events, networking and cooking, school events.
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    + Lindi and Ng'ombeni Pesa Launched +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    + +

    The 4th and 5th Kenyan Community Currencies were launched last week within a span of 7 days. We now have our 3rd Nairobi Currency in Kibera, known as the Lindi-Pesa - linking together with Kangemi-Pesa and Gatina-Pesa in Kawangware. In Mombasa, we have Ng'ombeni-Pesa, the first currency to branch out of Bangla-Pesa in Mikindani. These were our first launches to feature our new Community Currency User Guide and Quiz as well as directories for all the business and school members.

    +

    These five Community Currencies in Kenya are significant not only because they network and empower more than 500 small businesses and schools, but also because they are able to grow horizontally by demonstrating to their neighbors how the programs work and what benefits they have. Each community currency is owned and operated by Community Based Organizations (CBOs) which are made up of small businesses and schools in the area that back and issue the currency.

    +

    Lindi-Pesa comes from the Lindi-Location inside East Africa's largest slum – Kibera. With a shifting and growing population Kibera is reported to house up to half a million people, living in extremely harsh conditions. The Lindi Business Network consists of several schools, nurseries and more than 100 small businesses. This group of over 90% women run businesses, has already taken the community currency concept and run with it. The Lindi-Pesa launch was graced by the presence of the area Chief and the Deputy Commissioner officer (DC) who officially cut the ribbon on behalf of local government.

    +

    Ng'ombeni-Pesa or (Cow Money) comes the the Kwa Ng'ombe area of Mikindani, Mombasa, not far from the original Bangla-Pesa location. A group of women took up the call to create a business network after they saw the example of Bangla-Pesa. While smaller than Lindi with roughly 85 members so far, they are growing fast. Women from the group used the currency launch event to put on a fashion show for dresses they created themselves, as well as to exhibit a variety of goods they make and sell - such as liquid detergent soap. In attendance was Hon. Twalib Badii the Member of Parliament who supported Bangla-Pesa during its shaky start in 2003. Also in attendance was a representative of the local Sentator and Women's representative, as well as Mr. Wangare the local Councilor.

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    For their help in making these two currencies a reality we offer a special thanks to:

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    For their help in making these two currencies a reality we offer a special thanks to:

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    For their help in making these two currencies a reality we offer a special thanks to:

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    +
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    • For the Lindi and Ng'ombeni Business Networks - for taking on these programs and showing us how to use them.
      • +
    • Nyendo-lernen who are dedicated to helping Kenyan schools and are featured on the Lindi and Ng'ombeni vouchers.
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    • Chiemgauer - for helping with the printing and specialty paper
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    • Stichen DOEN - who supported both currencies through implementation.
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    • LUSH Cosmetics - who assisted with Kangemi and Lindi-Pesa
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    • Carol Opondo and Tatjana Posavec for their artistic talents doing the original art and graphic design for the currencies.
      • +
    • For the Grassroots Economics Team - especially Robin Gerbaux for his work on the directories and user guide - who will be heading back to France in September.
      • +
    +
    +

    South Africa: This last month the 2nd Community Currency following the original Bangla-Pesa model was launched in Kokstad, South Africa. We're extremely proud of the FlowAfrica.org team on there work there and hope they can keep up the momentum.

    +

    South Africa: This last month the 2nd Community Currency following the original Bangla-Pesa model was launched in Kokstad, South Africa. We're extremely proud of the FlowAfrica.org team on there work there and hope they can keep up the momentum.

    +
    +FlowAfrica.org
    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
    +
    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/lindi-business.html b/output/lindi-business.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7409ffd --- /dev/null +++ b/output/lindi-business.html @@ -0,0 +1,136 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Lindi Business Network Gumbaru Trainings + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Lindi Business Network Gumbaru Trainings +

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    +
    + +
    + +

    Empowering women is a great ways to boast our economy . This however doesn't come without facing challenges of Illitracy among most members. Many of them lack reading and writing skills and others can't understand English.

    +

    GE finds it's important to support the women and men through Gumbaru school. By paying 20 sarafu credit money people are able to assist classes taught by our volunteer Carol where they can learn basic reading and writing skills and thus be able to carry out daily financial transaction without any difficulties. The money received for these lessons is used to purchase chalkdust and pens at LBN shop in Kibera.

    +

    #education #sarafu

    +
    +#education
    +

    #education

    +
    +#sarafu
    +

    #sarafu

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    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/living-half-way.html b/output/living-half-way.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b9d005b --- /dev/null +++ b/output/living-half-way.html @@ -0,0 +1,158 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - "Living Half-Way" Former Sex Worker Speaks out + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    +
    +
    +

    + "Living Half-Way" Former Sex Worker Speaks out +

    +
    +
    + +
    +

    Where should I start? I was in the industry for years. The main reason myself and most girls start sex work is because of poverty. I was an orphan at a young age. I had to drop out of school to support my 5 siblings. When I reached 18 years old, I had no other way. I started working at a salon, but the income was too little. At the end month I would get 1,000 KSH a month. So, I just woke up one day and took a bus to Nairobi. I didn't know what I was going to do. I was young.

    +

    I stayed in a guest house when I got to Nairobi and met a Rwandan girl. She would leave at night and come back the next day at 6am with lots of money. More than I had ever seen. I was wondering where she got this money. And she showed me.

    +

    We just went to a bar in Westlands, a wealthy part of Nairobi. Girls just sat there, every age and type, even university girls. You just sit there, and if someone comes and likes, you start negotiating on a price. It was a very popular place called Bavaraia – owned by a German man.

    +

    This was the only way out of poverty for me. I had no degree, no experience. I was straight from school. So when you sit with other girls, you find a lot of reasons why they are pushed into sex work. There are many paying for university fees day by day through sex work.

    +

    It was very risky. You don't know who you are going with. They buy a few drinks and they often don't want to stay at the guest house to have sex, so you have to go to their place. One girl was taken, and we didn't see her for two days. We didn't know what happened. Was she now rich or dead? After a few days, we found out she was nearly dead. The client, after finishing with her, left her in the forest and she was attacked.

    +

    Many of these girls have STIs like HIV, but can't tell anyone. Sometimes you think you have just one client, but then find a whole house full of men, and they rape you or start using objects inside you. But these girls are desperate. They have sick family members and have no other option. You are living half way. You don't know what can happen tomorrow.

    +

    You can't work on the streets in Nairobi, because you can be taken by the municipal council. They grab you in a small white pickup, and they take your money and force you to have sex with them so you don't go to prison. You have to do what you have to do to save yourself. Once the municipal has had its way with you, you have to start over at anytime of the day and you get more and more desperate. So women gang together in safer places like hostels and brothels that charge you on commission.

    +

    If you get a client in a brothel, the manager takes at least half the money. Clients call in, then come inspect the girls, then pick one. Because of the high commission, most girls seek to do it on their own in more risky situations.

    +

    I eventually came back to Mombasa to see my siblings, and I found out I was pregnant.

    +

    I was forced to stay out of sex work. But as soon as I had the child, I went back to FSW in Mombasa, even before my son was one year old. I had to leave him alone in the house and lock the door.

    +

    That is when I met a rich German man. He just spotted me in a bar. Because I was still breast feeding, he was very attracted to my large breasts. We went to his place. After taking a shower I tried to hide it, but he saw my milk coming out. He asked me, “Do you have a small child?” I said “He is four months.”

    +

    Then he just gave me money and didn't do anything to me. He gave me enough money for a month’s worth of food and rent, packed for me some food from his fridge and dropped me off at home and gave me his number and told me to call if I needed anything.

    +

    I paid rent and bought food and stayed with my son for a whole month and didn't go out. That was the longest time I had been with my son.

    +

    I lost the number of the German man and he never came back. So, I started going back out.

    +

    This is when I met another white man at a club called Tembo owned by a German. He was a Netherlander, a young boy, 28. When we went back to his hotel he asked me “why are you doing this, you are so beautiful?” and I told him about my son. I told him everything.

    +

    That is when he said he won't pay me for sex, but would help me with my son. But I didn't trust him. I knew he was so drunk, that I could steal what he had. By good luck, he blacked out, but I was afraid to steal the money. I couldn't sleep, so I just waited. When he finally woke up, he gave me some money and asked for my number. I gave him my neighbor’s number because I didn't have a phone.

    +

    That next day he called me in the afternoon. He was in the taxi coming to the place where I was living. I was in a small room in Mtwapa outside Mombasa. He came and he stayed for two weeks in my place. I had nothing but a mattress. He bought for me a stove, plates, cups and other things. So that was it.

    +

    Then he left and promised to take me back to Netherlands. He bought me a phone, but it was lost. And I never heard from him again.

    +

    Then I met another German man that was teaching salsa. So I started practicing and dancing at the hotel. He would pay us to do shows at hotels. But the money was too little, and he was forcing us to sleep with him. So I left and went back to sex work.

    +

    But I knew I wanted a way out. A friend tried to recruit me for working with a non-profit NGO called ICRH. But because I was older then than most girls, I was excluded. I gave up, and started doing some work at a cyber-cafe at about one dollar a day.

    +

    But then one day the NGO made an exception and allowed me into their program.

    +

    We were 150 girls they interviewed. After the interview we were to get a letter if we were accepted. After one week I got my letter. I was excited, but hesitant, feeling like 'let's see what is next?'

    +

    In a few months I was chosen as the group leader of 40 sex workers. I don't know what they saw in me. After that first experience I never stopped. I sought out trainings, more and more: counseling, business, entrepreneurship, computer skills, family planning, STIs (HIV and Malaria prevention), and as a paralegal.

    +

    This changed everything.

    +

    Today: I am supporting my children. I am voice to reckon with. I've been an advocate for hundreds of women. I have gone to court to defend women who have been raped.

    +

    I've been asked to consult with international organizations. I've mobilized over 420 vulnerable women for counseling, HIV trainings, and reproductive health, sexual violence.

    +

    The Rwandan girl that brought me into sex work died from HIV. I've lost so many friends in the process. Sadly there are few organizations trying to reach the tens of thousands of sex workers in an industry here that is still growing rapidly. There are gaps that need to be filled. While the work being done is wonderful, it is not enough. Hard core sex workers are generally not affected by any of these ongoing programs.

    +

    NGOs are only dealing with younger sex workers. Yet sex work doesn't have an age limit. The older sex workers who have been doing it for 20-40 years are often the ones getting the younger girls into the industry. They know the sex work industry in and out, and targeting them is one of the ways we can really help.

    +

    There is no simple solution. We must understand the reality of what is going on and have real alternatives in place. I don't kid myself that any of this is easy, but this is my life's work to be there to help women just like myself.

    +
    +#femalesexworker
    +

    #femalesexworker

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
    +
    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/looking-towards.html b/output/looking-towards.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d58bb8f --- /dev/null +++ b/output/looking-towards.html @@ -0,0 +1,159 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Looking Towards 2015 + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    +
    +
    +

    + Looking Towards 2015 +

    +
    +
    + +
    + By Will Ruddick +
    + + + + + +

    + +
    +

    2014 has been an intense year developing the structures to allow community currency programs to one day become accessible across Africa. Besides our currency programs we have also worked with hundreds of street living youth in Kenya, to help them reintegrate with society. We're looking forward to 2015! In 2014 we:

    +

    2014 has been an intense year developing the structures to allow community currency programs to one day become accessible across Africa. Besides our currency programs we have also worked with hundreds of street living youth in Kenya, to help them reintegrate with society. We're looking forward to 2015! In 2014 we:

    +

    2014 has been an intense year developing the structures to allow community currency programs to one day become accessible across Africa. Besides our currency programs we have also worked with hundreds of street living youth in Kenya, to help them reintegrate with society. We're looking forward to 2015! In 2014 we:

    +
    +
      +
    • continued to monitor the first and now vibrant community currency program in Kenya. Looking back, our first award winning pilot in 2010 Eco-Pesa gave us the tools to implement and develop Bangla-Pesa starting in 2012 Via mutual credit backing and circulating vouchers. Bangla-Pesa has enabled over 3 million shillings worth of trade in an impoverished informal settlement in Mombasa. We've measured as much as an 80% increase in sales revenue in the community during poor market conditions, through better utilization of excess capacity and interconnectedness between small over 300 informal businesses.
      • +
    • Set a legal precedent by defending our programs in court.
      • +
    • enabled networks of businesses to save Kenyan Shillings for investment and cooperative enterprises.
      • +
    • duplicated Bangla-Pesa now in Nairobi's Kawangware informal settlement with Gatina-Pesa(named after Gatina location where it is centered.) There are 4 schools in Mombasa and 4 so far in Nairobi accepting community currency for school fees, helping to raise and stabilize teachers salaries.
      • +
    • established community currency as a low cost innovation that can be spread to communities across Africa
      • +
    • collaborated with and trained the FLOW team in South Africa to implement in two municipalities in South Africa, which will launch community currencies in mid 2015. The team in South Africa led by John Ziniades and Anna Cowen from Cape Town are doing amazing work. The teams of FLOW Ambassadors that they are creating to help implement these programs along with their support from local municipalities really set them apart from other CC programs.
      • +
    • presented community currencies at an international
      • +
    +
    +

    In 2015 we will:

    +

    In 2015 we will:

    +

    In 2015 we will:

    +
    +
      +
    • Form a foundation to help establish legislation, expand research and implement more community currency programs.
      • +
    • Start another 4 currencies in Kenya (2 in Nairobi and 2 more in Mombasa Counties) Thanks to Lush Cosmetics and DOEN!
      • +
    • Assist in 2 more currencies being implemented in South Africa
      • +
    • Assist local government to be able to monitor and manage community currency programs.
      • +
    • We hope - find the support to create an office for East Africa promoting community currency programs.
      • +
    +
    +

    #gatina #bangla

    +
    +#gatina
    +

    #gatina

    +
    +#bangla
    +

    #bangla

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
    +
    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/managing-their.html b/output/managing-their.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6fd6938 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/managing-their.html @@ -0,0 +1,240 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Managing their Own Economy during Crisis + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    +
    +
    +

    + Managing their Own Economy during Crisis +

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    +
    + +
    + +

    Laurence and his brother together run the Blues Hotel - a small take away restaurant specializing in delicious chapati. Anyone in Mukuru Kayaba’s Kambi Moto village can come buy food there using Sarafu (a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) - 400 Sarafu (USD $4) as well as a basic income is given freely to community members as part of a Red Cross initiative to support local economies during crisis)

    + +

    Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati!

    +

    Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati!

    +

    Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati!

    +

    Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati!

    +

    Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati!

    +

    Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati!

    +

    Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati!

    +

    Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati!

    +

    Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati!

    +

    Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati!

    +

    Over the last 1 month they have had 268 clients come buy over $3,000 USD worth of their cooked food! What makes it even more amazing is that they have spent an equivalent of $2,600 USD of Sarafu to purchase cooking oil, fuel and wheat flour for their business. Circular economy - circular chapati!

    +

    1

    +

    268

    +

    3

    +

    ,

    +

    000

    +

    USD

    +

    of

    +

    !

    +

    of

    +

    2

    +

    ,

    +

    600

    +

    USD

    +

    of

    +
    +to purchase cooking oil
    +

    ,

    +
    +fuel and wheat flour
    +

    for

    +
    +their business
    +

    .

    +
    +Circular economy
    +
      +
    • circular chapati
      • +
    +

    !

    + +

    Vincent and his mother have used Sarafu for the past 8 months providing different delicacies to the people of Mukuru Kayaba. They have decided to support their community in Mukuru by accepting Sarafu from any customer and also they spend their CIC by buying wheat flour,beans and other products from different outlets.

    +

    Over the last month they have had 123 customers and sold $840 USD by accepting Sarafu when Kenyan Shillings is scarce and they have spent roughly the same amount on their own basic needs - creating and maintaining a circular economy.

    +

    Over the last month they have had 123 customers and sold $840 USD by accepting Sarafu when Kenyan Shillings is scarce and they have spent roughly the same amount on their own basic needs - creating and maintaining a circular economy.

    +

    Over the last month they have had 123 customers and sold $840 USD by accepting Sarafu when Kenyan Shillings is scarce and they have spent roughly the same amount on their own basic needs - creating and maintaining a circular economy.

    +

    Over the last month they have had 123 customers and sold $840 USD by accepting Sarafu when Kenyan Shillings is scarce and they have spent roughly the same amount on their own basic needs - creating and maintaining a circular economy.

    +

    Over the last month they have had 123 customers and sold $840 USD by accepting Sarafu when Kenyan Shillings is scarce and they have spent roughly the same amount on their own basic needs - creating and maintaining a circular economy.

    +

    123

    +

    840

    +

    USD

    +
      +
    • +
    +

    .

    + +

    Susan is a mother and tailor in Mukuru. She was started using CICs 2 months ago and she also registered her Women's Savings Group into the network. Susan and the group members work tirelessly in order to provide masks to people in her community by selling them using Sarafu. She uses the currency to purchase food for her family and also save some in the group since national currency is scarce at the moment.

    +

    In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan!

    +

    In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan!

    +

    In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan!

    +

    In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan!

    +

    In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan!

    +

    In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan!

    +

    In the last month Sarah has sold $756 USD worth of masks to over 100 people. Need a mask? Talk to Susan!

    +

    756

    +

    USD

    +

    of

    +

    100

    +

    .

    +

    ?

    +

    !

    + +

    This guy is amazing! Victor joined the network of Sarafu users 2 months ago. He is in the jua kali sector and very popular in his area for making metalic doors, desks and even jiko (ovens). He accepts Sarafu in his business since he can as well spend it in order to get food for his family. His business had been stuck due to covid 19 but when he joined Sarafu, customers started coming as they wanted some study desks and metallic doors for their homes and businesses.

    +

    Victor in the last month has had 54 clients and sold $1,246 USD worth of his services using Sarafu

    +

    Victor in the last month has had 54 clients and sold $1,246 USD worth of his services using Sarafu

    +

    Victor in the last month has had 54 clients and sold $1,246 USD worth of his services using Sarafu

    +

    Victor in the last month has had 54 clients and sold $1,246 USD worth of his services using Sarafu

    +

    Victor in the last month has had 54 clients and sold $1,246 USD worth of his services using Sarafu

    +

    Victor in the last month has had 54 clients and sold $1,246 USD worth of his services using Sarafu

    +

    in

    +

    54

    +

    1

    +

    ,

    +

    246

    +

    USD

    +

    of

    + +

    Grace is one of the Red Cross' disaster response team members and is also a caring mother. She has a cereal shop in Mukuru and she feeds more than a hundred households. She joined the network 8 months ago and in this time of the pandemic, she has dedicated her shop to feed even more families by use of the CIC (Sarafu). She has increased her trade volume in order to help families get a meal. In return, Gertrude also spends more of her Sarafu in the community and by doing so, she is able to save the national currency which she uses to buy more stock for her shop.

    +

    Grace is one of the Red Cross' disaster response team members and is also a caring mother. She has a cereal shop in Mukuru and she feeds more than a hundred households. She joined the network 8 months ago and in this time of the pandemic, she has dedicated her shop to feed even more families by use of the CIC (Sarafu). She has increased her trade volume in order to help families get a meal. In return, Gertrude also spends more of her Sarafu in the community and by doing so, she is able to save the national currency which she uses to buy more stock for her shop.

    +

    Gertrude

    +

    Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery.

    +

    Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery.

    +

    Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery.

    +

    Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery.

    +

    Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery.

    +

    Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery.

    +

    Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery.

    +

    Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery.

    +

    Grace has given out $2,286 USD worth of food to 114 community members this month using Sarafu and has spent $2,316 USD on restocking and her family basic needs. She is a powerhouse making her community thrive during crisis and charting a path toward a resilient economic recovery.

    +

    2

    +

    ,

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    286

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    USD

    +

    of

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    114

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    this

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    2

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    ,

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    316

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    USD

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    .

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    +
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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
    +
    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/mangroves-and.html b/output/mangroves-and.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d848020 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/mangroves-and.html @@ -0,0 +1,224 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Mangroves and the Eco-nomy + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Mangroves and the Eco-nomy +

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    We've been working to replace the need for Mombasa's Bangladesh residents to import food and conserve their environment. Two schools near a mangrove forest have:

    +

    We've been working to replace the need for Mombasa's Bangladesh residents to import food and conserve their environment. Two schools near a mangrove forest have:

    +

    We've been working to replace the need for Mombasa's Bangladesh residents to import food and conserve their environment. Two schools near a mangrove forest have:

    +
    +
      +
    • begun stabilizing eroded soils by planting grasses and trees
      • +
    • catching rainwater by installing gutters
      • +
    • planting vegetables
      • +
    • and conserving the mangrove forests to stabilize spawning locations for crabs
      • +
    +
    +

    February has been a great month. The schools have worked hard at their gardens and have tried to bring in water whenever it is needed even though there was a shortage. Baby vegetable seedlings are starting to sprout and the pioneer plants the lemon grass and bamboo are doing well.

    +

    PROGRESS REPORT FOR PERMACULTURE GARDENS IN ST. ANGELINE’S AND ST.PETER AND PAUL

    +

    The setting up of permaculture gardens in the two schools had the following main objectives for Grassroots Economics:

    +

    The setting up of permaculture gardens in the two schools had the following main objectives for Grassroots Economics:

    +

    The setting up of permaculture gardens in the two schools had the following main objectives for Grassroots Economics:

    +
    +
      +
    • Combat the severe soil erosion in the compounds
      • +
    • Inculcate in the children a sense of social responsibility
      • +
    • Boost the nutrition of the families by growing vegetables and fruit trees in the gardens
      • +
    • Link the schools and the community through use of community currency
      • +
    +
    +

    The objectives are being achieved gradually and the pupils have been working hard at it. Albeit we have had a few challenges but we are on course to set up within six months.

    +

    Combating Severe soil erosion. This objective is being achieved by:

    +

    Combating Severe soil erosion. This objective is being achieved by:

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    Combating Severe soil erosion. This objective is being achieved by:

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      1. Setting up tree nurseries that will provide a sustainable way to continuously plant trees even after the targeted six months. The children have set a target of planting trees at least three times their age by the end of the year Tree nurseries have been set for indegenous trees like the Mrabai, Bambakofi and Luceana which will be great pioneer trees as they already grow in the surrounding villages along with the Flamboyant and neem trees. We taught the children to do seed harvesting so we hope to have an explosion of tree species of their choosing as they have fun planting.
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      1. Planting of pioneer trees and plants that will help in covering the ground and also combat soils erosion- this has been started off by the planting of Lemon grass and bamboo which are trees that have roots that can hold soil and are part of companion planting initiatives. The lemon grass can be used for pest control when planted around the vegetable gardens and will also prevent soil loss through erosion. Bamboo planted at the bottom of the slopes will hold water and also when planted at the top will help in cleaning grey water that will run into the kitchen gardens.
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      1. We also ensured to build swales- that will help in slowing water down as it runs down the slope and is a form of natural water harvesting technique.
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    Inculcating a sense of social responsibility in the children.This has been achieved by:

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    Inculcating a sense of social responsibility in the children.This has been achieved by:

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    Inculcating a sense of social responsibility in the children.This has been achieved by:

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      1. Holding weekly sensitization classes- for the pupils on the uses of trees and how it is their resposibility to leave the school better than it is.
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      1. We have also partnered with another organizations – so that they can be trained on the benefits of mangroves and how to propagate them. They have also started setting up mangrove nurseries. The mangove will be planted at the beach near the school and it will be their way of giving to the community.
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    Boosting the Nutrition of the community by planting fruit trees and vegetables. We started this off by ensuring the schools had:

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    Boosting the Nutrition of the community by planting fruit trees and vegetables. We started this off by ensuring the schools had:

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    Boosting the Nutrition of the community by planting fruit trees and vegetables. We started this off by ensuring the schools had:

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      1. Tanks with gutters- that at the onset of rains they would be able to harvest rain that will in turn nourish the vegetables.
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      1. We also involved the community in digging of swales- that we filled up with manure and dry grass that we left for about for a month that would help in boosting the nutrition content of the severely eroded soils.
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      1. We had the children trained on setting up tree and vegetable nurseries- that they would plant in the swales, and the other small vegetable gardens. Vegetables that are in the seedbed are: Kales, bringles and spinach. We hope to introduce gradually tomatoes, water melons, pumkins and some traditional vegetables as we want them to have a stacked garden with creepers that act as cover crops to retain moisture and other vegetables that grow taller. As for food and fruit trees we will introduce the nitrogen fixing and nutrient enriching Moringa Oliefera whose leaves are medicinal and super rich in nutrients along with paws paws, bananas, grafted mangoes and oranges. We will also introduce sugar cane on areas that pool with water.
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      1. The schools have also been trained on companion planting- so that the know how to plant the vegetables and food trees to ensure maximum yield and using organic pest control methods.
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    So far each school has two kitchen gardens one that will be mostly vegetables and a few food trees and one that will contain fruit trees and vegetables

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    The schools as part of the Sarafu – Credit community currency.

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    At the onset we had meetings with the schools with one of the Bangla-Pesa representatives who would act as a link between the business community and the school. The lady Sylvia Osodo will ensure that when the community is involved in program is involved in the program especially the youth the business network can pay part of the labor fees in Sarafu-Credit from the community basket whenever the need for payment arises.

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    We envision however the community will gradually take part especially ones within the business network and once we harvest the vegetables we could have the business community buy in part Kenya Shillings and Sarafu-Credit and at a subsidized rate than they would get at the Market and have the schools in turn purchase goods or services from the Business community on normal days and especially during market days.

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    #bangla #environment #mombasa

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    #bangla #environment #mombasa

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    +#bangla
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    #bangla

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    +#environment
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    #environment

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    +#mombasa
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    #mombasa

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    + Marciana's Struggle, Porridge and Bangla-Pesa +

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    Marciana's husband died a long time ago, leaving her with 5 children to care for alone. Even though she is 64 now, and most of her children are grown, she still bears the burden for caring for her family. Her oldest son, who might have taken on this responsibility, also died, and her oldest daughter is disabled from a bout of TB. Her surviving son was trained as a driver, but he’s been unable to find work, so he, his wife, and his two children live with Marciana, along with Marciana’s disabled daughter and youngest daughter (17 years). Marciana didn’t have the money to send her youngest daughter to secondary school. And, although she received some training as a tailor, she is also unemployed. So, Marciana supports this household from the sale of porridge and a bean and maize soup. The porridge sells for 15ksh ($0.18) and soup for 10ksh ($0.12). She usually makes around 600ksh ($7) a day to feed a family of 7. Technically, this puts her above the international poverty line based on the lower cost of living in Kenya, but, as she leaned her forehead against a pole, looked down at her worn red flip flops and dust covered feet, and told us about her life, we could feel the exhaustion caused by her efforts to keep her family fed and housed, and some sadness at being unable to keep her daughters in school and in good health.

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    Things are improving for Marciana now. She became a member of Koru's Bangladesh Business Network in December and started trading the Bangla-Pesa voucher with fellow members. “I take 200 Bangla-Pesa every morning to buy sugar from Mwololo to make my porridge. When I get customers, I will buy fish and then that lady will come to buy my porridge. The same happens when I buy potatoes and water. They all come to get my porridge and I take from them their goods too.” All of these trades happen between members without Kenyan shillings, which means the money from trades which do use Kenyan shillings can be saved and used for other kinds of purchases. Further, when there are larger economic upheavals, the Bangla-Pesa can provide a buffer for the business community. In an effort reduce illegal hawking, and more comprehensively tax small businesses, the local government in Mombasa cleared out many shops in the central business district and in the market area. This left many businesses in Bangladesh without access to their stock, which they used to purchased from in now destroyed shops in the central market. In response to this disruption, Marciana and her customer used Bangla-Pesa to keep business going. “When the market was closed, I was only working with Bangla-Pesa, because that was what people had.” People couldn't buy stock as usual, had fewer products to sell, and so had very few Kenyan Shillings. But, they could still use Bangla-Pesa to buy some stock locally, sell the processed stock for Bangla-Pesa, buy food and necessities with the vouchers and maintain a basic standard of living until they adjusted to the changes in the central market.

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    When we spoke with her, Marciana had 400 Bangla-Pesa after a day of trading. The next morning, she would take half that to buy sugar and the rest to buy food and water for herself and her family. As soon as customers come to her, she will repeat the process of using Bangla-Pesa to meet whatever needs she has, “I get it [Bangla-Pesa], then I use it. I used to be without food because we wouldn't have enough Kenyan Shillings, now I can eat even when I don’t have the Kenyan Shillings because I still have the Bangla-Pesa to use.” Every day, businesses in Bangladesh close the business day with goods unsold (some of which will spoil) and services unsold because their fellow businesswomen and men lack the funds to purchase these services. Bangla-Pesa provides a way for businesses to trade this excess capacity among each other. Then, everyone can fully meet their demand for goods and services locally and save their Kenyan Shillings to access medical care and education. We are truly excited to hear more from Marciana and others about how their community currency is helping them raise their standard of living together.

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    #bangla #women #complementarycurrencies #businesswomen

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    #bangla #women #complementarycurrencies #businesswomen

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    #bangla #women #complementarycurrencies #businesswomen

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    +#bangla
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    #bangla

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    +#women
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    #women

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    +#complementarycurrencies
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    #complementarycurrencies

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    +#businesswomen
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    #businesswomen

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    + Margrit Kennedy - Thank You +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    One of our largest supporters and inspirations has passed on. Our whole team and the community of Bangladesh, Kenya wish to offer condolences to the friends and family of Dr. Margrit Kennedy. She deeply understood and exposed the fact that our monetary system was broken. She stated that her work on ecological architecture in 1982 led her to the discovery that it is "virtually impossible to carry out sound ecological concepts on the scale required today, without fundamentally altering the present money system or creating new complementary currencies". Some of our work in Kenya was featured in her recent book, "People Money" which you can find here. Without the help of Dr. Kennedy the team might still be in jail and Bangla-Pesa might not have been relaunched.

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    One of our largest supporters and inspirations has passed on. Our whole team and the community of Bangladesh, Kenya wish to offer condolences to the friends and family of Dr. Margrit Kennedy. She deeply understood and exposed the fact that our monetary system was broken. She stated that her work on ecological architecture in 1982 led her to the discovery that it is "virtually impossible to carry out sound ecological concepts on the scale required today, without fundamentally altering the present money system or creating new complementary currencies". Some of our work in Kenya was featured in her recent book, "People Money" which you can find here. Without the help of Dr. Kennedy the team might still be in jail and Bangla-Pesa might not have been relaunched.

    +
    +here
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    We hope to continue her work in the tradition of academic rigor, holistic approaches and creative thinking

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    From Her website:

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    As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems:

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    From Her website:

    +

    As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems:

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    From Her website:

    +

    As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems:

    +

    From Her website:

    +

    As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems:

    +

    From Her website:

    +

    As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems:

    +

    From Her website:

    +

    As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems:

    +

    From Her website:

    +

    As early as 1982 she recognized that the broader application of ecological principals was inhibited by fundamental flaws in the monetary system, especially the consistent need for economic growth resulting from interest and compound interest. Through her continuous research and scrutiny she became an expert on the subject [of Complementary Currencies], working on practical solutions for essential Problems:

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    +
      +
    • How can we create a sustainable monetary system?
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    • What characterizes monetary systems which do not collapse repeatedly and which serve us rather than control us?
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    • Where can we find examples of well-working monetary systems in the past and present?
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    From wikipedia:

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    Margrit Kennedy (born November 21, 1939, in Chemnitz) is a German architect, professor, environmentalist, author and world authority on and advocate of complementary currencies and an interest- and inflation-free economy. In 2011, she initiated the movement Occupy Money.

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    From wikipedia:

    +

    Margrit Kennedy (born November 21, 1939, in Chemnitz) is a German architect, professor, environmentalist, author and world authority on and advocate of complementary currencies and an interest- and inflation-free economy. In 2011, she initiated the movement Occupy Money.

    +

    From wikipedia:

    +

    Margrit Kennedy (born November 21, 1939, in Chemnitz) is a German architect, professor, environmentalist, author and world authority on and advocate of complementary currencies and an interest- and inflation-free economy. In 2011, she initiated the movement Occupy Money.

    +

    From wikipedia:

    +

    Margrit Kennedy (born November 21, 1939, in Chemnitz) is a German architect, professor, environmentalist, author and world authority on and advocate of complementary currencies and an interest- and inflation-free economy. In 2011, she initiated the movement Occupy Money.

    +

    From wikipedia:

    +

    Margrit Kennedy (born November 21, 1939, in Chemnitz) is a German architect, professor, environmentalist, author and world authority on and advocate of complementary currencies and an interest- and inflation-free economy. In 2011, she initiated the movement Occupy Money.

    +

    Kennedy was an architect with a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Ph.D. in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She has worked as an Urban Planner in Germany, Nigeria, Scotland and the United States. In 1991, she was appointed Professor of Ecological Building Technologies at the Department of Architecture, University of Hanover.

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    Kennedy was an architect with a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Ph.D. in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She has worked as an Urban Planner in Germany, Nigeria, Scotland and the United States. In 1991, she was appointed Professor of Ecological Building Technologies at the Department of Architecture, University of Hanover.

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    Kennedy was an architect with a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a Ph.D. in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She has worked as an Urban Planner in Germany, Nigeria, Scotland and the United States. In 1991, she was appointed Professor of Ecological Building Technologies at the Department of Architecture, University of Hanover.

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    From her obituary in German here.

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    On Saturday, Kennedy has died of cancer at the age of 74 years. Kennedy was a warm and charismatic woman who walked curious and interested in their conversation partner. She was also pragmatic. If it was necessary, they could explain their theory in a single minute. Taxi drivers, for example, if the destination was in sight. She was married to the Irish architect Declan Kennedy and lived in the eco-village "life Steyerberg" in Lower Saxony. About three months ago the cancer was diagnosed. Although the strength left, Kennedy was active until the end.

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    On Saturday, Kennedy has died of cancer at the age of 74 years. Kennedy was a warm and charismatic woman who walked curious and interested in their conversation partner. She was also pragmatic. If it was necessary, they could explain their theory in a single minute. Taxi drivers, for example, if the destination was in sight. She was married to the Irish architect Declan Kennedy and lived in the eco-village "life Steyerberg" in Lower Saxony. About three months ago the cancer was diagnosed. Although the strength left, Kennedy was active until the end.

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    On Saturday, Kennedy has died of cancer at the age of 74 years. Kennedy was a warm and charismatic woman who walked curious and interested in their conversation partner. She was also pragmatic. If it was necessary, they could explain their theory in a single minute. Taxi drivers, for example, if the destination was in sight. She was married to the Irish architect Declan Kennedy and lived in the eco-village "life Steyerberg" in Lower Saxony. About three months ago the cancer was diagnosed. Although the strength left, Kennedy was active until the end.

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    Thank you Dr. Margrit Kennedy for being an inspiration to us all.

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    + Menstrual Cycles: Barriers to Education +

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    Why Should Reproductive Health Be a Barrier for Education?

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    All over Kenya girls are missing school today (for many the first day back after the holidays) because of their menstrual cycles. These young women come from poor homes and communities, lacking the funds for both sanitary pads and panties in which to place pads. As a result, these girls miss school—staying home for about a week week, staying seated or laying down, and placing rags between their legs to stem the flow. Since girls average one period a month, this means they miss about 25% of the school year. Imagine the educational impact of this, consistently reducing their opportunities to excel in school and life because missing school means their grades suffer and they may not pass their exams to enter secondary school and college.

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    Beyond simply the educational implications of missing school because of menstrual cycles, the indignity of being able to properly care for your reproductive health can be devastating. For the ladies in the audience, you remember your first few years of menstruation. Having your period come at unexpected times and panicking because you didn’t have pads to deal with the flow. Going to the restroom only to discover you had flowed too much. Especially as a girl, wanting to keep your cycles private and feeling intense embarrassment about the whole process. Now imagine if most of your classmates knew when you were on your cycle because that week you missed school.

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    Recently, Koru-Kenya teamed up with The Panty Project, which launched a social media campaign in 2012/13 to raise funds and collect new donated panties for distribution in 4 local schools. 348 girls received 5 panties each through The Panty Project. Now, Koru is supporting the Project to continue.

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    In December 2013, 50 girls received 5 panties each at the Wema Centre, a partner organization which provides support to orphans and vulnerable children. We paired the distribution of panties (and sanitary pads provided by Wema Centre) with a 3-hour life skills session. It was only meant to last for 2 hours, but the girls enjoyed it so much, they delayed breaking for lunch and just kept talking! They learned about reproductive health, family planning, and how to care for and protect themselves. For many, this was the first time they ever spoke with a group of girls and a trained educator about these topics, and the experience was really freeing. They can’t wait to do it again!

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    And, in fact, we will hold another session, although with different girls. We have enough funding available for another distribution for 50 girls through Wema Centre. However, Koru would like to continue providing panties for vulnerable girls. If you would like to support these efforts, please visit our support section of the website which has directions for donating toward The Panty Project.

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    Help us continue to remove reproduction and reproductive health as a barrier for girls’ education in Kenya!

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    + Mikindani Community Currency Market Day +

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    The Kwa Ng'ombe Business Network held their 1st Market day on the 24th October 2015. Members came to sell and trade their goods at the event using Ng'ombeni-Pesa and over 50 people from the community who were allowed to purchase some of the community fund in Ng'ombeni-Pesa at a discount. The Kenyan Shillings generated by the event were distributed to the vendors and the community fund replenished. 7 new businesses registered at the event hosted at a local school, and the network continues to grow with the hope of reaching 200 members.

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    Halima Hassan from Ng’ombeni Pesa Business Network is shown to the left. She sells cooked food (chapatti, beans, potatoes and Bhajias). "I'm very happy to use Ng’ombeni pesa and today I sold the most within a short period of time compared to any other day." She says, “I am happy today because my potatoes are almost through, yet I have been here for less than one hour. I wish everyday was a market day so that non-members get the chance of buying with our community currency”.

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    + Motomoto and the Dream Catchers +

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    Koru-Kenya’s MotoMoto program has been paired with Wema Centre for the past few months, joining our Poi and Life Skills program with their E-Learning bus to create a unique opportunity for children who spend much of their time on the streets. The approximately 30 children served by the program 3 times a week gain vital knowledge about computers while learning basic reading, writing, and math, as well as gaining self esteem through Poi and life skills through peer education.

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    We wanted to share stories about some of these children and youth to give you a better picture of their lives, the challenges they face, and what we hope for them in the future.

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    Okello

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    Twelve-year old Okello lost both his parents when he was maybe 6 or 7 years old. No one told him how his parents died. He says, “They just got sick and died.” He went to live with his father’s brother after the death of his parents.

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    Unfortunately, his aunt disliked the expectation that she care for a child not of her blood or her family’s blood. This attitude toward children who are not blood relations is not uncommon in Kenya, especially in families with scarce resources. She refused to pay for Okello to attend school and instead made him work in the home during the day, including carrying his cousins’ lunches to them at school. Because of this, Okello stopped attending school in Class2, at around 8 years old.

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    Four months ago, after living like this for more than 4 years, Okello decided he was through being unloved and treated like a servant. He left Kisumu Manyatta for Mombasa, and has been living in the streets ever since. He sleeps in a place called Maboxini where a number of street children, or ‘survivors” as they prefer to be called, stay in a small community of shacks, tents, and trees. He makes small amounts of money from carting away trash for women who cook and sell food on the streets. He even washes dishes for them sometimes. When there isn’t enough money for food from these small jobs, he digs through the garbage bins outside the many hotels which Mombasa houses.

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    Okello has been attending MotoMoto regularly for the past few weeks, since Koru-Kenya started its partnership with Wema Centre. As his look of concentration might suggest, he has worked very hard to learn Poi and is now comfortable with the basics. He remains very enthusiastic to learn more, and we have high hopes he will progress with his fire dancing skills, gaining confidence, self-esteem, and hope for the future as he actualizes his potential, at least in this “small” way. Okello also remains eager to return to school and finish his education. “If I find a chance to go back to school, I will just go.” We also hope he can actualize his potential in this arena also as Koru and Wema Centre make referrals and search for support for Okello.

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    Husna

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    Husna is one of the youngest participants in the program, at just 6 years old. Pictured here on the far right, she’s eating with a few of the other small children who come to play on the computers from Wema Centre and eat food provided by MotoMoto. She’s not yet old enough for Poi or Life Skills, but we welcome her anyway, hoping her life may improve before she is old enough to take part in these activities.

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    Husna doesn’t sleep on the street. She is what’s known as being, “on the streets” rather than “in the streets.” She has a home of sorts, living with her mother. However, instead of going to school, she spends the day sitting with her mother by a Pharmacy, begging. She left school when her father separated from her mother. Like Okello’s aunt’s resistance to caring for him, father’s abandoning their children when they leave their wives is not uncommon here. Our project coordinator has spoken with Husna’s mother, urging her to enroll Husna in free primary education. However, her mother is reluctant to send Husna to school because she will get far less money from begging, perhaps not enough to support the family, without a child present to create sympathy. Unless the situation changes and her mother no longer relies on begging to feed her family, it’s unlikely Husna will ever return to school. When she reaches adolescents, if no other relatives come to help her, she may stay on the streets forever.

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    Patrick and Mwaniki

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    Patrick and Mwaniki are 21 and 22 years old respectively. Their stories are remarkably similar, representing an unfortunate trend for young Kenyan men.

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    Both boys have fairly high levels of education for street-living youth. Patrick completed Form 2 (comparable to his second year in High School), while Mwaniki actually has a secondary school certificate. Both of their parents are alive, still working their farms in the interior of Kenya. Patrick couldn’t finish secondary school because his family didn’t have enough money. He left rural life in Voi because his friends urged him to dream bigger than a simple family farm, sowing dream-seeds of high paying jobs in the city, dreams which led Patrick to Mombasa. Mwaniki left his home in Nyeri with similar dreams. He became a matatu conductor (taking money from passengers who use the minivan-based transportation system in Kenya). The police caught him driving without a license, rather than simply acting as a conductor, and he was jailed for 6 months. After his release, Mwaniki couldn’t find work and his landlord evicted him and seized his possessions. Now, both men live in slum housing, without running water, toilets, or electricity, bathing with buckets outside the shacks they share with other survivors and using public toilets. They make money hawking small goods on the streets for commissions. Patrick, who sells cutlery and other such goods, says they can earn about 250-300ksh ($3-4) a day from hawking.

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    Koru embraces the idea of helping such youths return to their rural homes, where life might be more stable for them. However, as Patrick explained, “Even if I go home, they won’t take me back to school. And, it’s shameful going to the city and coming back with nothing.” Dreams of success in the city permeate rural life and failure to attain these dreams brings unbearable shame, chasing away thoughts of going home. Instead, both boys are very enthusiastic about learning Poi. They hope to become competent enough to begin performing in some of the nice hotels and other venues in Mombasa. Although such performances are not the answer to their livelihood needs long-term, they may be able to provide some income in the short term. For the future, both boys are eager to join KEPSA—the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, a program which pays for the living expenses of youth while they pursue internships with different types of businesses. Koru will help them apply as soon as applications are accepted in April. Patrick hopes to get a plumbing internship placement, while Mwaniki, remembering his enjoyment of working on his minivan as a matatu conductor, would like to become a mechanic. KEPSA internships have a high rate of employment following the program.

    +

    The futures of these and the other children and youth who come to MotoMoto have both the potential for a better life and the potential for a great deal more hardship. Although we cannot tackle all of the challenges they face, we hope providing them with the opportunity to learn, gain self-esteem, talk about their struggles, and acquire then life skills to deal with them will bring more good into their lives than they might otherwise have experienced.

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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/motomoto-performing.html b/output/motomoto-performing.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f058654 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/motomoto-performing.html @@ -0,0 +1,196 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Motomoto Performing Arts + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Motomoto Performing Arts +

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    + +
    +

    We've started off the year with two new MotoMoto classes on Tuesday and Thursdays in Mombasa thanks to Burners without Borders. Each class consists of ten street living youth. We've begun giving them food after each session as a way of giving them focus.

    +

    One of the students is George Kamau . George dropped out of school in second grade because his parents could not pay his school fees. He hasn't been able to find work and has lost hope. He is now addicted to glue sniffing. We hope to see George making it all the way through the program and eventually off the streets.

    +

    For more information about the MotoMoto Circus program and how we work with street living youth in Kenya click here.

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    +here.
    +

    #motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi

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    #motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi

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    #motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi

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    #motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi

    +
    +#motomoto
    +

    #motomoto

    +
    +#performingarts
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    #performingarts

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    +#firedance
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    #firedance

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    +#burnerswithoutborders
    +

    #burnerswithoutborders

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    +#poi
    +

    #poi

    + +++ + + + + + + + + + + + +
    title:Motomoto Performing Arts
    author:Will Ruddick
    date:Nov 25, 2012
    slug:motomoto-performing
    summary:Martin Kimani is still spinning it up since 2009! The MotoMoto Circus programhas been working to reach street living youth through...
    +

    Martin Kimani is still spinning it up since 2009! The MotoMoto Circus programhas been working to reach street living youth through performing arts since 2009 when the project was given a kick start from Burners Without Borders.

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    This week we had our Wednesday training and showcase at Makadara Grounds in Mombasa. These kids are trying to change their habits, support eachother and get off drug addiction and the streets. Martin is our lead instructor and works with different groups of street kids multiple times a week. We are also hoping to start a prison program in 2013 to reach those youth that are in jail often being subjected to hard labor.

    +

    See past MotoMoto Videos here.

    +

    See past MotoMoto Videos here.

    +
    +here
    +

    Besides the great help we get from Burners without Borders. We are looking for help with donations of kevlar and old poi sets. If you are able to donate a roll of Kevlaror any other poi stuff that would be great!

    +

    Besides the great help we get from Burners without Borders. We are looking for help with donations of kevlar and old poi sets. If you are able to donate a roll of Kevlaror any other poi stuff that would be great!

    +
    +roll of Kevlaror
    +

    We are also looking for volunteers in 2013. If you can teach poi or want to learn poi - think about doing it in Kenya!

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    #motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi

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    #motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi

    +

    #motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi

    +

    #motomoto #performingarts #firedance #burnerswithoutborders #poi

    +
    +#motomoto
    +

    #motomoto

    +
    +#performingarts
    +

    #performingarts

    +
    +#firedance
    +

    #firedance

    +
    +#burnerswithoutborders
    +

    #burnerswithoutborders

    +
    +#poi
    +

    #poi

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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/municipal-bonds.html b/output/municipal-bonds.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fd3fb7f --- /dev/null +++ b/output/municipal-bonds.html @@ -0,0 +1,212 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Municipal Bonds and Community Currency + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Municipal Bonds and Community Currency +

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    + + +

    A Concept Paper based on observations during the FMDV inspired conference: Conference Resolutions Africa / Marrakesh 2014: Financing African Cities: agenda, alliances and solutions

    +
    +Conference Resolutions Africa / Marrakesh 2014: Financing African Cities: agenda, alliances and solutions
    +

    Why is this interesting?

    +

    Why is this interesting?

    +

    Why is this interesting?

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    +
      +
    • What if local governments could fund, incredibly underfunded, budgets through the support of the informal sector? Community Currencies could be the solution for sustainable local development and formalizing public and informal sector relationships.
      • +
    • What if the informal sector paid taxes using their own goods and services and could trust that the money would be well used? The inability to pay and undesirability of tax paying due to corruption and lack of local impact - especially in developing countries is something we must overcome to create a more equitable society. Community Currencies are a way for local areas to tap into underutilized trade capacity, hedge in their own local abundance and use it to promote local development.
      • +
    • We hope to see an example of such a Municipal Bond purchased in Community Currency this year in South Africa.
      • +
    +
    +

    Jo-Burg did it's first Green Bond in 2014 and more generally Climate Bonds do have a framework (albeit is quite new) "Climate bond, also known as green bond, are a relatively new asset class. Most Climate Bonds are asset-backed, or ringfenced, with investors being promised that all funds raised will only go to specified climate-related programs or assets, such as renewable energy plants or climate mitigation focused funding programs." Creating a new asset class for Municipal Bonds dealing with Community Currencies is touched on below. These bonds could also fit within a Social Impact or Development Impact Bond framework.

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    1. Definitions:
      2. +
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    1. Definitions:
      2. +
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      +

    1. Definitions:

      +
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      • Municipal Bonds (MBs) are debt securities issued by a state, municipality or county to finance capital expenditures. We will focus on Municipalities for this paper, but the topics could well be applicable to corporate and other bonds.
        • +
      • Community Currencies (CCs) for this purpose are debt securities backed by goods and services of local businesses (formal and informal within the community). This group of businesses is below called the Trading Network or Network. CCs in this case are given a value of 1:1 to the National Currency and may be issued on paper or electronically. This preludes many
        • +
      • Complimentary Currencies which are not locally issued or backed.
        • +
      • Community Currency Municipal Bonds (CCMBs) are bond that are eligible to be purchased in Community Currency.
        • +
      • Mixed Community Currency Municipal Bonds (MCCMBs) are bond that are eligible to be purchased using a mixture of National Currency and a Community Currency.
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      +
      +
      2. +
    +

    We will focus on CCMBs in this paper but the concepts can be readily expanded to MCCMBs.

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    The CCMB represents an investment made by a CC trading network. The network made up of local businesses is making a loan in CC to the Municipality. The Municipality will use this loan to fund expenditures such as environmental programs or the construction of highways, bridges or schools.

    +

    The investors in this case are a network of businesses trading using a Community Currency. The Bond is purchased by direct transfer of CC from the Network to the Municipality, and transfer of a Bond letter or promissory note to the Network (see MBCC below).

    +

    CCMBs specifications:

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    CCMBs specifications:

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    CCMBs specifications:

    +
    +
      +
    • Face Value, or Amount of the Bond, will depend on the size of the program, usability of the CC in the program, and size of the trading network. The suggestion is that much lower Face Values with faster turnover could be achieved using a CCMB.
      • +
    • Coupon, or interest on the Bond, could be as low as 0% depending on the municipalities perceived payoff and risk. Lower interest rates would be appropriate due to the lower relative value of the CC with respect to a National Currency loan. This should also be seen as a low risk investment by the trading network as the Bond's purpose ( community program outcomes ) should benefit them directly or indirectly. Interest should be payable in National Currency as the supply of the CC is generally limited.
      • +
    • Maturity Time of the Bond could be as low as one month and as high as one year. At the end of this period the bond matures and is payable back in either CC or a mixture of CC and National Currency – along with any interest accrued.
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    • Expiration Date of the Bond - is the date at which the Bond receipt (MBCC - see below) is no longer redeemable. This is to protect the Municipality from holding outstanding debts. Bond holders – the Business Network as a whole or each of the members individually, keep a receipt of their loan to the municipality and after it matures it can be redeemed at the municipality plus whatever interest has accrued. Definition:
      • +
    • Municipal Bond Community Currency (MBCC) - The Bond receipt or receipts may be resold and hence used as a Community or Complementary Currency. MBCC usage would temporarily increase the amount of CC in the community. The MBCC would have to look different (or be issued electronically) from the original CC – so that people would know to redeem it for National Currency at the Municipality. The MBCC is a promissory note or notes that are backed by the CCMB promise to repay in Rand or CC - and used as a currency in their own right. This could also be considered a type of Term Currency.
      • +
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      +
    1. CCMB program examples
      2. +
    +

    2a. Alien Vegetation Clearing in South Africa

    +

    The municipal council has a mandate to care for the environment but currently lacks sufficient funds - Funds are expected to come the following year.

    +

    The program for Alien Vegetation Clearing will cost 10,000 Rand – of which 5,000 is for salaries of day laborers and 5,000 is for transport, administration and material costs. The Municipality only has ,7,500 Rand for the program, hence needs an additional 2,500 Rand. The Muni. Decided that 50% of salaries could be paid for in CC and therefore issues a CCMB by way of printing a MBCC worth 2,500 CC (which is worth 2,500 Rand).

    +

    The Trading Network decided to purchase the CCMB using their community fund, which is a collection of the Networks contributions toward community betterment. The Municipality issues the CCMB using their own MBCC – either in the form of a single receipt or promissory note or many notes worth the total Face Value of the Bond and a clear interest rate, value, maturity and expiration date.

    +

    The Network holds the MBCC (promissory note to repay) but may also sell it or use it for other community work, such as setting up a monthly market.

    +

    The Municipality holds the CC notes worth 2,500 in National Currency and uses them to begin the program. Note that the workers in the program must agree to being paid partially in CC and partially in National Currency. Once paid in CC the program workers will use the CC for goods and services of the Network members.

    +

    Once the MBCCs maturity date has been reached and before the expiration date (allowing an ample gap between the two), any holder of a MBCC note may redeem it for National Currency from the Municipality in CC or National Currency plus any interest accrued and depending on the rules.

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      +

    • In the case where the community fund is not enough for the proposed Municipal Program, nor is there enough CC in circulation to purchase the CCMB.

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      • +

    • In the case where the community fund is not enough for the proposed Municipal Program, nor is there enough CC in circulation to purchase the CCMB.

      +
      • +

    • In the case where the community fund is not enough for the proposed Municipal Program, nor is there enough CC in circulation to purchase the CCMB.

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      +
        +
      • Then unallocated CCs could be purchased. Unallocated CCs are those that are printed but have not yet been issued or backed by the Network. It would be disastrous for these unallocated CCs to enter circulation without proper backing as it would undermine the local trust in CCs and cause inflation. In this case it is important that the CCs that enter circulation are later removed without causing harm to the Network through inflation.
        • +
      • In this case the National Currency returned to the holders of the MBCCs after maturity, should be exchanged for CC (which would then be destroyed or removed from circulation). In other words the MBCCs alone would not be able to redeem the National Currency. A MBCC holder would have to have an equivalent about of CC as well. This CC would be collected by the CC verifier and removed from circulation, at which point the MBCC holder would be able to redeem National Currency plus interest if any.
        • +
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      • +
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    A simple option would be for municipalities to offer a zero interest bond purely purchasable and redeemable in CC from the Community Fund of CC. With the incentive for the Network being that community service is taken care of in CC and the Municipality must also accept enough CC (through taxes or other purchases) to pay back the loan in CC.

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    #municipalbonds #bonds #communitycurrencies

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    #municipalbonds #bonds #communitycurrencies

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    +#municipalbonds
    +

    #municipalbonds

    +
    +#bonds
    +

    #bonds

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    +#communitycurrencies
    +

    #communitycurrencies

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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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    + Nairobi Bangla-Pesa Making Strides +

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    Two settlements in Nairobi are racing to create their own Bangla-Pesa exchange networks. Kawangware and Kangemi groups are already near the minimum of 100 business members to begin their programs. Last weekend two business owners from Bangladesh came to Nairobi to teach nearly 100 locals how they use Bangla-Pesa. There was a great discussion and a lot of hope that before the end of this year Nairobi will have their own program. This program is being partially supported by Nyendo-lernen and Chiemgauer (another complementary currency program) from Germany who have agreed to help these communities with their printing costs. We hope to have a demo in the next month to show off the efforts of these groups.

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    Because of the sucsses in Bangladesh in using Bangla-Pesa to help with school fees, the trading networks in Nairobi are spreading out of three schools in the area. Students from these schools are working on drawing four themes that will be on the community currency, Community, Environment, Education and Economy.

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    #nairobi #kawangware #bangla #gatina

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    #nairobi #kawangware #bangla #gatina

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    #nairobi #kawangware #bangla #gatina

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    +#nairobi
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    #nairobi

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    +#kawangware
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    #kawangware

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    +#bangla
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    #bangla

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    +#gatina
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    #gatina

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    + Nairobi Coordinator Inspiration +

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    For the first three months I started working as a volunteer. I am able to get in touch with different business individuals in all the three business networks that include Kangemi, Gatina and Lindi that are located in the urban slums. Through interacting with them I was able to understand how they operate their businesses, what they lack and what they don’t, learnt new business ideas. Among other things I discovered that through community currency, members in each business network increased the number of customers and also the number of sales that they made in a day.

    +
    +
      +
    • During the Market day events different business individuals meet at a specific point where they traded together and exchanged ideas on how to improve their businesses, that is a social impact.
      • +
    • Education has also been made easier since the students can be able to acquire their tuition without no hustles.
      • +
    • Transport has been made accessible since Bodaboda that are in the business networks have been able to transport goods/products from the suppliers to the retailers shop.
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    • Members in each business network never lack market for their commodities.
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    • Whenever I visit each business individual, I always attend to and try to solve their issues such as teaching them book keeping; the knowledge helps them improve ways on how they can operate their businesses.
      • +
    • Members have been able to come up with ideas such as Chama savings, table banking and are able to issue loans amongst themselves to expand their businesses.
      • +
    • Use of the community currency has enabled members to be able to save Kenya Shillings by using Sarafu-Credit (Community Currency.
      • +
    • There has been an increase in the number of users that is more business members joining the business networks increasing community currency circulation. We have more than 800 users in Nairobi.
      • +
    • Members of each community network have been able to form cluster groups that has made easier for them to hold meetings and do their weekly and monthly savings in Kenya shillings.
      • +
    • Members have been able to do or hold community events such as Voluntary Community clean ups that helps the community secure the clean environment, Sports is also involved.
      • +
    • Community currency has enabled families not to lack food on the table since they can purchase food using community currency.
      • +
    • Training of members has enabled others members using that knowledge to train other members who do not understand the concept behind community currency (trainer of trainers).
      • +
    • Community currency has enabled unity among members enabling them solve their own issues apart from using the cc, this has brought understanding amongst themselves that is healthy in a community thriving towards prospering economies. This means that when they come together great things happen.
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    + Nairobi's 1st Community Currency Anniversary +

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    +
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    + By Ruth Mwangi +
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    +

    Gatina-Pesa is the first group of 3 Community Currencies in Nairobi to Celebrate their 1st Anniversary on October 10th. With now over 120 small businesses that trade with each other on a daily basis, these members have begun a merry-go-round saving scheme that allows members to take up soft loans from within the network and refund within a period of 3 - 6 months. Such developments have deepened the trust within this community and encouraged members to become more active in trading using the Gatina-Pesa voucher.

    +

    The 1st Anniversary of the GBO has a great turn-up with a total of 6 Primary Schools in attendance. The local media, Mtaani Radio was also in attendance to cover the event. Guests and members enjoyed entertainment from schools and different local youth groups who presented skits and plays that portrayed the full trading cycle of the Community Currency. Towards the culmination of the event, members were involved in cake cutting to celebrate their first year of successful trade using the Gatina-Pesa.

    +

    Lindi Business Network (LBN) Growing Strong

    +

    Just two months since they had their launch, the Lindi Business Network (LBN) is rapidly growing. Last week, the LBN carried out its first Information Booth which saw 17 new businesses join the network and are already using the Lindi-Pesa. Pamela and Mama Beatrice are business women who operate within the Lindi area of Kibera. Pamela sells Fish while Mama Beatrice sells Tomatoes. These two business women trade with each other using Lindi-Pesa to supplement the National Currency. They also accept change in Lindi-Pesa when the National Currency is scarce. “When I want to buy fish worth Ksh.100 from Pamela, she accepts Ksh. 90 in the National Currency and 10 in the Lindi-Pesa voucher; the 10 Lindi-Pesa voucher I give her acts as a promise that when she comes to my shop to buy Tomatoes, I shall accept some of the payment in Lindi-Pesa. That way, we are both able to save the Kenyan Shillings and use them to cater for other household needs,” says Mama Beatrice.

    + +

    The use of Lindi-Pesa has enabled these women to exchange their goods and services, even when they lack enough money due to poverty and economic downturns. Pamela concludes by noting, “As a business woman in this community, I want to take charge of my family’s livelihood, I want afford my children’s school fees and still have enough to save so that I can expand my business.”

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    +#gatina
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    #gatina

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    + New Bills for a New Economy +

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    We attended a meeting on DOEN's New Economy program, where our newest version of community currency bills were unveiled in Amsterdam. The new bills are printed in Germany on special paper provided by STRO. They are the most secure and advanced bills we've ever used!

    +

    We attended a meeting on DOEN's New Economy program, where our newest version of community currency bills were unveiled in Amsterdam. The new bills are printed in Germany on special paper provided by STRO. They are the most secure and advanced bills we've ever used!

    +

    We attended a meeting on DOEN's New Economy program, where our newest version of community currency bills were unveiled in Amsterdam. The new bills are printed in Germany on special paper provided by STRO. They are the most secure and advanced bills we've ever used!

    +
    +DOEN's New Economy program STRO
    +

    These bills will go into circulation first in a rural area near Mombasa with up to 4000 farms, 10 schools and 30 local shops. They represent cooperative assets in the form of a maize mill as well as a community market place. The program is part of a Food Security measure.

    +

    We were also honored to visit TimeLab in Ghent this month and also give a talk to like-minded people throughout Belglum.

    +

    We were also honored to visit TimeLab in Ghent this month and also give a talk to like-minded people throughout Belglum.

    +
    +TimeLab
    +

    Other news: In the Kawangware slum this month, more than 100 Dollars worth of Community Currency circulated among three schools providing schools fees for over 400 students.

    +

    #sarafu #newbills #doen #stro

    +

    #sarafu #newbills #doen #stro

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    #sarafu #newbills #doen #stro

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    +#sarafu
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    #sarafu

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    +#newbills
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    #newbills

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    +#doen
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    #doen

    +
    +#stro
    +

    #stro

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    + New Business in Kawangware +

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    Since its implementation, 8 months ago, Gatina-Pesa in Nairobi's Kawangware slum has had various benefits to its members. Some of them have seen their number of customers increase while others have seen improvements in their daily sales. By spending their Kenyan Shillings and supplementing a small percentage of this with Gatina-Pesa, these members are able to trade with each other even when Kenyan Shillings are scarce - hence allowing more wealth to be created within the network.

    +

    To increase the circulation of this currency, the majority of the members have embraced the principle of reciprocity which makes them both suppliers and customers of each other.

    +

    Another impact is identified by a barber who is a member of the Gatina Business Organization (GBO), on the regularity of his customers. Members of the business network tend to use more Gatina-Pesa during harder economic times, such as mid-month.

    +

    Another impact is identified by a barber who is a member of the Gatina Business Organization (GBO), on the regularity of his customers. Members of the business network tend to use more Gatina-Pesa during harder economic times, such as mid-month.

    +

    Another impact is identified by a barber who is a member of the Gatina Business Organization (GBO), on the regularity of his customers. Members of the business network tend to use more Gatina-Pesa during harder economic times, such as mid-month.

    +

    Since its inception, the GBO has been running a common savings program that allows members to get involved in a merry-go-round (a traditional credit scheme widespread in Kenya). The members willing to participate were required to save at least Ksh. 200 ($2) every month. Having saved a considerable amount of money, these members recently decided to start a loaning program. So far, 6 members of the GBO have received loans between Ksh. 3000 ($30) and Ksh. 8000 ($80) therefore enabling them to either get into product/service diversification or increase their amount of stock. These loans need to be paid back within 3 months with an interest of 10% (which goes back to the group savings) and some of these members have already started repaying. The interest accrued will be kept in the GBO Bank Account in order to increase the loaning capacity of the organization for the next members willing to benefit from this program.

    +

    But these are not the only benefits of being part of the network, as Rose, a member of GBO tells us. Rose sells chips ‘french fries’ and is a mother of three. Rose has benefited purely from being part of the business network itself. When asked what she did before learning about the GBO, she said, “I was sitting in the house, not doing anything”.

    +

    A few months ago, one of her neighbors, a member of the organization invited her to attend one of their network meetings and it was then that she realized there were new opportunities. “When I joined the organization, I saw that I could do something; that I can do business. We sit with people, they tell you something to do… you see, you can change your life”, she narrates. With the advice from other members and a capital of Ksh. 1000 ($10) from the networks savings, she opened a little chips kiosk by the roadside. According to her, this business, “... is not bad but I just stay there because I want to get something for my children, to eat…you know how Kenya is expensive nowadays”. When asked where she learned how to manage her business (calculating the profit and knowing how much stock to buy) she said, “I learned from the network meetings. When I went there I saw I could do this and that and get money. So I started like that; I got the information from the network meetings”. Rose also received valuable business advice from other members including a shop owner whose business is located next to hers.

    +

    However, while Rose has benefited from being part of the network, she hasn’t yet benefited fully from using Gatina-Pesa, as she was not aware of all members near to her who used this currency therefore making trade using the Community Currency quite difficult. These are some of the challenges members of these networks may encounter from time to time. To solve these challenges, two solutions have been put in place: a Directory was created and an Information Booth was set-up in a strategic location within the Gatina area. Also a user guide and quiz have been developed to make sure members understand how to use the Community Currency.

    +

    Since some members located in the same area did not know each other, an aspect that prohibited them to trade with each other using Gatina-Pesa, the idea of having a directory was quite timely. The directory is a small booklet that is issued to each member of the network once they sign up. It consists of a list of all active members using and accepting Gatina-Pesa. Alongside the names of the members, the reader can find their goods and services, contacts and location. The directory therefore helps the members to know each other and facilitate the circulation of the Gatina-Pesa Community Currency. There has been positive feedback regarding the use of these directories as more and more members have begun trading with each other.

    +

    An Information Booth was also set up in a strategic location to raise awareness about Gatina-Pesa and to invite businesswomen and businessmen to become members of the network. New sign-ups were followed by a training workshop to help them understand how to use Gatina-Pesa. Setting up this Information Booth solved the problem of members being located too far from each other hence not being able to spend or receive Gatina-Pesa. The booth set-up in the Gatina area saw 30 new business owners trained and registered as members of the GBO. Monitoring of these new businesses has begun and so far positive feedback has been recorded as most members are already experiencing the benefits of trading with each other using Gatina-Pesa.

    +

    Gatina-Pesa is one of 5 Community Currency programs now in Kenya - as it becomes more and more integrated into it's community it is also networking ans sharing with the other networks across Kenya. As the network is strengthened and expanded, the benefits already identified for the members are likely to increase and spread to the entire community, as more wealth is created and trade within the slum the slum has increased.

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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/news-from.html b/output/news-from.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..087b271 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/news-from.html @@ -0,0 +1,138 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - News from Brazil + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + News from Brazil +

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    Every now and then we get news of great things happening in Brazil. Here is a wonderful blog that details some things happening there. http://www.reconomy.org/community-currencies-in-brazil-interview/ The team hopes to be going there in October, sharing and bringing back a lot of new ideas!

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    Every now and then we get news of great things happening in Brazil. Here is a wonderful blog that details some things happening there. http://www.reconomy.org/community-currencies-in-brazil-interview/ The team hopes to be going there in October, sharing and bringing back a lot of new ideas!

    +
    +http://www.reconomy.org/community-currencies-in-brazil-interview/
    +

    #brazil #communitycurrencies

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    +#brazil
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    #brazil

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    +#communitycurrencies
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    #communitycurrencies

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    + No Nonsense Bangla-Pesa Crew Getting Ready +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    The Bangla-Pesa crew is getting ready for our November 23rd re-launch. We have confirmed guests from parliament, the governors office, police, district and other local authorities as well as the Women's Rep. for the County.

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    Our agenda for the day includes:

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    Our agenda for the day includes:

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    Our agenda for the day includes:

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    • A match with the Bangla-Pesa volley ball team.
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    • Displays of various media on Bangla-Pesa including our newest animation.
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    • Speeches from honored guests, lawyers and community members
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    • An enactment drama of Bangla-Pesa past present and future.
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    • Program's Official re-Launch Ribbon Cutting
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    +
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    Look out for the Bangla-Pesa street sign. Emma Onyango will operating out of various shops in the community accepting registrations in the program.

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    +Bangla-Pesa was featured on Public Radio International today.
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    #bangla #complementarycurrencies #grassrootseconomicsnews

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    #bangla #complementarycurrencies #grassrootseconomicsnews

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    +#bangla
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    #bangla

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    +#complementarycurrencies
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    #complementarycurrencies

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    +#grassrootseconomicsnews
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    #grassrootseconomicsnews

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/refugee.html b/output/not-your.html similarity index 66% rename from output/refugee.html rename to output/not-your.html index e8bdcb9..ade2d82 100644 --- a/output/refugee.html +++ b/output/not-your.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - Refugee Economics in Kakuma Kenya + grassroots-pelican - Not Your Typical Vegetable Kiosk @@ -26,9 +26,6 @@ - - - @@ -81,43 +78,37 @@

    - Refugee Economics in Kakuma Kenya + Not Your Typical Vegetable Kiosk


    - refugee1 -

    Short description of FHE community based organization.

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    dear sir/madam

    -

    Greetings, I'm MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO a Congolese by nationality being recognized under UNHCR as a refugee in side kakuma refugee camp.

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    I'm the founder and CEO of FHE organization that mean Farming and Health Education, the organization include 31 members who are contributing their own efforts and ideas in order to push the FHE vision, mission and objectives. FHE is Community Based Organization that works in Kakuma refugee camp to address the dire of health, protection and psychological needs of the children their families and the communities, with one of our strategy focuses being strengthen the community based protection mechanism. Enabling communities to be done active in protection.

    -refugee2 -

    In addition FHE includes in its permaculture gardens and trainings, health testing and counseling training course, the pure COUNSELLING TRAINING COURSE, hygiene and sanitation training course component that seeks to improve the over all of adult education in kakuma refugee camp.

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    In this regard,we are conducting adult education or training vocational center and doing some awareness in the community with the aim being to engage individual discussion on adult education and other programs carried out by the FHE as well as to create self environment for the communities.

    -refugee3 -

    With our program objectives, a basic income of SARAFU curbs some of the gaps that are facing. Often our members fall into debt - but when members use Sarafu this helps even in membership monthly contribution, and our group can also offer training to the community for Sarafu. If enough of us refugees trade with each other we don't suffer from missing Kenyan Shillings and debts. I can decide to buy food for my family using Sarafu to fill the gap of missing Shillings - and I can accept the Sarafu back for my teaching or food from my garden - even when we have no SHILLINGS! We all work together as a community.

    -

    We kindly request for support from Red Cross and other Humanitarian organizations in helping us spread Sarafu training to the rest of Kakuma to improve and give hope to the refugee community.

    -

    best regards

    -

    F.H.E CEO MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO

    + +

    This is Julius Odhiambo.

    +

    He owns a vegetable kibanda and has been using Community Currency called Bangla-Pesa, which is part of the Sarafu-Credit network, outside Mombasa since 2013. Julius is happy with the Bangla-Pesa because he has increased his sales. “I only started with selling 3kgs of tomatoes alone but now I a whole crate of tomatoes in a day, sukuma wiki, cabbages, onions etc. And this is because I both use Bangla-Pesa and many people come to buy from my stall using Banla-pesa”, he says. When Julius realized that he was getting many customers, he decided to take a risk and increase his stock of tomatoes and other vegetables too since he was making good profit. “I have also become a supplier of vegetables in 5 of the restaurants around here because they top up their payments in Bangla-pesa which they receive from their customers,” he adds. Julius uses Bangla-Pesa Credit to buy his lunch and food for his family. He also buys water, charcoal and gets his shoes repaired using the Bangla-Pesa.

    +

    By enabling Julius and a network of businesses and schools to issue a circulating private credit (community currency) as a voucher for their goods and services the local economy's velocity of money increases, because it no longer depends on scarce and seasonal National Currency - but rather purely on productive capacity. A zero interest Sarafu-Credit line is issued to members of business networks based on their productive capacity as well as cooperative assets. In the Bangla-Pesa network the members co-own a local wholesale shop which provides collateral backing for the Bangla-Pesa, so that if Julius has too much Bangla-Pesa to use, he is guaranteed to be able to exchange it for the wholesale products and profits from the cooperative.

    +

    This system creates an interest free source of credit and market stability for the businesses of an community of over 20,000 people. Grassroots Economics is currently working with over 1,000 businesses in Kenya and hoping to spread access to these programs to marginalized communities across Kenya over the next few years.

    +

    #bangla #duka

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    +#bangla
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    #bangla

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    +#duka
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    #duka

    diff --git a/output/one-church.html b/output/one-church.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..56320ad --- /dev/null +++ b/output/one-church.html @@ -0,0 +1,143 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - One Church building a Value driven Economy + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + One Church building a Value driven Economy +

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    + By Ruth Njau +
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    Samson Dzeha Nyanje was born 1972. He is a pastor at Apostolic Ministry of Kenya and has been supporting his community since 1999 in Mkanyeni, Kwale at the age of 27 years.

    +

    Dzeha learned about CICs (locally called Sarafu) two years ago from Nadzua Mwero, a leader in a nearby Women’s Group. By introducing CICs his congregation has been able to continue offering tithing when they have no national currency and in return he has been able to purchase goods and services from his congregation to help the needy in his community get food. His first Sunday after introduction, Pastor Dzeha collected 250 CC and 100 ksh as offering, almost twice the typical offerings. Offerings have grown over time and he now has enough to support pastors under his supervision and get his basic needs met for his community. Since more people feel they have something to offer with CICs, the congregation has over doubled to 84 members, 35 adults and 49 children.

    + +

    The pastor is currently paying workers to renovate the church using CICs and he is also saving part of his CICs in a local group (chama). Dzeha also managed to get a loan from his savings groups both in CICs and Kenya shillings and he has been able to start a small cereal shop. Dzeha buys the cereals locally from other farmers and he is able to sell to his congregation after church.

    +

    The past

    +

    By redistributing CICs to those in need the church now feeds over 100 different families in a month using CICs. Dzeha also mentioned that before CICs, people used to eat only one meal a day and it was mostly beans (since majority are farmers and they plant beans and maize) however now they can afford to buy rice for their families using CIC.

    +

    Dezha states that “Sarafu has taught people the power of circular trade and sharing and they will never go back to how they were before always struggling to get cash. We will continue eating three meals a day since we learnt how to help each other rather than fight each other for money.”

    +

    He quotes “ If it were not for Sarafu, I would not be where I am. Sarafu has expanded my horizons. I am now a business owner and also offering services in my community using it. This was a dream back in 2018. I am able to save the national currency and I can now comfortably educate all my children” “Our church can now better support the community even when there are no Kenyan shillings due to poor markets and crisis.“

    + +

    Dzeha’s church is a pillar of support representing the majority of CIC trade in the community. In just the last month during the COVID crisis the church has:

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    • Received 97,303 CICs in 252 transactions from 181 people,
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    • Spent 126,638 CIC in 248 transactions to 42 people. This represents as much as 6000 individual meals in a community!
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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/panty-distribution.html b/output/panty-distribution.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..108dea1 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/panty-distribution.html @@ -0,0 +1,137 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Panty Distribution Success + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Panty Distribution Success +

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    +

    In May, we told you about an incredible synergy of Star Wars (http://www.501st.com/), Roller Derby (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/), and amazing, concerned, generous people that generated more than $1300 and 363 pairs of panties. Thanks to all of you who made this a reality!

    +

    In May, we told you about an incredible synergy of Star Wars (http://www.501st.com/), Roller Derby (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/), and amazing, concerned, generous people that generated more than $1300 and 363 pairs of panties. Thanks to all of you who made this a reality!

    +

    In May, we told you about an incredible synergy of Star Wars (http://www.501st.com/), Roller Derby (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/), and amazing, concerned, generous people that generated more than $1300 and 363 pairs of panties. Thanks to all of you who made this a reality!

    +
    +http://www.501st.com/ http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/
    +

    In June, we put that money and those panties to use. Given Koru-Kenya’s strong ties to Bangladesh, Kenya and the great need there, we were able to reach out to 363 girls in the informal settlement. It’s difficult to properly convey the challenges faced by these schools, their administration, teachers, and students. Two schools rest on a cliff side overlooking what remains of a gorgeous mangrove forest on a salt water creek. Unfortunately for them, erosion is a constant threat to the integrity of the school, which could be washed away by a strong rain.

    +

    Still the administration and teachers work hard to provide for the students. On both panty distribution days they heroically rounded up the excited girls and helped us to keep them calm as we distributed panties and sanitary towels. The girls were full of questions, their first coming from one brave young lady in the front of the class who determinedly raised her hand to ask about sanitary pads, “Can you please tell us how to use these?” This (with the help of a demonstration voluntarily and unexpectedly given by one of the older girls in the first two schools) and all the many other questions were answered during the course of the reproductive life skills sessions.

    +

    Remarkably, there were panties left over even after our target of 350 girls was surpassed (by 13 girls). We turned our attention to another vulnerable population with which Koru-Kenya works, street living children. Our life skills coordinator struggled to access these girls because street-living girls and women are especially vulnerable and cautious about interacting with strangers. Still, our life skills coordinator is well known in the area, and, when parents heard what we were offering, they did bring 18 of their daughters for a life skills session and panty distribution.

    +

    We also had a number of physical donations of panties which were too large for our beneficiaries. These panties were donated to the local health clinic in Bangladesh.

    +

    Education is a basic human right, for everyone. Menstruation is a basic body function, for girls.

    +

    We believe menstruation shouldn't threaten education for those who need it the most, disadvantaged girls facing an uphill battle against a patriarchal society that is changing, though slowly. The need is great and it remains. There were so many girls in Bangladesh alone that we could not reach. If this is something that moves you, please consider donating to continue removing this barrier to education, one girl at a time.

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/permaculture-school.html b/output/permaculture-school.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bf34bbe --- /dev/null +++ b/output/permaculture-school.html @@ -0,0 +1,128 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Permaculture School Farm Via Bangla-Pesa + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Permaculture School Farm Via Bangla-Pesa +

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    Two neighboring schools St. Peter's & Paul's and St. Angeline are being trained and equipped to design, build and maintain a community food garden and tree nursery for mangrove restoration using permaculture techniques. A group of local businesses (The Bangladesh Business Network) will support the program by helping to provide labor and purchasing produce from the garden using a community currency (Bangla-Pesa) that can also be used for paying school fees and for local goods and services. The sustainability of the program comes from its ownership by the schools and integration into a larger network of businesses, schools and parents using a community currency called Bangla-Pesa. One of the challenges of community currencies is that they depend on backing of local goods and services. If all vegetables come from outside the community this limits currency circulation. Hence developing a good garden is a great import replacing business that drastically reduces the transport needed for distribution. This Monday and Tuesday the community held a ground breaking ceremony and begun digging swales to prevent erosion. These swales will be filled with manure and grass and let to compost until school restarts in January - when roof water catchment will be installed and the garden will be sewn with nutritious vegetables. The community will also be reforesting a mangrove forest at the base of the schools. We hope this model of community school garden will be a great success and replicated in all our community currencies. We greatly appreciate all the support for this program from the Permaculture International Public Fund based in Australia.

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    + Post Election 'Syndrome' and New Economies +

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    Election violence broke out in areas across Kenya this year and was concentrate in the lowest income areas. There is still a lot of uncertainty and much of Kenya's economy is still in what people call Post Election Syndrome where the usual amounts of money coming into the slums isn't because larger markets have been disrupted.

    +

    Lydia Anyango reporting from Mombasa:

    +

    The streets of Mikindani and Bangladesh are almost empty. It is not usual to see these streets like this. They are normally flocked by people buying, selling and others just running up and down. This is what we call Post Election ‘Syndrome’. People have fled to upcountry for ‘safety’ while others are just indoors. It clear that the recent elections and current political situation has caused serious economic instability.

    +

    Khadija a woman selling vegetables is known by most people in the community. Regardless of the post election economy, she still opens her business very early in the morning. I ask her if she is not worried of getting into loss if her mboga doesn’t sell, “I am not worried and in fact I’ll sell it all before you know it. I don’t only depend Kenyan Shillings. Here we use Ng’ombeni-Pesa (NP) especially at a time when the economy is down like now,” she says. “Why should I worry when I can also use community currency to meet my daily needs?” She adds. Khadija wishes that the whole country embraces the use of alternative currency so that people won’t worry and would still meet their needs when the Kenyan Shillings goes down.

    +

    In Bangladesh, I come across this old man, Francis Muyula. He looks happy and you might wonder why, yet he if just a cobbler. I sought to know why. In Swahili Mr Muyula says, “Mimi sina hofu kwa sababu hata kama hakuna pesa ya Kenya, siwezi lala njaa kwa sababu mimi natumia Bangla-pesa kununua chakula”. (I am not worried even though I don’t have Kenyan shillings now because I have Bangla-Pesa (BP) so I cannot sleep hungry.) He says that his customers are from the Bangladesh slum community so they pay him with BP which he uses to buy food within the community.

    +

    Despite the situation rolling over the country, the economy of the Bangladesh community seems not to have received as strong blow.

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    The community in Mombasa have been trading using Sarafu Credit (SC) for almost four years and to them trade goes on as usual even when the Kenyan currency is low.

    +

    Daniel Mukosia reporting from Nairobi:

    +

    Rebba Nyarotso in Nairobi does bead work and tailors sweaters and scarfs. She started using Community Currency more than one and half years ago and is actively trading using Gatina-Pesa. She has increased her profits by gaining more sales and customers who are part of the business network.This has enabled her earn profits that made her expand her business. This year when the elections were held on the 26th of October, violence erupted in Kawangware areas (Stage 2,Congo, 56 mwisho) among others. The impact of this resulted in shutting down most of Nairobi's slum economies. If it had not been for the community currency users Rebba says she wouldn't have been able to buy food. Mama mboga were no where to be found and she made no sales,no transportation was easily available and if it was,then it was beyond her reach.

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    + Preliminary Research Results 2017 +

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    Grassroots Economics currently facilitates Community Currency programs for 1140 businesses across 5 communities which report both social and economic impacts. A new program currently started in Kwale country without impact data. Both community demographics as well as impact of the Community Currency programs were surveyed.

    +

    Social Impacts:

    +

    Environmental Services: 57% of members (684) report Community Currency being used for environmental programs (Such as trash collection and community gardens)

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    Willing to continue: 93% of members (1114) want the program to continue and increase the amount of Sarafu-Credit in the community.

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    Education: 23% of members report using Sarafu-Credit for school fees (276 students with increased education)

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    Trust: 77% of members say that trust in the community has increased.

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    Gifting: When asked “How much over the last month did you give (in money professional services and time) to support people or groups without expecting compensation?”

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    Non-using Groups averaged 191 KSH (equivalent) Monthly

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    Community Currency users averaged 855 KSH (equivalent) monthly.

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    347.48% Higher amounts of gifting for those using Community Currency

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    Economic Impacts:

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    Usage with Kenyan Shillings: Based on 505 businesses surveyed across 5 networks an average of 36.6% of sales are being accepted in Community

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    Currency:

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    Food Security: 6% increase in daily food purchases are being made by members using Community Currency

    +

    Job Creation: 17% of members report hiring new employees because of the program (206 jobs created). This is over a 100% increase from baseline.

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    Customers: 57% of members report increases to customers and 65% report increases to sales because of the program.

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    Member retention: Overall we have issued a zero-interest credit to 1700 members totaling roughly 7200 EUR and retained 1140 members (95%).

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    Community Currency usage over time.(Average daily amount of CC usage). We find the longer people are in the program the more Community Currency they are using.

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    #survey #sarafu

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    +#survey
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    #survey

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    +#sarafu
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    #sarafu

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    + Progress in South Africa +

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    One of our partner programs in South Africa was recently featured on the news.

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    "An exciting new era may be dawning for the Kokstad community as it promises to boost the economy and save money, not only­ for businesses, but also for the community. This phenomenon will be brought about with the proposed introduction of the K-rand, a currency exclusive to Kokstad. This was revealed at a presentation made by Fostering Local Well-being­ (Flow) ambassadors at the Kokstad community hall on Tuesday­. Kokstad has been selected as one of two towns for a national Treasury-funded pilot project being conducted in conjunction with University of Cape Town to test the idea, which is successful in other parts of the world."

    +

    Click here to read the full story: http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/East-Griqualand-Fever/Kokstad-cu...

    +
    +` http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/East-Griqualand-Fever/Kokstad-cu... <http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/East-Griqualand-Fever/Kokstad-currency-proposed-20150429>`_
    +

    Click here for the follow-up story after a visit from our team: http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/East-Griqualand-Fever/Community-...

    +
    +` http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/East-Griqualand-Fever/Community-... <http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/East-Griqualand-Fever/Community-currency-pioneer-talks-to-business-owners-20150521>`_
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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/kakuma-amina.html b/output/queen-of.html similarity index 70% rename from output/kakuma-amina.html rename to output/queen-of.html index 74d5759..8e6ea84 100644 --- a/output/kakuma-amina.html +++ b/output/queen-of.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - Kakuma Refugee Testimonial + grassroots-pelican - Queen of Katwe @@ -78,17 +78,16 @@

    - Kakuma Refugee Testimonial + Queen of Katwe


    -

    After after hearing about sarafu local leaders of a small community group started building a support network in their community. Nyota explains below how after living in the refugee camp for 10 years, Sarafu has helped her to maintain trade with her community and grow their collective farming even when there are no shillings available.

    -
    -

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    -kakuma-amina1 -

    Here the FHE group in Kakuma are meeting to talk about community farming and community inclusion currencies which they learned more about after a trip to Siaya Kenya..

    -kakuma-amina2 -

    Here the Kaukuma community leaders traveled to Siaya to learn about how Sarafu is used there and about community farming practices that Sarafu helps to make economically sustainable (circular economy). Communities teaching other communities how to use Community Currency is always the best way to share.

    -kakuma-amina3 -

    This is the beginning of a new community farm in Siaya where the Kakuma team was learning. The poster is showing the intention of the community farm and soil regenerative practices that are being used. Below is a testimonial of one of the farmers in Siaya that taught the Kakuma refugees to follow their example to build a strong local economy.

    - +

    If there is one movie this year that captures the life we see here in East Africa each day it is the Queen of Katwe. There is so much sadness and so much beauty and potential. We're so grateful that people can see the slums in this way and think about the chronic financial situation there. Sadly a huge number of people living in rural areas would rather move to the slums. The rural to urban migration is larger than it has ever been. According to UN Habitat: In our world, one in eight people live in slums. In total, around a billion people live in slum conditions today. This not only amounts to a rather unacceptable contemporary reality but to one whose numbers are continuously swelling. In less than 20 years those number could double!

    +

    How do community currencies help? If you watch Queen of Katwe you will notice that no bank is offering credit to people in the slums. Far less than 50% of the population has any access to banking. Over the last 20 years MFIs and banks have largely pulled out of such areas due to high default rates.

    +

    Community Currencies bring together networks of mainly women-run small businesses and empowers them to create their own rotating credit. These networks can create a buffer of credit that stays flowing int he community so that when the national currency leaves there is still the ability to trade. This simple concept drastically changes the local dynamic to support and grow local businesses. It means that thousands of people are walking around an area that are insensitized to buy from cooperative businesses run by the network.

    +

    Please consider making a donation or connecting us with people that can help spread these programs to places like Katwe.

    +

    Please consider making a donation or connecting us with people that can help spread these programs to places like Katwe.

    +
    +donation
    +
    diff --git a/output/recommoning--.html b/output/recommoning--.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a443770 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/recommoning--.html @@ -0,0 +1,193 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - ReCommoning - Chama Cycles for Governance & Debt Reboot + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + ReCommoning - Chama Cycles for Governance & Debt Reboot +

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    + +

    Traditional women’s groups (chama in Kiswahili) come together to save and give eachother loans. Interest or fees are added to users' savings then divided back out and debts are cleared at the end of each year, and the cycle begins again. They also elect a new board of directors so it reboots the debt and governance cycles.

    +

    We are learning together about this absolutely virtuous cycle of ReCommoning where communities learn from mistakes and bring themselves together around common goals and problems!

    +
    +We are learning together about this absolutely virtuous cycle of ReCommoning where communities learn from mistakes and bring themselves together around common goals and problems!
    +

    We are learning together about this absolutely virtuous cycle of ReCommoning where communities learn from mistakes and bring themselves together around common goals and problems!

    +
    +Currencies: What if a group created their own credit not with just national currency backing but with commitments of goods and services as well? What if they still put in at least 25% collateral behind that (instead of 100% as they do now) and bonded it to the credit – such that anyone could add to the collateral to create more credit – and anyone could liquidate their credit to pull out the collateral.
    +

    Currencies: What if a group created their own credit not with just national currency backing but with commitments of goods and services as well? What if they still put in at least 25% collateral behind that (instead of 100% as they do now) and bonded it to the credit – such that anyone could add to the collateral to create more credit – and anyone could liquidate their credit to pull out the collateral.

    +

    We call this sort of credit system a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) – or Sarafu ('currency' in Kiswahili as it is called in Kenya).

    +
    +We call this sort of credit system a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) – or Sarafu ('currency' in Kiswahili as it is called in Kenya).
    +

    We call this sort of credit system a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) – or Sarafu ('currency' in Kiswahili as it is called in Kenya).

    +

    So far no one has built explicit debt reboots into CICs (blockchain based smart contracts)– but they do have some intrinsic ability to be steered socially into cyclical motifs - just as traditional groups have been cooperativley steering their chamas.

    +
    +So far no one has built explicit debt reboots into CICs (blockchain based smart contracts)– but they do have some intrinsic ability to be steered socially into cyclical motifs - just as traditional groups have been cooperativley steering their chamas.
    +

    So far no one has built explicit debt reboots into CICs (blockchain based smart contracts)– but they do have some intrinsic ability to be steered socially into cyclical motifs - just as traditional groups have been cooperativley steering their chamas.

    +

    Based on action research done with community group participation this social function has been imagined to work something like this and will be tested over the next years:

    +
    +Setup: A community group or chama puts in $1000 USD worth of digital asset into a reserve – which I’ll often call a collateral fund. The same community also commits to accepting (aka redeeming) 4,000 tokens 1:1 with 1$ USD for their goods and services. With this contract solidified (on and off chain): they create 4000 CIC (called locally X1 chama tokens) and 2000 (50%) of those tokens go to the liquidity providers (who contributed reserve and commitments) and 2000 go to voted on community projects with designated account holders that pay for things like communal farming and elderly care.
    +

    Setup: A community group or chama puts in $1000 USD worth of digital asset into a reserve – which I’ll often call a collateral fund. The same community also commits to accepting (aka redeeming) 4,000 tokens 1:1 with 1$ USD for their goods and services. With this contract solidified (on and off chain): they create 4000 CIC (called locally X1 chama tokens) and 2000 (50%) of those tokens go to the liquidity providers (who contributed reserve and commitments) and 2000 go to voted on community projects with designated account holders that pay for things like communal farming and elderly care.

    +
    +Setup: A community group or chama puts in $1000 USD worth of digital asset into a reserve – which I’ll often call a collateral fund. The same community also commits to accepting (aka redeeming) 4,000 tokens 1:1 with 1$ USD for their goods and services. With this contract solidified (on and off chain): they create 4000 CIC (called locally X1 chama tokens) and 2000 (50%) of those tokens go to the liquidity providers (who contributed reserve and commitments) and 2000 go to voted on community projects with designated account holders that pay for things like communal farming and elderly care.
    +

    Setup: A community group or chama puts in $1000 USD worth of digital asset into a reserve – which I’ll often call a collateral fund. The same community also commits to accepting (aka redeeming) 4,000 tokens 1:1 with 1$ USD for their goods and services. With this contract solidified (on and off chain): they create 4000 CIC (called locally X1 chama tokens) and 2000 (50%) of those tokens go to the liquidity providers (who contributed reserve and commitments) and 2000 go to voted on community projects with designated account holders that pay for things like communal farming and elderly care.

    +
    +Setup: A community group or chama puts in $1000 USD worth of digital asset into a reserve – which I’ll often call a collateral fund. The same community also commits to accepting (aka redeeming) 4,000 tokens 1:1 with 1$ USD for their goods and services. With this contract solidified (on and off chain): they create 4000 CIC (called locally X1 chama tokens) and 2000 (50%) of those tokens go to the liquidity providers (who contributed reserve and commitments) and 2000 go to voted on community projects with designated account holders that pay for things like communal farming and elderly care.
    +

    Setup: A community group or chama puts in $1000 USD worth of digital asset into a reserve – which I’ll often call a collateral fund. The same community also commits to accepting (aka redeeming) 4,000 tokens 1:1 with 1$ USD for their goods and services. With this contract solidified (on and off chain): they create 4000 CIC (called locally X1 chama tokens) and 2000 (50%) of those tokens go to the liquidity providers (who contributed reserve and commitments) and 2000 go to voted on community projects with designated account holders that pay for things like communal farming and elderly care.

    +
    +Trade: The CIC issuers here (a group of women running local businesses) trade with eachother to buy from eachother, they can also cash out (liquidate) their CIC for Kenyan Shillings – this will lower the excahnge value each time. The issuers are responsible to accept back as much as they use/spend- (a.k.a keeping a zero or neutral trade balance).
    +

    Trade: The CIC issuers here (a group of women running local businesses) trade with eachother to buy from eachother, they can also cash out (liquidate) their CIC for Kenyan Shillings – this will lower the excahnge value each time. The issuers are responsible to accept back as much as they use/spend- (a.k.a keeping a zero or neutral trade balance).

    +

    Other community members not part of the creation process may choose to work or sell goods for the CICs. By the end of the year the community fund of the CIC should be depleted. That means people in the community have done work for the commons and been rewarded fairly for it - they can then use these tokens to buy from eachother or committed goods and services from the issuers or liquidate their tojkens to pull out collateral.

    +
    +Other community members not part of the creation process may choose to work or sell goods for the CICs. By the end of the year the community fund of the CIC should be depleted. That means people in the community have done work for the commons and been rewarded fairly for it - they can then use these tokens to buy from eachother or committed goods and services from the issuers or liquidate their tojkens to pull out collateral.
    +

    Other community members not part of the creation process may choose to work or sell goods for the CICs. By the end of the year the community fund of the CIC should be depleted. That means people in the community have done work for the commons and been rewarded fairly for it - they can then use these tokens to buy from eachother or committed goods and services from the issuers or liquidate their tojkens to pull out collateral.

    +

    .... And impotantly, now that the year is over the Chama needs to reCommon and clear debts and choose new community projects and governance. How can this bedone with a CIC?

    +
    +.... And impotantly, now that the year is over the Chama needs to reCommon and clear debts and choose new community projects and governance. How can this bedone with a CIC?
    +

    .... And impotantly, now that the year is over the Chama needs to reCommon and clear debts and choose new community projects and governance. How can this bedone with a CIC?

    +
    +.... And impotantly, now that the year is over the Chama needs to reCommon and clear debts and choose new community projects and governance. How can this bedone with a CIC?
    +

    .... And impotantly, now that the year is over the Chama needs to reCommon and clear debts and choose new community projects and governance. How can this bedone with a CIC?

    +
    +Cycle: Given the flexibility of smart contract protocols the chama can choose to reCommon the CIC by pooling their CIC back together and pulling out the reserve. They then put this reserve into a new CIC (called locally X2 chama tokens). Again say ~$1,000 dollars is in the X2 token chama reserve and they again commit to accepting $4,000 worth of goods and services for these tokens (pegging them to the national currency). Of these 4,000 X2 tokens that are created, 50% are again distributed to the contributing chama members and 50% is for this years community projects.
    +

    Cycle: Given the flexibility of smart contract protocols the chama can choose to reCommon the CIC by pooling their CIC back together and pulling out the reserve. They then put this reserve into a new CIC (called locally X2 chama tokens). Again say ~$1,000 dollars is in the X2 token chama reserve and they again commit to accepting $4,000 worth of goods and services for these tokens (pegging them to the national currency). Of these 4,000 X2 tokens that are created, 50% are again distributed to the contributing chama members and 50% is for this years community projects.

    +
    +Cycle: Given the flexibility of smart contract protocols the chama can choose to reCommon the CIC by pooling their CIC back together and pulling out the reserve. They then put this reserve into a new CIC (called locally X2 chama tokens). Again say ~$1,000 dollars is in the X2 token chama reserve and they again commit to accepting $4,000 worth of goods and services for these tokens (pegging them to the national currency). Of these 4,000 X2 tokens that are created, 50% are again distributed to the contributing chama members and 50% is for this years community projects.
    +

    Cycle: Given the flexibility of smart contract protocols the chama can choose to reCommon the CIC by pooling their CIC back together and pulling out the reserve. They then put this reserve into a new CIC (called locally X2 chama tokens). Again say ~$1,000 dollars is in the X2 token chama reserve and they again commit to accepting $4,000 worth of goods and services for these tokens (pegging them to the national currency). Of these 4,000 X2 tokens that are created, 50% are again distributed to the contributing chama members and 50% is for this years community projects.

    +

    This combined with the typical yearly chama cycle on debt and governance rebooting creates a virtuous reCommoning cycle.

    +
    +Issues: +* How are commitments and trade balance for the CIC issuers maintained? Since the system is on a public ledger the address of who has spent all their CIC but not accepted any back – is public knowledge. +* What about the X1 tokens that are not liquidated? What happens as X1 and X2 tokens co-exist? This is similar in a way to forking code. X1 and X2 though are by definition able to connect and trade with each other. X1 has the possibility to re-absorb the reserve behind X2 just as X2 has the ability to pull the reserve out of X1. This could form into a natural balance – such as with 2 villages near each other both creating Y1 and X1.
    +

    Since any chama can make another CIC out of an existing CIC (including their own). The eco-system of these currencies is extremely potent in its potential to create a patchwork of resilent decentralized economic systems.

    +

    Note that practically in our (USSD mobile phone based – no internet needed) wallet we encourage users to have auto-convert on- such that they choose their home token – which will be the one that any incoming CIC will be (auto) converted to. Hence users can at anytime choose which CIC they wish to be holding.

    +
    +Note that practically in our (USSD mobile phone based – no internet needed) wallet we encourage users to have auto-convert on- such that they choose their home token – which will be the one that any incoming CIC will be (auto) converted to. Hence users can at anytime choose which CIC they wish to be holding.
    +

    Note that practically in our (USSD mobile phone based – no internet needed) wallet we encourage users to have auto-convert on- such that they choose their home token – which will be the one that any incoming CIC will be (auto) converted to. Hence users can at anytime choose which CIC they wish to be holding.

    +

    This is such a rich field - I should also mention there is a HUGE variable space here on building Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) for voting systems, commitement contracts, CIC creation, cycles etc, as well as variations to the bonding curve equations.

    +
    +What do you think? +* On the idea of having micro-economies with connected corresponding micro-currencies created in this way, and having a natural life cycle? +* Is this truley a mutual credit among the creators? Can anyone choose to take part in it in the 1st or second or 3rd cycles? +* Is this a good, efficent, equitable, practial way to connect community currencies? +* What other reserves or baskets of reserves could communites hold for their CICs? +These are a few of the many questions we are trying to find out together. Join us.
    +

    Contact us: info(@)grassecon.org

    +

    Or visit us on Telegram: https://t.me/CICBlockchain

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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/red-cross.html b/output/red-cross.html deleted file mode 100644 index 6f6fec2..0000000 --- a/output/red-cross.html +++ /dev/null @@ -1,155 +0,0 @@ - - - - grassroots-pelican - Red Cross brings Community Currency to Kisauni - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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    - Red Cross brings Community Currency to Kisauni -

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    Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness raising and street theater began in January 2021. The following case studies are taken from the week of April 23rd 2021 and their successes continue to ripple out across the region. While Kisauni is only a small part of Kenya; through word-of-mouth over 50,000 households and small businesses in vulnerable areas have registered to be part of the Sarafu Network since 2020 and have traded roughly 3 Million USD of goods and services among each other using a blockchain ledger - on simple phones without the need for internet.

    -
    -Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness raising and street theater began in January 2021. The following case studies are taken from the week of April 23rd 2021 and their successes continue to ripple out across the region. While Kisauni is only a small part of Kenya; through word-of-mouth over 50,000 households and small businesses in vulnerable areas have registered to be part of the Sarafu Network since 2020 and have traded roughly 3 Million USD of goods and services among each other using a blockchain ledger - on simple phones without the need for internet.
    -

    Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness raising and street theater began in January 2021. The following case studies are taken from the week of April 23rd 2021 and their successes continue to ripple out across the region. While Kisauni is only a small part of Kenya; through word-of-mouth over 50,000 households and small businesses in vulnerable areas have registered to be part of the Sarafu Network since 2020 and have traded roughly 3 Million USD of goods and services among each other using a blockchain ledger - on simple phones without the need for internet.

    -
    -Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness raising and street theater began in January 2021. The following case studies are taken from the week of April 23rd 2021 and their successes continue to ripple out across the region. While Kisauni is only a small part of Kenya; through word-of-mouth over 50,000 households and small businesses in vulnerable areas have registered to be part of the Sarafu Network since 2020 and have traded roughly 3 Million USD of goods and services among each other using a blockchain ledger - on simple phones without the need for internet.
    -

    Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness raising and street theater began in January 2021. The following case studies are taken from the week of April 23rd 2021 and their successes continue to ripple out across the region. While Kisauni is only a small part of Kenya; through word-of-mouth over 50,000 households and small businesses in vulnerable areas have registered to be part of the Sarafu Network since 2020 and have traded roughly 3 Million USD of goods and services among each other using a blockchain ledger - on simple phones without the need for internet.

    -
    -By Emmanuel Mbui
    -

    Economic imbalance, insecurity, dependency and luck of money are the challenges experienced by most people in Kisauni. Thanks to Red Cross, partnering with Grassroots economics foundation for introducing CICs, Community Inclusion Currency (locally Sarafu or 'currency' in Kisawhili); a medium of exchange that builds trust and unites members of a community. Sarafu helps people pool the locally available resources and provides a fair space for exchange within the community.

    - -

    In Kenya, Mombasa County, Kisauni sub county, in Manyani village, we find Jackton Mwema (pictured above), a tailor in his community. Jackton spends most of his time mending other people clothes. By doing this, he is able to support his family from the little cash he gets. Like any other member in his community, Jackton is not an exception to economic trauma which is why he joined the Sarafu network. He is now linked to other members of Sarafu within the community who have other goods or services (Fresh water, vegetables, shops) to offer to one another.

    -

    Jackton at his place of work in Manyani village accepts payment in sarafu for the service that he provides, which he latter spends it to buy other goods and services from other members in the community.

    -

    Jackton is not the only one who benefits from Sarafu, in the same village of Manyani, we meet another beneficiary. Victoria Kylo. The owner of a small Duka (shop) in the village, she joined the network and accepts a small percentage of the payment in Sarafu. Victoria is in the same trading circle with Jackton and other members. Victoria uses her Sarafu to buy mboga(vegetables) and services like repairing her clothes from Jackton and to buy cold water from their neighbor.

    -

    The two have also manage to invite other people in by explaining how Sarafu works, giving a testimonial example through themselves. Now their trading group has four active members.

    -

    Due to Covid 19 Pandemic and its effects on the economy at large, most of the people have not been able to cater for their basic needs. The ones greatly affected being the vulnerable in the community. A ray of hope was brought upon these communities with the introduction of Community Inclusion Currencies which helps them get their basic needs and has also helped them in minimizing debt collection which was a great challenge to them. Here are some testimonials from different users in different locations.

    -
    -By Amina Godana
    -

    Mshomoroni Area in Mjambere Ward: Its an area where the local economy is not that sustainable this is because most of the young and able youths have engaged themselves in illegal activities such as theft and high level of insecurity in the area. This is due to financial trauma. This has however begun to change with the introduction of community inclusion currencies since anyone can accept and use Sarafu even when they do not have a business. He/she can offer services in the community and be paid with CIC and later spend on other business.

    -

    Here are some testimonials of users who have benefited with the usage of sarafu in the area.

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    - - - - - - - - - - - - - TERMS AND CONDITIONS -
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    - - - - \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/redcross-will.html b/output/redcross-will.html deleted file mode 100644 index 59ec6de..0000000 --- a/output/redcross-will.html +++ /dev/null @@ -1,194 +0,0 @@ - - - - grassroots-pelican - Red Cross brings Community Currency to Kisauni - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    -
    -
    -

    - Red Cross brings Community Currency to Kisauni -

    -
    -
    - -
    -

    Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness raising and street theater began in January 2021. The following case studies are taken from the week of April 23rd 2021 and their successes continue to ripple out across the region. While Kisauni is only a small part of Kenya; through word-of-mouth over 50,000 households and small businesses in vulnerable areas have registered to be part of the Sarafu Network since 2020 and have traded roughly 3 Million USD of goods and services among each other using a blockchain ledger - on simple phones without the need for internet.

    -
    -

    By Emmanuel Mbui

    -

    Economic imbalance, insecurity, dependency and luck of money are the challenges experienced by most people in Kisauni. Thanks to Red Cross, partnering with Grassroots economics foundation for introducing CICs, Community Inclusion Currency (locally Sarafu or 'currency' in Kisawhili); a medium of exchange that builds trust and unites members of a community. Sarafu helps people pool the locally available resources and provides a fair space for exchange within the community.

    -redcross-will1 -

    In Kenya, Mombasa County, Kisauni sub county, in Manyani village, we find Jackton Mwema (pictured above), a tailor in his community. Jackton spends most of his time mending other people clothes. By doing this, he is able to support his family from the little cash he gets. Like any other member in his community, Jackton is not an exception to economic trauma which is why he joined the Sarafu network. He is now linked to other members of Sarafu within the community who have other goods or services (Fresh water, vegetables, shops) to offer to one another. -Jackton at his place of work in Manyani village accepts payment in sarafu for the service that he provides, which he latter spends it to buy other goods and services from other members in the community.

    -

    Jackton is not the only one who benefits from Sarafu, in the same village of Manyani, we meet another beneficiary. Victoria Kylo. The owner of a small Duka (shop) in the village, she joined the network and accepts a small percentage of the payment in Sarafu. Victoria is in the same trading circle with Jackton and other members. Victoria uses her Sarafu to buy mboga(vegetables) and services like repairing her clothes from Jackton and to buy cold water from their neighbor.

    -

    The two have also manage to invite other people in by explaining how Sarafu works, giving a testimonial example through themselves. Now their trading group has four active members.

    -

    Due to Covid 19 Pandemic and its effects on the economy at large, most of the people have not been able to cater for their basic needs. The ones greatly affected being the vulnerable in the community. A ray of hope was brought upon these communities with the introduction of Community Inclusion Currencies which helps them get their basic needs and has also helped them in minimizing debt collection which was a great challenge to them. Here are some testimonials from different users in different locations.

    -
    -
    -

    By Amina Godana

    -

    Mshomoroni Area in Mjambere Ward: Its an area where the local economy is not that sustainable this is because most of the young and able youths have engaged themselves in illegal activities such as theft and high level of insecurity in the area. This is due to financial trauma. This has however begun to change with the introduction of community inclusion currencies since anyone can accept and use Sarafu even when they do not have a business. He/she can offer services in the community and be paid with CIC and later spend on other business.

    -

    Here are some testimonials of users who have benefited with the usage of sarafu in the area.

    -redcross-will2 -

    Mwanahamisi Kiti: A mother of three who sells Samaki (fish) by the road side is very grateful for the introduction of Sarafu to her business she says she can now get the daily needs this is because there is an increase in customers to her business and the sarafu she gets she can comfortably buy charcoal from Patricia Munyaka who is her immediate neighbor. (She also spends her sarafu to buy groceries from Irene Matoke and buy Utensils from Suleiman Mohammed.)

    -redcross-will3 -

    Patricia Munyaka (pictured above): She is the bread winner of her family has a small Makaa (charcoal) business which she says the sales have increased when she embraces the sarafu concept. She further explains how she has reduced debt holding in her business which was a major challenge to her but now she accepts sarafu instead of debts. This has greatly helped her business in terms of restocking. She uses her sarafu to buy fish from Mwanahamisi Kiti and also accepts sarafu from her and also buys groceries from Irene Matoke.

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    Irene Matoke (pictured above): She runs a grocery kiosk she was introduced to the system by Mwanahamisi Kiti who shared her success story with her. Upon hearing this she was excited and joined the network with no hesitations since she was a witness on how sarafu has helped her friend Mwanahamisi. She buys fish from Mwanahamisi and sells her grocery to her and also spends her sarafu to buy charcoal from Patricia.

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    Suleiman Mohammed (not pictured) where he sells Malimali (utensils and other stuff) he depends on that business to put food on the table he is delighted to be a member of sarafu since he can get his basic needs. He buys Fish from Mwanahamisi and she in turn buys utensils from him.

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    By Janet Otieno Akinyi

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    SARAFU CHANGING LIVES! Imagine being evicted from your house because of an accumulated rent arrears together with your 5 children. This is the sad story of Fatuma Mzee, a 35 year old residing in Mjambere, Kisauni, Mombasa Kenya of Sarafu.

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    "My husband lost his work in 2016 and that pushed us to the toughest experiences ever in our lives. We struggled through different casual works just to put up with the bills-rent, fees,food,water and electricity. Life became even harder when our landlord could not tolerate us anymore, who would put up with 6 months arrears anyway? We were evicted !

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    My family decided to look for a smaller house. It is then that we moved to Mjambere. I have been here for 7 months. I started my Juice, Ice and Ice Cubes business. Through Sarafu I was able to provide at least one meal a day for my family.

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    In mid February 2021, I was lucky and overjoyed to know about Sarafu as it was introduced to my community. Through Sarafu, I have been able to unite with my neighbors, I’ve gained trust with them and this has enabled me to form my network of trade. I can easily get my basic needs from my network and the sales in my business have also increased. I’m grateful to Sarafu and I’m looking forward to referring more people to Sarafu so that I can grow my network.” Fatuma narrated.

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    Among the users in Fatuma’s network are:
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    1. Ezline Chepkemboi: Ezline sells locally made detergents-jik,liquid soap and washing powders. Fatuma is no longer worried about her laundry since Ezline has her sorted. Ezline is also glad that she can get cold drinking water from Fatuma whenever the sun gets unbearably hot.
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    2. Celly Jerotich: who just joined Fatuma’s network is so excited about the concept. A widow and a mother to 2 adorable daughters runs her grocery shop just adjacent to Fatuma’s place. Fatuma therefore has her grocery needs sorted and Celly is also glad to be receiving juice and detergents from Ezline and Fatuma.
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    3. Rose Karimi: runs a small shop where she sells flour,rice,sugar,salt,cooking oil among other products. Talking to her about Sarafu,she was optimistic and happy that it was introduced to them. She stated that Sarafu has made it easier for them to get their basic needs. Karimi being in Fatuma’s network, is sure of getting products from other small vendors around her as she also allows them to buy from her in Sarafu.
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    4. Linet Saru: is a new addition to Fatuma’s network. A single mother of two narrated that Sarafu will help her cub poverty as she feels more empowered to grow her local economy through her network. Linet is a fish vendor and she’s glad to have joined Fatuma’s network since they will all gain from one another using Sarafu.
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    I find it amazing how community inclusion currency (Sarafu) can support and sustain the long-term resilience of the marginalized communities like Mjambere! The initiative delivered to Kisauni by Kenya Red Cross Society,Danish Red Cross and Grassroots Economics Foundation has impacted Kisauni residence in a positive way as it has not only strengthened and supported the vulnerable households but also created unity within the community.

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    By Joyce Kamau

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    Mjambere is a community within Kisauni sublocation whose population includes people from the grassroots. When the pandemic struck most people from the community were already struggling to put food on the table. This is an example of vulnerable communities which live from hand to mouth.

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    Most people from this community are small business people who own small shops, Grocery kiosk, fishermen, food vending, casuals etc. Due to lack of consistency flow on Kenya shillings, some people struggle to get sell their goods, find work or get basic needs and hence end up being in debts. Covid-19 pandemic has made lives incredibly difficult all over the world with dwellers of Mjambere in Kisauni being no exception.

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    Execution of Sarafu network by Grassroots economy in conjunction with Kenya Red Cross in Kisauni community for the first time has been well received- it being a tool for trading where Kenyan shillings is lacking/not enough. Through Monthly statistics,its evident that sarafu has been circulating among users in transacting goods and services which has so far is creating a healthy and sustainable community in the face of economic crisis.

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    Below are examples of success stories from a group of users who form a good trading loop amongst themselves;

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    Mathew Musyoka a resident of Mjambere community is a middle aged man who runs a Chemist .

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    With the surge of Covid 19, Musyoka has been willing to accept Sarafu for Surgical Masks from the community as a way of preventing the spread of Covid-19 and to help people save Ksh for other amenities. His daily limit on how much Sarafu he will accept for Masks is unlimited since he will still have some more stock even after selling some with KSH and made enough profit to enable him restock. This is his corporate social responsibility for his community. He also accepts Sarafu for over the counter medicines.

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    Mathew has also benefited by buying goods from other vendors like Esther Mutua who sells ground nuts and baked potatoes commonly knows as Viazi Karai.

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    Christine is a food vendor from Mathew’s network and whose son at one point got sick and She was able to get some OTC medicine from Mathew’s chemist. Christine on the other hand is supporting the community by accepting Sarafu for her chapati.

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    Abdallah’s family comprises of seven members and their source of income solely depends on daily sales from their family grocery kiosk. He is greatful with the introduction of community currency now that he can meet other basic needs for the family while using his trade networks among Christine and Mathew.

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    Zaiwabu Moraa a grocer lady located a few meters from Mathew’s chemist is also connected to this active network and has supported her network by accepting sarafu for groceries and fries.

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    Luvuno Kiti a fish monger is also been connecting with Zaiwabu trading fish to groceries using sarafu this two are immediate neighbors. She has been happy to accept 50 sarafu on a daily basis from other users and later spend to to buy groceries from Zaiwabu and Mahamri (triangle bread) from her other neighbor who operates a hotel.

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    These small businesses are good examples of how people build trust amongst themselves, help others in the community while using a form of local credit (Community Inclusion Currency) to grow their economy and meet their basic need. Community based currency traders from this village have been successful in meeting their daily needs as well as getting more customers .

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    - Self-Funded Regenerative Agriculture Kwale Site January Visit + Regenerative Agriculture - Field Visit Report


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    Based on the design found in the Kwale Sites the above poster was created by W.Ruddick

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    On 11th January 2021, I visited Miyani Demo Plot to monitor the progress made a month later after my visit in December. It had rained the previous day therefore crops looked healthy while the temperature was cool. For the past one month, maize had already been harvested and maize stalks used to mulch on the beds. Some vegetables such as capsicum/sweet pepper had been planted in the mid rows of the beds. In the nursery a variety of indigenous vegetables including amaranth and night shade were sprouting and will be ready for transplanting in a few weeks.

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    The garden is slowly transforming from a mono-crop of maize, to a food forest with fruit trees, cassava and moringa now over a meter high. Despite the long dry season having started a month ago, the garden still has a huge potential to continue producing vegetables for the community in the coming months.

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    However, a few challenges exist including pests and disease. Aphids have attacked okra in their thousands, while caterpillars have attacked kale. As I had earlier predicted, this was bound to happen during the first to second year before the whole ecosystem matures to be able to regulate its own pests and disease.

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    Topics Covered.

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    1. Planting succession.

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    I emphasized on the need for planting in succession. After harvesting of any crop, another crop should be planted immediately to maximize on space, sunlight and water.

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    Factors to consider when planting.

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    a). The height of the crop when mature.

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    b). The space that the crop occupies upon maturity.

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    c). The time the crop takes before it matures and is harvested.

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    Use of local, organic and indigenous seeds is encouraged. These seeds are adapted to the environment and are more resilient to pests, disease and drought. I encouraged the community to look for their indigenous seeds, multiply them and start a community seed bank.

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    2. Munlching

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    Mulching should be done on the beds and paths. Mulching helps in conserving moisture, keeping off weeds and helps in adding of soil organic matter when it decomposes. It should be done continously especially before planting.

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    Various plant matter can be used including grasses, weeds and crop residues. We used maize residues to completely mulch on the footpaths. This should continue at all times ensuring that every square centimetre of the soil is completely covered.

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    3. Organic Pest Control

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    1. We covered Integrated Pest Management which is a holistic method for solving pest and disease problems.
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    2. Using Biological methods by creating habitats for beneficial insects and organisms, growing diverse crops and planting repellents such as onions, lemon grass and chillies.
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    3. We also covered making plant biological pesticides using locally available plants such as chilli, garlic and neem. This needs to be applied sparingly as it also affects beneficial insects. It should only be used as the last solution.
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    4. Using mechanical methods such as handpicking caterpillars and using water pressure on aphids.
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    Next steps to take.

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    1. Increase plant species diversity.
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    2. Continue mulching on the paths and beds.
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    3. Plant more intensively on the beds occupy all the growing space.
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    4. Keep pest population low, continuously check on pest and disease on the crops and act immediately.
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    5. Plant a living hedge of biomass plants such as senna, moringa, pigeon peas, lemon grass and vetiver around the plot. This will not only act as a wild break but also a sun screen, pests barrier and source of biomass for mulching.
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    6. Carry out soil test to determine and document improvements made in soil organic matter.
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    The progress made is phenomenal and I believe with continuous support, this community will gain knowledge and skills in Syntropic Agroforestry, have access to nutritious food and act as change agents in the community and beyond by spreading Community Inclusion Currency as a self-funding mechanism .

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    The 17th of December 2020, I visited Syntropic Agroforestry demo plots with Wilfred Chibwara in Kwale which are utilizing community currency to support setup and maintenance and will be redeemed for food as harvest begin. Thanks to initial trainings by Roland van Reenen they have come a long way from when they started. Special thanks to Mwanaidi Ibrahim, Naduwa Mwero and Jacob Mwatumbi for all their hard work! Here are my observations and recommendations:

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    The 17th of December 2020, I visited Syntropic Agroforestry demo plots with Wilfred Chibwara in Kwale which are utilizing community currency to support setup and maintenance and will be redeemed for food as harvest begin. Thanks to initial trainings by Roland van Reenen they have come a long way from when they started. Special thanks to Mwanaidi Ibrahim, Naduwa Mwero and Jacob Mwatumbi for all their hard work! Here are my observations and recommendations:

    +

    The 17th of December 2020, I visited Syntropic Agroforestry demo plots with Wilfred Chibwara in Kwale which are utilizing community currency to support setup and maintenance and will be redeemed for food as harvest begin. Thanks to initial trainings by Roland van Reenen they have come a long way from when they started. Special thanks to Mwanaidi Ibrahim, Naduwa Mwero and Jacob Mwatumbi for all their hard work! Here are my observations and recommendations:

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    +Roland started Visit to Miyani Syntropic Agroforestry Farm.
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    In the first demo plot, besides the trees, bananas, and casava different crops were planted including maize, cucumber and okra. Currently, maize has matured and will be harvested soon! It is looking much better than nearby mono-cropped farms which we hope will soon adopt the technique. Cucumber and okra will also start producing in the coming weeks. A few more crops are now being planted including kale and capsicum but the planting is very sparse.

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    After maize is harvested, all the maize stalks should be used for mulching the beds. When harvesting maize ensure that the root mass of the maize remains intact in the soil. (Don't uproot it!). Only chop the upper part of the maize stalks and let the roots remain and decompose in the soil.

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    Another tall crop such as sunflower should be planted to replace the maize. Sunflower is drought resistant hence can survive with little water in the dry season. After 3 months, during the onset of the long rains in March/April. The sunflower will be ready to be harvested, seeds dried and used as food (roasted sunflower seeds or used as chicken feeds). Sunflower stalks can be chopped and dropped as mulch therefore enriching the soil.

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    Recommendations.

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    • Ensure that the soil is completely covered with thick mulch. This can be any type of plant matter be it grass, weeds and tree leaves. Cover the entire bed, on top and the sides. Secondly, mulch all the paths with logs and tree branches. Mulching will help preserve water in the soil and keep off weeds. Additionally, when the mulch decomposes it will add into the soil organic matter.
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    • Start planting a living hedge around the demo plots. This will act as a windbreak and a sunscreen to reduce the intensity of the sun. The plot is highly exposed to the elements and would result in slow growth of crops.
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    • Plant intensively and diverse crops in every space. Currently, only a few crops have been planted. These crops are also sparsely planted. This is not efficient use of space and water. Fill up all the empty spaces with different crops such as nitrogen fixers e.g cow peas (kunde) and pigeon peas (mbaazi), insect repellents such as dhania and lemon grass to keep away pests, flowering crops to attract pollinators and pest predators and increase the the number of biomass crops. These include vetiver grass, moringa, nappier grass and tithonia. This will ensure that there's continuous production of biomass which will be used to cover and build the soil.
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    It takes a while to get accustomed to how intensely one can plant when coming from the usual mono-crop farming - Kai Njeri

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    +Kai Njeri
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    In conclusion, the group has done a great job in starting up the projects. Seeing even this level of growth in a semi-arid environment that was classified as food-insecure is amazing. However, the groups will need support on the succession in the next round of crops and to continue monitoring. The motivation of the community given by accepting community currency will eventually be repaid with their ability to use it to purchase food from the farm. Motivation to continue maintaining the gardens is especially important during the first year of establishment. This is due to the fact that during the first year that's when most of the challenges crop up, such as pests and disease, crop failures and building of the soil.

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    +I look forward to supporting them through this journey!
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    Kind regards,

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    James Thiong'o

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    +Permaculture Design, Organic Farming and Regenerative Agriculture Consultant
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    + Registration and Exchange Visits +

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    Registration

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    Last week the Bangladesh Business Network was 'finally' given it's official registration papers with the Kenyan Government as a community based organization. This means they can now open a bank account and start collecting savings as a group based on their use of the Bangla-Pesa Community Currency. The atmosphere is very excited, as this also opens the business network up to promised assistance from the local government for training and infrastructure development. The BBN currently has 181 members (mostly self-employed women living in dire conditions) using roughly 10,000 Bangla-Pesa daily. The community of Bangladesh has opened the doors for many many other communities to take part.

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    Exchange Visit

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    A community group of 10 people from the town of Bungoma traveled over 20 hours by bus, all the way across Kenya, to reach Bangladesh. After they spent two days with us learning about the program and talking with community members there were extremely excited about setting up there own community currency. Take a look at our statistics to find out why.

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    This is one of dozens of groups around Kenya wanting to setup their own programs. So what is stopping them? The initial costs of printing bills with security features. With your help we can kick start these programs all over Kenya. Please consider supporting our campaign.

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    Meet Rose Ouma!

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    She’s a 49 year-old main provider for a household of 8, including 4 children. She was born in Suba, in Western Province of Kenya, but she moved from her home upcountry and now she lives in Ganahola, another one of the communities where we are hoping to spread complementary currencies.

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    Meet Rose Ouma!

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    She’s a 49 year-old main provider for a household of 8, including 4 children. She was born in Suba, in Western Province of Kenya, but she moved from her home upcountry and now she lives in Ganahola, another one of the communities where we are hoping to spread complementary currencies.

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    Meet Rose Ouma!

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    She’s a 49 year-old main provider for a household of 8, including 4 children. She was born in Suba, in Western Province of Kenya, but she moved from her home upcountry and now she lives in Ganahola, another one of the communities where we are hoping to spread complementary currencies.

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    Meet Rose Ouma!

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    She’s a 49 year-old main provider for a household of 8, including 4 children. She was born in Suba, in Western Province of Kenya, but she moved from her home upcountry and now she lives in Ganahola, another one of the communities where we are hoping to spread complementary currencies.

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    Meet Rose Ouma!

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    She’s a 49 year-old main provider for a household of 8, including 4 children. She was born in Suba, in Western Province of Kenya, but she moved from her home upcountry and now she lives in Ganahola, another one of the communities where we are hoping to spread complementary currencies.

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    Rose supports her large family selling “omena” which are small (about the size of a pen cap) dried fish which are a very popular source of protein and iron, often whole eaten deep fried or stewed. She sells one kilogram of omena for less than $2. On good days, she sells around $11 worth of omena. On bad days, she might only have one customer, selling only $2 worth of omena. On those days, Rose doesn’t earn enough money to pay for her families basic needs and some of her stock may rot or be eaten by her family, reducing her earning potential in the future.

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    It doesn’t have to be this way.

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    Rose’s friends and neighbors want to buy her omena. It’s a popular protein staple. But during bad economic times, their businesses also suffer and they too don’t have the money to buy food from her for their families.

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    A community currency changes this. It gives them a means of exchange, even when Kenyan shillings are scarce due to poverty, economic downturns, or months of high expenditure (i.e., when school fees are paid). So, Rose can use her community currency to buy food, water, and cooking fuel to keep her family going, while her friends use their vouchers to buy omen from her.

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    Right now, Rose is still at the mercy of her community’s economic vulnerability, struggling to provide for her family while living on the edge. You can help change that by giving to this campaignand bringing a community currency to Rose and Ganahola.

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    + Respect on the streets +

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    Friday, April 11th, Koru-Kenya hosted a dialogue on street harassment.

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    The original event was intended to be a rally, held on the 4th in alignment with International Anti-Street Harassment Week. Due to local unrest in the form of protests during that week, we changed both the venue and the form of the event to an indoor dialogue. Given this fluid beginning, perhaps we should have anticipated that this event would continue this pattern of emergence, surprising even Koru staff in the direction it took.

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    The order of the event was supposed to go something like this: Introduction  Street Harassment Defined  Myths and Facts  Global Statistics  What Can We Do About Harassment 

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    Although our dynamic presenters touched on all of these topics, the event became focused on the definition of street harassment and myths and facts, as these topics generated so much discussion and debate.

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    We had about 30 people in attendance, many of them street living children and youth and many of them male. Because of this, the definition of street harassment took on a much broader scope and generated unexpected debate. Although we had ladies in the audience talking about their experiences with more “traditional” forms of street harassment, being followed, whistled at, and otherwise hassled by men who are treating them like sex objects. The street boys talked about their own experiences with street harassment—how they are sometimes approached by men and women for sex, and about how they are chased away from public spaces and called names just for being homeless. Then, we even had a man (not from the street) share that another man had groped him in a matatu (bus). This led to the important point that street harassment is not just about men harassing women. It’s not even just about people sexualizing each other. It’s about a lack of respect.

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    From this, one person made the claim that people probably shouldn’t talk with strangers in public at all. This generated heated debate, as the street children argued that they depend on hawking goods to strangers (and begging) for a living which requires some interaction. In response, we handed out fliers detailing what should and shouldn't be said to people in public places. We also talked about how body language and intent transformed interaction into harassment. If someone wants to objectify you or otherwise verbally hurt or disrespect you, that is harassment. But, we also talked about how the victim defines harassment. If he or she is tired of being talked to in public, as so many women are, tired of being the center of attention, even well-meaning passer-bys can make that person feel harassed.

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    The overwhelming message generated from these discussions was the idea that we have to be careful with each other.

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    We need to respect each other and imagine what life is like on both sides of the coin. That street child shouting at you to buy something is a person. That young man greeting a woman on the street with a smile may not mean the smile to be a leer. But, women and men and children, everyone, has a right to for their presence and passage on the street to go unremarked upon, to be in public places without other people feeling free to comment on their person or their body or any other aspect of themselves.

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    The discussion concluded with presentations from the Mombasa Child Protection Officer and a representative from Wema Centre (who spoke about the International Day of the Street Child, which was the day following our event). These presentations reinforced the value and rights of street children, but also their responsibility to contribute to more respectful streets, as their presence is such a fundamental part of this public place.

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    Finally, we held a MotoMoto performance as a way of ending the event on a fun note, and two of our brightest students displayed their talents to a very appreciative crowd.

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    We still haven’t completely answered the question of how should we interact with each other in public places. There is still debate and questioning that must happen. But at least, for a little while, we had a forum for that discussion, which is so very rare in Kenya.

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    + Retreat and Renewal +

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    September marked the first official renewal event for Bangla-Pesa after more than 2+ years in circulation (Starting in May 2013). The event featured the neighboring community's Ng'ombeni-Pesa, several local politicians, the Chief's office, children's choir, several schools and members. New Bangla-Pesa was printed in Germany (with the support of Stichting DOEN), with a new expiration date of December 2016.

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    At the renewal event each active member could return up to 400 expired Bangla-Pesa to be exchanged Bangla-Pesa with new designs and dates. The sum of 400 minus the amount they exchange goes directly into the community fund, to award those members who were able to collect 400 before the event and top back up the community fund. Over 8,000 Bangla-Pesa was exchanged at the event and we expect much more over the next week. Also presented was a new user guide and a Business Directory for members of the network.

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    Also in September was our first formal retreat/workshop with three Community Currency Trading Networks in Nairobi. The workshop had 30 attendees from the committees and key members and stakeholders from networks in Kibera (Lindi-Pesa), Kangemi (Kangemi-Pesa) and Kawangware (Gatina-Pesa) including Nyendo-lernen a program focused on schools in the area. The retreat covered:

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    Also in September was our first formal retreat/workshop with three Community Currency Trading Networks in Nairobi. The workshop had 30 attendees from the committees and key members and stakeholders from networks in Kibera (Lindi-Pesa), Kangemi (Kangemi-Pesa) and Kawangware (Gatina-Pesa) including Nyendo-lernen a program focused on schools in the area. The retreat covered:

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    Also in September was our first formal retreat/workshop with three Community Currency Trading Networks in Nairobi. The workshop had 30 attendees from the committees and key members and stakeholders from networks in Kibera (Lindi-Pesa), Kangemi (Kangemi-Pesa) and Kawangware (Gatina-Pesa) including Nyendo-lernen a program focused on schools in the area. The retreat covered:

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    • The current situation of Complementary and Community Currencies world wide
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    • Strategies for new business creation including permaculture based school gardens.
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    • Challenges and Discussion around Community Currency usage
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    • Sharing and examples from members and school groups on how Community Currency is being used effectively.
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    • Study of the user guide, field guide and directories
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    • Roles and responsibilities of Business Network Committees
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    • Savings and Loan programs
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    • Planning until the end of the year.
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    Thanks for our guest speakers Guida Santos, Tristan Dissaux, Robin Gerbaux and Irmgard Wutte.

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    Finally we are happy to be in anticipation of our first school based food garden business model as part of the CC trading network. We hope this garden can feed more than 400 students and the community around them, and be something we can take to the over 20+ schools currently using Community Currency.

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    + Roller Derby + Star Wars = Panties +

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    Last Sunday marked the culmination of partnerships with an unexpected collection of people who came together to support the education and reproductive health of school-aged girls in Kenya. The Oklahoma City Outlaws Roller Derby team (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/), and the 501st Legion (http://www.501st.com/), a Star Wars fan club and charity/volunteer organization, can together for PANTY WARS.

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    Last Sunday marked the culmination of partnerships with an unexpected collection of people who came together to support the education and reproductive health of school-aged girls in Kenya. The Oklahoma City Outlaws Roller Derby team (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/), and the 501st Legion (http://www.501st.com/), a Star Wars fan club and charity/volunteer organization, can together for PANTY WARS.

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    Last Sunday marked the culmination of partnerships with an unexpected collection of people who came together to support the education and reproductive health of school-aged girls in Kenya. The Oklahoma City Outlaws Roller Derby team (http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/), and the 501st Legion (http://www.501st.com/), a Star Wars fan club and charity/volunteer organization, can together for PANTY WARS.

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    +http://www.okcbankedtrackrollerderby.com/ http://www.501st.com/
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    Panty Wars was a special roller derby bout dedicated to collecting panties and funds for school girls in Kenya. While many school girls receive sanitary pads through the Government of Kenya, poor and vulnerable girls frequently lack panties in which to place sanitary pads. As a result, they miss about a week of school each month during their periods (read more here link). Derby Girls and the Star Wars fans alike objected to this unnecessary barrier to girls’ education, and they decided to do something about it.

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    On the side of the Oklahoma City Outlaws, each fan who came to the bout with a package of panties received $2 off their ticket. Otherwise, $2 from every ticket was donated to the Panty Project. The owner of the skate rink also pledged to double the money raised. During halftime, a video produced by the team at Koru-Kenya and the Roller Girls described this challenge to the life chances of girls and young women to the audience could fully understand the cause.

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    The 501st joined these fundraising efforts months in advance, designing and marketing a collector’s patch featuring the cause and selling the patches online and at the bout. They brought a team of certified costumers playing roles form Darth Vader to Princess Leia with whom fans could interact and have pictures taken. They even brought an R2D2 unit, dressed in panties, who collected donations after the halftime video.

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    In total, the event brought in $1350 and 363 pairs of panties. More donations may follow, but right now, that’s another 350 girls provided with panties! Our expectations for this event were blown away, and we are incredibly touched by the enthusiasm of strangers for the struggles of Kenyan girls and young women.

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    In the next month, we will identify beneficiaries and local partners for sanitary pad provision, like Wema Centre, who has already been providing sanitary pads as we provide panties. And then the fun begins, as we hold reproductive health life skills trainings, providing both the knowledge and resources (pads and panties) for these girls to keep going to school, despite their menstrual cycles.

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    + Rural Community Currencies for Food Security +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    The Miyani area in Kenya has been identified by Red Cross and the World Food Program as food insecure for over 5 years. Red Cross along with WFP have been providing cash to the community and promoting agroforestry along with Green World Campaign. These programs have been wonderful but there has been little to no introduction of new businesses or jobs to really allow that cash to circulate in the community. Instead injections of cash into these areas quickly funnel back out of the area to do things like milling maize.

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    Grassroots Economics has another solution: Create local businesses in the area (like water distribution and maize milling) and issue a credit to the schools, small businesses and farmers in the area. Farmers will be issued a credit that can be used for school fees, milling their maize, sending their kids to day care, collecting water and so on. Backstopping this credit as collateral will be flour produced by a cooperative maize mill. Credit will flow in example from farmer to school fees. Schools will increase needed salaries for teachers who will buy maize flour. The maize mill will in turn use the credit to buy raw maize from the farmers and so on.

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    This creates a virtuous cycle of trade, education and food production in a community that is both food and cash starved. This is Grassroots Economics' first venture in Kenya outside the slums and we are tremendously excited about the potential. Since the majority of slum dwellers have migrated from rural areas due to such insecurity, the ability to tackle these issues holistically in both urban and rural economies will truly put our community currencies to the test and change how development is done.

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    Environmental Service Credits: In addition to creating a credit that moves through the community, profits from cooperatives businesses also support community currency as a reward for environmental services. in partnership with Green World Campaign we reward students that plant and tend to indegenious trees and also farming groups that promote water conservation and agroforesty. This creates not only a sustainable market economy also importantly a green one.

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    #communitycurrencies #foodsecurity #miyani

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    #communitycurrencies #foodsecurity #miyani

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    +#communitycurrencies
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    #communitycurrencies

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    +#foodsecurity
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    #foodsecurity

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    +#miyani
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    #miyani

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    + Rural Miyani-Pesa Launched +

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    Today we launched our first rural community currency! The event went well to initiate and train the first 20 members and set up a local market day.

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    Our first cooperative maize milling factory has been set up as backing for a rural community currency which will start circulation in the following months. The factory mills local maize and issues vouchers for its flour. The vouchers are issued for environmental service work managed by Green World Campaign and as a mutual-credit to hundreds of local businesses, farmers, schools and clinics. The community has also set up their first local weekly market as a hub for trade. We're really excited about this first rural community currency!

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    The initial capital and effort to get the maize mill going came from our sponsors and the local community. The community currency is backed by the inventory of the maize mill as a last resort as well as the goods and services of the farmers, shops and schools in the area. We expect a community currency in rural areas like Miyani to fully circulate on a weekly basis. This is slower than in Urban areas because the circulation is focused on weekly markets and less on daily spending. We expect significant increases in local employment in the next year as well as incomes. Program management and growth in program is supported by the maize milling operation. As sales grow, there is reinvestment into the mill and the sales will grow to neighboring communities. This is a tool for the Miyani community to build is resilience over the next decade.

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    Environmental Service Credits: In addition to creating a credit that moves through the community, profits from cooperative businesses also support community currency as a reward for environmental services. In partnership with Green World Campaign, we reward students who plant and tend to indigenous trees and also farming groups that promote water conservation and agroforesty. This creates not only a sustainable market economy, but also importantly a green one. Environmental services by Green World Campaign include agroforestry, environmental education and water catchment. Community members taking part in those services, like tree planting, can then use the vouchers in the community and the cycle continues.

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    #rural #maizebacked #miyani #communitycurrencies

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    #rural #maizebacked #miyani #communitycurrencies

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    #rural #maizebacked #miyani #communitycurrencies

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    +#rural
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    #rural

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    +#maizebacked
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    #maizebacked

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    +#miyani
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    #miyani

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    +#communitycurrencies
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    #communitycurrencies

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    + Rural Sarafu Network - CIC Impacts +

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    Rosemary Owino is a widow from Siaya village in Siaya County. She has wanted desperately to curb her own poverty and make ends meet for the 6 children that are under her care. She started a fish business where she buys fish, smokes or fries them and sells to the people in her community under a tree in their local market - but because Kenyan Shillings are so scarce there are few people to buy her fish.

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    She was able to join a women's group (chama) called Kwe Kende - A group that trades and supports each other using Sarafu (a Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) which is created and traded on a blockchain using simple feature phones with no internet). Through this chama, Rosemary has been able to find support within the network and she has been able to sell her fish in both Sarafu and Kenyan Shillings.

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    Rosemary cites that Sarafu has created possibility for sustainable living within her community. Through Sarafu, her fish sales have increased and she has been able to save the Kenyan Shillings that she then uses to pay her children's school fee. She has also been able to meet her needs through getting other goods like: flour, tomatoes, vegetables, water and charcoal among other goods from the Sarafu users in her network.

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    Rosemary is grateful to use Sarafu and says "It helps me practice the sharing our pastors preach in church". She is hopeful that through the use of Sarafu, her business will continue to thrive and be of great impact to the people in her community.

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    Overall the Sarafu Network of CIC users in Kenya is comprised primarily of 40,000 users in both urban and rural areas. Roughly 50% of the network is rural and has traded over 100Million Sarafu tokens this year (valued locally at roughly 1 Million USD of goods and services) between each other to offer basic support and trade goods and services. The majority of the trade is for contributions to chamas and church groups, food stuffs, farming and other labor. In October 2020 rural users traded over 8Million Sarafu among each other for food stuffs alone.

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    Overall the Sarafu Network of CIC users in Kenya is comprised primarily of 40,000 users in both urban and rural areas. Roughly 50% of the network is rural and has traded over 100Million Sarafu tokens this year (valued locally at roughly 1 Million USD of goods and services) between each other to offer basic support and trade goods and services. The majority of the trade is for contributions to chamas and church groups, food stuffs, farming and other labor. In October 2020 rural users traded over 8Million Sarafu among each other for food stuffs alone.

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    +Sarafu Network
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    The economic outlook in rural Kenya is not good right now; as less and less Kenyan Shillings reach rural areas markets have began to collapse. CICs like Sarafu help keep markets moving and communities together.

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    Special thanks to Emma Onyango - one of the founding members of Bangla-Pesa - who came out to Siaya to teach this Rosemary and her chama how they can support themselves with community currency.

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    + Rural Villages Coping with COVID-19 +

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    Communities can support each other and keep vital food systems and trade alive using a blockchain based vouchers system (Community Inclusion Currencies) accessible on any feature phone (no internet required). 12,000 Users have signed up across Kenya to help strengthen their local communities. Community groups (chamas) in Kenya are being supported by Red Cross and other donors like DOEN to convert their Sarafu to Kenyan Shillings. Aid can be provided with Sarafu directly to those who need it. Please call 0757628885 in Kenya to enroll or find out more.

    + +

    Tsuma Njirai is a cereal seller at Makobeni village has been selling cow peas and Green grams with Sarafu to the community. Since the government gave out the directive that people should not accept paper money she has been selling her cereals purely with Sarafu to help those without Kyenuan Shillings to access the commodity. She has drastically increased sales in her community by over 80%.

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    Jowa Omari has a barber shop in Vikolani village. He has been accepting Sarafu anytime someone comes to shave his head. Because of the pandemic, he is aware that most people are doing self quarantine hence he has decided to accept more Sarafu in his business of which he will later use the Sarafu to purchase goods from the same clients and also contribute to a community support group.

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    Omar Katana is a tailor from Katundani Village. She has been accepting Sarafu in her business for 50% of purchases but now that people are at home with no cash, she has agreed to take 100% Sarafu to help those who have no ksh to pay for the service offered. She also sells cloth material both in Ksh and Sarafu at the end of the month she contributes Sarafu to a local chama (savings group).

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    #foodsecurity #covid19 #coronavirus #rural

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    #foodsecurity #covid19 #coronavirus #rural

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    #foodsecurity #covid19 #coronavirus #rural

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    +#foodsecurity
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    #foodsecurity

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    +#covid19
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    #covid19

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    +#coronavirus
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    #coronavirus

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    +#rural
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    #rural

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/sarafu-cooperative.html b/output/sarafu-cooperative.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7a51700 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/sarafu-cooperative.html @@ -0,0 +1,131 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Sarafu Cooperative is born! + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Sarafu Cooperative is born! +

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    We are very happy to announce that today, for the first time in our organizational history, the community currency members of the Nairobi programs registered themselves as a cooperative: The Sarafu Cooperative.

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    We started these 3 groups back in 2015 in Kibera, Kangemi and Kawangware, and we are very proud to see that they have successfully come together to form a powerful cooperative which will preside over 2 wholesale markets and 3 community currency networks.

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    Today was their first official meeting and the handing over of their registration certificate. We look forward to continue to capacity build them and support them throughout this process. It is extremely exciting to see cooperatives utilizing community currencies for economic resilience, sustainability, marketing, regional development, food security and community cohesion!

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    + Sarafu-Credit Takes Shape +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    We began the year by looking at our successes and challenges with five Kenyan community currencies in 2015. Out of this came the Sarafu-Credit model which focuses heavily on credit-clearing. Grassroots Economics is doing a lot behind the scenes to prepare for rolling out Sarafu-Credit over 2016 and will be explaining the process more as it takes shape over the next few months.

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    Gatina-Pesa was the first community currency to pilot the new Sarafu-Credit credit-clearing meetings after their monthly market day. We're happy to be seeing a strong emphasis on balancing community currency accounts with increasing membership and acceptance.

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    Permaculture Gardens in the schools of Bangladesh's Bangla-Pesa program near Mombasa are starting to sprout. The students are learning about agroforestry, soil conservation and nutrition, and the local businesses are excited to have a source of local produce. We've just installed a rain water catchment system which will help in providing a more continuous water supply.

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    #permaculture #communitycurrencies

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    +#permaculture
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    #permaculture

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    +#communitycurrencies
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    #communitycurrencies

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    + Sarafu Network Kenya Mid-Year CIC Update +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    This year started off intense then became insane starting in April and through it all the Grassroots Economics team, community groups and partners managed to do some amazing work to pull communities together to support each other during crisis.

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    +` <http://dashboard.sarafu.network>`_
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    We've reached nearly 90Million worth (~900,000 USD) of Community Inclusion Currency trading between 30,0000 users in Kenya for basic needs in over 300,000 Transactions on a blockchain. When combined with aid distribution and donor support we have seen over $1 Million USD worth of trade on the Sarafu Network in Kenya in 74 different locations/villages. This growth has been via word of mouth - no advertising! Below you can see the break down of spending in different areas.

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    While most Sarafu users are in rural areas such as Kwale, there has been a huge focus by the Red Cross in piloting in Mukuru since April (an informall settlement in Nairobi) and the results there speak for themselves with over 60Million Sarafu (~600,000 USD) traded among people trying to support eachother during Covid times. The cost of these programs is a very small fraction (roughly a 17X multiplier) of the impacts we are seeking and as they become more and more self-sustainable through village created CICs we expect this multiplier to just keep increasing. It's amazing!

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    +While most Sarafu users are in rural areas such as Kwale, there has been a huge focus by the Red Cross in piloting in Mukuru since April (an informall settlement in Nairobi) and the results there speak for themselves with over 60Million Sarafu (~600,000 USD) traded among people trying to support eachother during Covid times. The cost of these programs is a very small fraction (roughly a 17X multiplier) of the impacts we are seeking and as they become more and more self-sustainable through village created CICs we expect this multiplier to just keep increasing. It's amazing! +What's Going on!
    +

    The Sarafu token (CIC) was meant to be a short term solution. We merged 11 Community Currencies last year into the Sarafu token in order to move to a different set of software with the goal of open up communities to create their own tokens by February this year.... but we got delayed in terms of software development. Then Covid hit and we started distributing more and more Sarafu to the many many more people who wanted to using it to form barter networks.

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    Right now we are working hard to enable these community groups shown above to create their own CIC. They will convert the Sarafu they have now and the reserve will go into their own tokens. See the training video to the left. We have a strong field and phone support team that is making this happen together with Kenya Red Cross.

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    Economies around the world are in a state of shock, and collapse. Already fragile communities are really suffering already. Thank goodness there was a good harvest in Kenya this season - but it won't last long. We hope these tools will provide a public infrastructure that helps communities weather this crisis and thrive but the work needs a lot of support.

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    +What's Next? +* We are making steps from Proof of Concept to supporting communities across Kenya and continuing to develop open source tools for communities around the world. +* As the groups collect their Sarafu this month and next inorder to create their own CICs we expect Sarafu trade to drop then multiple CIC trade to start in September/October. Excited to see the Sarafu token converted / liquidated and its reserve used as the seed (collateral pool) for over 40 CICs by the end of this year. +* On the tech side we are extremely excited about bloxberg.org and looking at bridging all kinds of potential reserve tokens like XCHF. +bloxberg.org XCHF * Expanding on and helping the greater world in understanding the basic Potluck model of CIC creation as it is used in Kenyan villages and potentially far beyond. +Potluck What we need! +* Programmers! See our GitLab. (also some good links there for training materials) +GitLab * Research and data analysis to understand more about how CICs are being used and how they can be used / created better. +* Simulation and Modeling for these systems in different areas. +Modeling * Community, faith based and business networks that want to create sustainable supply chains and food security. +* Funding! We are only able to build these systems if we can support our team. +* Direct Community Support - You, Donors and Impact investors can give directly to people in dire need either through CICs or via Mpesa right to their telephone in Kenya. +* Contact us to get more involved! +Contact us to get more involved! * Visit us on Telegram for discussions +Visit us on Telegram
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    + School Fees with Bangla-Pesa +

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    July has seen the Bangla-Pesa program surpass 200 accepting businesses and the introduction of three primary schools into the mutual-credit exchange. Teachers and headmasters have been guaranteed by other members and registered as part of the trading network. Parents can pay for part of their various school fees with Bangla-Pesa which helps increase the salaries of underpaid teachers. Teachers then use the Bangla-Pesa in the community for goods and services of other participating businesses. Bangla-Pesa circulates in the community and eventually ends up back in the hand of parents who can use it for schools fees again.

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    This way parents can pay for part of their childrens' education with their own goods and services, especially when they are lacking in Kenyan Shillings. Generally schools allow parents to bring in as a little as 5 Bangla-Pesa per day to assist in lacking fees. School fees represent one of the largest uses of money for people in the community, so their acceptance of Bangla-Pesa is a strong boost for the local economy by allowing trade (in this case the purchase of education) to happen even when times are bad. Often parents aren't able to pay fees and their children get chased away from school or end up with a lot of debt. Bangla-Pesa allows parents to pay a small amount of Bangla-Pesa a day to make up for what they are lacking. The teachers are getting more than they were before, and chasing away less kids. A few more recent photos can be found here of a carpenter, building materials, salon and many more.

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    #schoolfees #bangla

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    +#schoolfees
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    #schoolfees

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    +#bangla
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    #bangla

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    - Grassroots Economics has a New Director: Shaila Agha -

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    When I was 9 years old, my mother came home one day with a monopoly board game. It was the beginning of the March holidays and she wanted to provide us with an alternative activity to watching cartoons. Every day after that, my brother and I would insistently play game after game; holding on to our colourful money as if our future depended on it. Like all children, we eventually lost interest in the game. However, the colorful currency notes then became our most valuable asset. We used it as a means of exchange to incentivize each other to do each other's chores, as a rental fee to play with shared toys and even for buying candy off each other. We lived in the middle of rural Kenya, with almost no neighbours or shops, we therefore had no access to national currency. We clearly understood however, that currency (even play money) is merely a medium of exchange; with its value being determined by the users; namely us.

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    Sarafu the pioneering Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) in Kenya, is not so different from the monopoly money my sibling and I used all those years ago. Vulnerable households and communities have no access to credit due to a cycle of poverty that has systematically excluded them from the economy. “Hand a man a fish, he eats for the day, teach him to fish, and he can eat for a lifetime” CIC aims to include the untapped markets who desperately need goods and services yet lack the capacity to pay for them. By including them in the economy, not only do they become empowered, they are given an opportunity to actively participate in value creation and change their lives. The work of Grassroots Economics has not gotten the attention it deserves from national and regional governments as well as partners in finance and technology spaces. I seek to put an end to that and make sure that field tested best practices and open source technology spread wide and far to heal our society and planet.

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    When I was studying Fintech disruptions in traditional finance systems at Oxford, I decided to start my course by asking the question, ‘How does money affect social order and why is money necessary at all’. CICs are seen as radical reforms to broken systems, they are however, a proven working alternative that is demonstrating a major impact on the power distribution in the local economy. I am eager to measure the impact and get firsthand grassroot evidence on its successes and failures. With a long term multiplier effect of more than 21 times traditional donor aid assistance, this intervention seems to do what donor aid has failed to in the past, create self sufficiency and self reliance. Most importantly we need all hands on deck focused on education and regenerative agriculture programs across the planet and we need a financial system to finance this, create sustainable economies and fair distribution of our common resources.

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    In 2015, I attended a KIICO conference on trade and development. My angle, to understand the Kenyan economy and the government policies in place to promote technology in Finance. I carried a journal with me, a notepad that I scribbled names in that I should research later. Grassroots Economics was on that list, along with other NGOs and organizations that were on a difficult mission to create a circular economy. In 2020, after five years of working in the humanitarian space, I met Will Ruddick, adamant on wealth redistribution and regenerative economics and began advising the organization.

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    It is an honor to work as a Director along with Will and the Grassroots Economics team in their endeavor to rebalance the inequalities existing in our current economy and empower those who are most in need. To tackle today’s challenges, we need not only new solutions, but new methods at arriving at solutions. Data and data science will be at the forefront at meeting these challenges and to social innovation, humanitarian aid and international development.

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    Shaila is an ocean loving global citizen trained in disruptive Financial systems, she has a keen interest in transformative agriculture and conservation. Her love for science and children led her to create a beginner science lab kit that she aims to launch in primary schools countrywide alongside an activity booklet called “The science of life”. She has held various roles in International organizations and private organizations from business development to analyst roles, all of which revolved around developing alternative financial systems and sustainability. You can find out more information about her here .

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    + Shrimp Fishing Builds an Economy +

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    Resilient circular economies start with connecting productive capacity to local resources.

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    Local fishermen pay for their children’s school fees by selling their shrimp to a cooperative with a freezer for storage. Women buy the shrimp from the cooperative to feed their families and to sell to local schools for lunch.

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    What if this flow of resources didn't depend on access to scares Kenyan Shillings? What if people could establish a mutual credit that would continue to stay in the community even in the worst market conditions, political crisis, natural disasters?

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    Communities in rural areas near Mombasa are doing just that. They join a network of local businesses and receive a free credit of 400 Tokens (soft-peg to National currency). Once various loops of trade (like above fishing->storage->cooking->school fees->fishing) are decoupled from scare or volatile Kenyan Shillings we are seeing a lot more is possible in developing local resilient economies. The ability for community members to support one another in times of need begins to grow - reaching back to a time before the introduction National Currencies when community members would take turns working on each others fields and fixing each others houses.

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    +Communities in rural areas near Mombasa are doing just that. They join a network of local businesses and receive a free credit of 400 Tokens (soft-peg to National currency). Once various loops of trade (like above fishing->storage->cooking->school fees->fishing) are decoupled from scare or volatile Kenyan Shillings we are seeing a lot more is possible in developing local resilient economies. The ability for community members to support one another in times of need begins to grow - reaching back to a time before the introduction National Currencies when community members would take turns working on each others fields and fixing each others houses.
    +

    Communities in rural areas near Mombasa are doing just that. They join a network of local businesses and receive a free credit of 400 Tokens (soft-peg to National currency). Once various loops of trade (like above fishing->storage->cooking->school fees->fishing) are decoupled from scare or volatile Kenyan Shillings we are seeing a lot more is possible in developing local resilient economies. The ability for community members to support one another in times of need begins to grow - reaching back to a time before the introduction National Currencies when community members would take turns working on each others fields and fixing each others houses.

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    What is perhaps most exciting right now is the usage of Community Currencies in Savings and Lending groups ... coming soon.

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    #fishing #economics #Miyani #Mombasa

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    #fishing #economics #Miyani #Mombasa

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    #fishing #economics #Miyani #Mombasa

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    +#fishing
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    #fishing

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    +#economics
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    #economics

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    +#Miyani
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    #Miyani

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    +#Mombasa
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    #Mombasa

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    + Skylife School and Community Currency +

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    Grassroots Economics works with communities across Kenya to develop systems that allow parents to pay for their children's education using their goods and services and when money is scarce. Community group develop cooperative businesses, who's vouchers act as a medium of exchange in the community. These vouchers (which we call Community Currency) provide for stable trade even when national currency drains out of the region due to slow months (external market volatility). Parents can get a small school credit by accepting Community Currency in their business. Parents and students can also take part in community service work, like tree planting and elderly care for Community Currency.

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    The Skylife school is located in Gatina 56 Kawangware, Nairobi. It is one the most active schools in the Gatina network. The head teacher Mrs. Susan Lukobo is one of the most active members since the community currency commenced in Gatina the year 2014. The school has employed 9 teaching staff members and one being a non-teaching staff, with more than 300 students attending. The school being an active user of community currency has enabled students to acquire education without hustles. Children with different backgrounds and up-bringing from the surrounding area have been able to increase their attendance. Using community currency for their tuition fees has made it possible for them to acquire more knowledge and skills.

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    Once the school accepts it, community currency is used for paying teachers as part of their monthly salaries in advance and the teachers, in exchange, use it to purchase goods and services from hundreds of other members registered or operating within the business network. Members of the network (GBO) who have children attending schools like Skylife have had an opportunity and an added advantage to involve their children in the education program by using community currency to pay school fees.

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    It has increased the number of students in schools compared to the previous year by over 20%. Children with disabilities have also been in a position to have equal chances compared to the normal students taking studies in the same school. Community currency has promoted education in the existing communities around Gatina Kawangware and this in turn has increased trade in the community.

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    + Smep Oiko-Credit Loans in Kangemi +

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    + By Ruth Mwangi +
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    SMEP a local OIKO-Credit partner is offering Loans and Training to Community Currency users in Kangemi and Kawangware. They have started with a group of women centered around the headmistress Veronica of Love School in the Congo Area of Kawangware, Nairobi. These women run a soap business called the Love Soap group which consists of 15 women. They are being trained and guided by Audrey from SMEP, on how to apply for loans to expand their business. The entire network using Community Currency is keen on following suit with their own businesses.

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    Yesterday there were about 30 members from two different community currency trading groups (Gatina-Pesa and Kangemi-Pesa) present at the 1st major Loan financing meeting. The meeting generally went very well. Audrey, from SMEP, explained how the group loans work and members got to ask questions concerning the payback period as well as interest rates. Audrey took contacts of the already registered Groups/Chamas within the networks and shall be contacting them soon; an action that has made the rest of the business members want to get into groups as well - a good challenge.

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    The kind of package SMEP is offering is indeed a group loan but being issued to an individual. The group therefore acts as a guarantor/backer for the loan. SMEP also has packages that issue loans to entire groups rather than individuals but these are usually bigger loans meant for larger projects such as purchasing land and buildings.

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    In other news - Francis Wanjala reports: the Gatina Business Organization (GBO) has issued loans to 5 members using Community Currency (Gatina-Pesa) of roughly 30k. In their previous meeting the members started paying back the loans and the GBO has so far received Ksh.9500 in repayment, which is quite exciting. These members reported that the money has helped to boost stock.

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    +#kangemi
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    #kangemi

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    + Strong Communities - Strong Currencies +

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    I had the pleasure to visit Kwe Kende in Nyalgunga, Siaya County one of the strongest groups (chamas) in the Sarafu Network across Kenya, and discuss some key points on how they are going on with Community Inclusion Currency as individuals and also as a chama.

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    In the afternoon we had a market session where members were able to sell and buy their goods in both Sarafu and Kenyan Shillings. This was my favorite part of the visit. Users had different commodities like: tomatoes,vegetables, bananas, fish, greengrams, millet, firewood, sugarcane, beans, onions, chapatis, ropes, brooms, among others. Most of these goods are locally available. and most users went back home with food and also had sales which allowed them to save some Kenyan Shillings. They were happy and satisfied.

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    "Sarafu has really helped me, I look forward to chama days because I know that I'll get all the basic needs that I need without struggling. I'm also sure of selling my mboga and save some coins," said Mary Nyallum.

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    On Tuesday I met another session of the Kwe Kende Group in Siaya town. We had a short general meeting and also provided solutions to any questions and concerns that they had. Most of these users run small businesses like kiosks, hotels (kibanda), tailor shops, shoes, clothes among others. They are equally excited about Sarafu and are happy that Sarafu has been of great help to them in both their businesses and in providing for their basic needs. Read about one of the users here in more detail.

    +
    +On Tuesday I met another session of the Kwe Kende Group in Siaya town. We had a short general meeting and also provided solutions to any questions and concerns that they had. Most of these users run small businesses like kiosks, hotels (kibanda), tailor shops, shoes, clothes among others. They are equally excited about Sarafu and are happy that Sarafu has been of great help to them in both their businesses and in providing for their basic needs. Read about one of the users here in more detail. +On Tuesday I met another session of the Kwe Kende Group in Siaya town. We had a short general meeting and also provided solutions to any questions and concerns that they had. Most of these users run small businesses like kiosks, hotels (kibanda), tailor shops, shoes, clothes among others. They are equally excited about Sarafu and are happy that Sarafu has been of great help to them in both their businesses and in providing for their basic needs. Read about one of the users here in more detail.
    +

    On Tuesday I met another session of the Kwe Kende Group in Siaya town. We had a short general meeting and also provided solutions to any questions and concerns that they had. Most of these users run small businesses like kiosks, hotels (kibanda), tailor shops, shoes, clothes among others. They are equally excited about Sarafu and are happy that Sarafu has been of great help to them in both their businesses and in providing for their basic needs. Read about one of the users here in more detail.

    +
    +here
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    Based on these discussions the group agreed that what makes Sarafu work for them:

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    +What works for Kwe Kende Group? +1. Market days: They hold 3 meetings in a week- Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. This is to ensure that everyone (at least 186 families) attends at least one on their free days. During these meetings, they talk about how their week was with Sarafu and any problems that arose. They sell and buy from one another and also save in the chama and pay loans if any.
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      +

    1. Market days: They hold 3 meetings in a week- Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. This is to ensure that everyone (at least 186 families) attends at least one on their free days. During these meetings, they talk about how their week was with Sarafu and any problems that arose. They sell and buy from one another and also save in the chama and pay loans if any.

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      +

      2. Prosumer Empowerment: They've empowered each other, in that everyone tries to come to the chama meetings with something to offer in goods or services. This way, they easily meet their needs without blaming anyone for buying and not selling using Sarafu. They encourage themselves to believe everyone has something to offer the community.

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      2. +

    2. Prosumer Empowerment: They've empowered each other, in that everyone tries to come to the chama meetings with something to offer in goods or services. This way, they easily meet their needs without blaming anyone for buying and not selling using Sarafu. They encourage themselves to believe everyone has something to offer the community.

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      3. Community Projects: They've started a chicken rearing project and gardens that brings them together. They take care of them in turns and use Sarafu to pay for the upkeep. These capacity building and productive projects are an amazing anchor for CICs. Any group excess in food created by the group is distributed based on the amount of Sarafu that one receives in his/her business because it's these that they save in a week.

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      +
      3. +

    3. Community Projects: They've started a chicken rearing project and gardens that brings them together. They take care of them in turns and use Sarafu to pay for the upkeep. These capacity building and productive projects are an amazing anchor for CICs. Any group excess in food created by the group is distributed based on the amount of Sarafu that one receives in his/her business because it's these that they save in a week.

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      4. Leadership and Stewardship: The group officials are dedicated, especially the secretary Leah Aluoch who visits users randomly within the week. Leah stated that she has to visit users who miss the weekly meetings just to know if they have any issues and to encourage them. She has kept track of all her 186 members.

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    4. Leadership and Stewardship: The group officials are dedicated, especially the secretary Leah Aluoch who visits users randomly within the week. Leah stated that she has to visit users who miss the weekly meetings just to know if they have any issues and to encourage them. She has kept track of all her 186 members.

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      5. Unity: The members are from one community, they've trusted each other and they understand their strengths and embrace their weaknesses.

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    5. Unity: The members are from one community, they've trusted each other and they understand their strengths and embrace their weaknesses.

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      6. Loops and Cycles in a Circular Economy: They've created loops that allows them to receive all the things that they need within their network.

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    6. Loops and Cycles in a Circular Economy: They've created loops that allows them to receive all the things that they need within their network.

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      8. Fines and repercussions: The chama members incur a fine of Ksh.10 in case of lateness. They use the same for airtime to reach out to members during the week and to support those that can't genuinely use Sarafu. Also note that there is a small tax on CIC that is deducted (0.5%) of account balances that goes back out to active users.

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    1. Fines and repercussions: The chama members incur a fine of Ksh.10 in case of lateness. They use the same for airtime to reach out to members during the week and to support those that can't genuinely use Sarafu. Also note that there is a small tax on CIC that is deducted (0.5%) of account balances that goes back out to active users.
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    Elinor Ostrom I think would be proud at how this community has managed their credit commons. I was impressed by how they have ensured a way to support to one another and build strong bonds even as national currency dries up in the area. As humans, we are wired to collaborate, to coexist and to hold each other up and this is exactly what this group thrives to achieve each day. May we emulate them in different communities and may we become better.

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    Thanks again to Emma Onyango one of the founders of Bangla-Pesa in Bangladesh (an informal settlement near Mombasa) who brought the Community Inclusion Currency concept to rural Siaya.

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    + Super-Market Super-Currency +

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    + By Ruth Mwangi +
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    Hundreds and hundreds of settlers in Nairobi's Kawangware informal settlement will soon benefit from access to low priced goods cooperativley stocked by the Gatina Business Organization (GBO) and sold in Community Currency. This supermarket will be one of a kind as it will allow customers to buy goods using both Kenyan Shillings and Sarafu-Credit.

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    Members of GBO have had a series of meetings to deliberate ways in which they can start, manage and run a small supermarket to encourage the use of Sarafu-Credit as well as increase trade in their network. Customers will not only be able to buy goods here, but will also get a chance to clear their Sarafu-Credit debts and claims on a daily basis, and get information about joining the network. GBO has been in existence since Oct 2014 and has seen tremendous growth both in membership and number activities.

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    By early 2015, the members of GBO had begun a savings and loans group which holds its meetings once a month to make its contributions. Once a member is consistent in saving with the group for a period of three months, and has contributed over Ksh. 1000, they become eligible for a loan that’s up to three times their savings. The loan is then payable within a time period of 3 months at a 10% interest. The more consistent a member becomes at paying back their loan, the more eligible they are for higher loans. The Unique Selling Point (USP) of the GBO savings and loans group is that members receive loans both in Kenyan Shillings and Sarafu-Credit. Only the amount in Kenyan Shillings attracts interest while the amount in Sarafu-Credit is Interest Free.

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    After one year of running the savings and loans group, GBO had made enough money to stock a small community supermarket. Grassroots Economics then partnered with GBO to help identify a prime location for a supermarket.

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    The official opening of the supermarket is set for mid-March!

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    #supermarket #nairobi

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    +#supermarket
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    #supermarket

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    #nairobi

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    + Sustainable Programs and Complementary Currencies +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    In 1982, the late Dr. Margrit Kennedy’s work on ecological architecture led her to the conclusion that it is “virtually impossible to carry out sound ecological concepts on the scale required today, without fundamentally altering the present money system or creating new complementary currencies." Now in 2014, at this advanced stage in global capitalism it is evident that alternative economic development programs must go hand in hand with environmental and community development programs. With these conclusions in mind, Koru-Kenya has piloted complementary currencies as tools for poverty reduction and environmental restoration in Kenya since 2010. Based on the successes of pilot programs like Bangla-Pesa and Eco-Pesa we envision here their applicability in large scale environmental restoration and community development efforts.

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    Complementary currency systems for this purpose begin with knitting together a network of goods and service providers in an area surrounding environmental degradation and social needs. This business network develops a mutual-credit voucher among its members to exchange goods and services. Such credits promote economic development by providing a supplementary means of exchange when poverty and economic instability make national currency scarce. Members of the network can also use the voucher to pay local community associations for resource permits which then in turn pay for environmental management and preservation. Because the voucher is only redeemable with local businesses, the system promotes local trade and economic stability. Thus, the local community’s mandated payments to support resource management and other programs are in turn used to promote the local economy.

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    Non-local businesses and other development actors can also take part through a matching funds program. Often community development and environmental programs need more than what a local community can provide in terms of local goods, labor and services. They also need infrastructure, like construction materials and expert training. The community collects membership fees in the mutual-credit that can be target local programs. Because these credits are backed by the goods and services of local businesses, they are an ideal means to measure how committed a community will be in joint development or environmental programs. This community fund in mutual-credit complementary currency is what we would like to see corporations and governments matching in national currency to actualize real development, lead by the communities themselves.

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    These programs working on large regional scales is not only possible, but necessary, to carry out sustainable ecological and community programs on the scale required today.

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    By - James-thiong'o
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    Self-Funded Regenerative Agriculture Kwale Site January Visit

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    On 11th January 2021, I visited Miyani Demo Plot to monitor the progress made a month later after my visit in December

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    Regenerative Agriculture - Field Visit Report

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    The motivation given by accepting community currency will eventually be repaid with their ability to use it to purchase food from the farm.

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    Food Forests and Syntropic Currencies

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    Regenerating soil while practically providing crops and long term food forests is actually possible!

    diff --git a/output/tag/municipe.html b/output/tag/aid.html similarity index 91% rename from output/tag/municipe.html rename to output/tag/aid.html index 3f5175d..e424a10 100644 --- a/output/tag/municipe.html +++ b/output/tag/aid.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - municipe tag + grassroots-pelican - Aid tag @@ -73,14 +73,14 @@
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      Municipal Basic Income(MBI) via CIC

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      A municipality, town or local administration is an ideal issuer and anchor for a basic/guaranteed income

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      CIC Indices for SDGs

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      By encouraging circular trade within communities humanitarian aid can build basic circulatory systems for support and resilience.

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      Youth Employment via Elderly/Vulnerable Support

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      Using a basic income (Sarafu in Kenya) youth can support their elderly and vulnerable by giving them their Sarafu. Then those elderly/vulnerable in turn spend it with other youth run businesses, who could in turn give it to their elderly/vulnerable - who could, in turn, spend it on other …

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      Using a basic income (Sarafu in Kenya) youth can support their elderly and vulnerable by giving them their Sarafu. Then those...

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    Municipal Basic Income (MBI) via CIC

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    A municipality, town or local administration is an ideal issuer and anchor for a basic/guaranteed income because the have the means to back it and the intention to build sustainable and thriving local markets– Such a Municipal Basic Income (MBI) can in turn act as a growth medium and …

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    Consider the value in decentralized, municipally supported economies (networks of MBIs) - building and supporting local as well as regional

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      Kilifi Kenya - a hub for Community Driven Basic Income

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      The current reality is that following Covid-19 many have fallen deeper and deeper into debt.

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      Rural Sarafu Network - CIC Impacts

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      Rosemary Owino is a widow from Siaya village in Siaya County. She has wanted desperately to curb her own poverty and make ends meet for...

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      Faith Based Community Inclusion Currencies

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      Due to economic instability, many people in the marginalized communities are short of money to pay for church offerings or even worse, to set up their local churches. Local churches that have begun to develop their own community currencies (Sarafu) in order to developed their church structures and pay offerings …

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      Local churches and faith based organizations have begun to develop their own community currencies (Sarafu)

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      Articles tagged with CIC Index

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        CIC Indices for SDGs

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        By encouraging circular trade within communities humanitarian aid can build basic circulatory systems for support and resilience.

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      + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/tag/cic.html b/output/tag/cic.html index 3929c8b..496b220 100644 --- a/output/tag/cic.html +++ b/output/tag/cic.html @@ -93,7 +93,8 @@

      Claims, Currencies and Cryptography

      -

      Global financial systems as well as humanitarian relief is based on claims, but the current infrastructure especially in vulnerable communities is weak to non-existent, which causes a lot of friction. The promise of a cryptographic approach to claims, is that groups of smaller actors can now more easily erect infrastructure …

      +

      We need frameworks and protocols for various types of endorsed claims that can be held self-sovereignty by individuals and groups.

      +
    diff --git a/output/tag/claim.html b/output/tag/claim.html index 98c92a6..a226f9a 100644 --- a/output/tag/claim.html +++ b/output/tag/claim.html @@ -93,7 +93,8 @@

    Claims, Currencies and Cryptography

    -

    Global financial systems as well as humanitarian relief is based on claims, but the current infrastructure especially in vulnerable communities is weak to non-existent, which causes a lot of friction. The promise of a cryptographic approach to claims, is that groups of smaller actors can now more easily erect infrastructure …

    +

    We need frameworks and protocols for various types of endorsed claims that can be held self-sovereignty by individuals and groups.

    +
    diff --git a/output/tag/commons.html b/output/tag/commons.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e936aae --- /dev/null +++ b/output/tag/commons.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Commons tag + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    Articles tagged with Commons

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      By + Janet Akinyi
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      Strong Communities - Strong Currencies

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      I had the pleasure to visit Kwe Kende in Nyalgunga, Siaya County one of the strongest groups (chamas) in the Sarafu Network across Kenya,...

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    Community Currencies and DEX Multitudes

    -

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts (like Community Inclusion Currencies) for different use cases. Using them opens us up decentralized network topologies that we would never have dreamed of with old fashion stock exchanges and other financial instruments …

    +

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts...

    +
    diff --git a/output/tag/covid.html b/output/tag/covid.html deleted file mode 100644 index 0d039f1..0000000 --- a/output/tag/covid.html +++ /dev/null @@ -1,128 +0,0 @@ - - - - grassroots-pelican - covid tag - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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    Articles tagged with covid

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      By - Will Ruddick
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      Red Cross brings Community Currency to Kisauni

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      Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness …

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    SMEs the missing link in Circular Economies

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    Clementina has a hair salon in an informal settlement on the outskirts of Nairobi’s industrial area. She has been accepting Sarafu for almost 5 years now. She’s the chairlady of the Shalom chama in Mukuru. She used to freely accept Sarafu for her hair salon services knowing she …

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    Organizations merely have to choose whether to help their local community, or pay taxes to a government whose reach is never felt in these s

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    diff --git a/output/tag/curadao.html b/output/tag/curadao.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..180fec2 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/tag/curadao.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - curadao tag + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    Articles tagged with curadao

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    + + + + + + + + + + + + + TERMS AND CONDITIONS +
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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/tag/data.html b/output/tag/data.html index 4b1106d..1502e06 100644 --- a/output/tag/data.html +++ b/output/tag/data.html @@ -93,7 +93,8 @@

    Claims, Currencies and Cryptography

    -

    Global financial systems as well as humanitarian relief is based on claims, but the current infrastructure especially in vulnerable communities is weak to non-existent, which causes a lot of friction. The promise of a cryptographic approach to claims, is that groups of smaller actors can now more easily erect infrastructure …

    +

    We need frameworks and protocols for various types of endorsed claims that can be held self-sovereignty by individuals and groups.

    +
    diff --git a/output/tag/defi.html b/output/tag/defi.html index e19f89f..4fe796d 100644 --- a/output/tag/defi.html +++ b/output/tag/defi.html @@ -93,7 +93,8 @@

    Static vs Bonded Liquidity Pools for CICs

    -

    As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity, Grassroots Economics is looking at various ways to connect these tokens together and as well to other networks. Below I'll describe and contrast two approaches, namely a Fixed vs Algorithmic Rate liquidity …

    +

    As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity,...

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    diff --git a/output/tag/dex.html b/output/tag/dex.html index 19ef87f..47cf410 100644 --- a/output/tag/dex.html +++ b/output/tag/dex.html @@ -93,7 +93,8 @@

    Community Currencies and DEX Multitudes

    -

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts (like Community Inclusion Currencies) for different use cases. Using them opens us up decentralized network topologies that we would never have dreamed of with old fashion stock exchanges and other financial instruments …

    +

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts...

    +
    diff --git a/output/tag/directors.html b/output/tag/directors.html index 37b0a60..3d980ed 100644 --- a/output/tag/directors.html +++ b/output/tag/directors.html @@ -93,8 +93,8 @@

    Grassroots Economics has a New Director: Shaila Agha

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    When I was 9 years old, my mother came home one day with a monopoly board game. It was the beginning of the March holidays and she wanted to provide us with an alternative activity to watching cartoons. Every day after that, my brother and I would insistently play game …

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    It is an honor to work as a Director along with Will Ruddick and the Grassroots Economics team in their endeavor to rebalance the inequaliti

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    diff --git a/output/tag/elderly.html b/output/tag/elderly.html index 9e63f64..6dd553c 100644 --- a/output/tag/elderly.html +++ b/output/tag/elderly.html @@ -93,8 +93,8 @@

    Youth Employment via Elderly/Vulnerable Support

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    Using a basic income (Sarafu in Kenya) youth can support their elderly and vulnerable by giving them their Sarafu. Then those elderly/vulnerable in turn spend it with other youth run businesses, who could in turn give it to their elderly/vulnerable - who could, in turn, spend it on other …

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    Using a basic income (Sarafu in Kenya) youth can support their elderly and vulnerable by giving them their Sarafu. Then those...

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    diff --git a/output/tag/excahnge.html b/output/tag/excahnge.html index 71e47a9..a7b5288 100644 --- a/output/tag/excahnge.html +++ b/output/tag/excahnge.html @@ -93,7 +93,8 @@

    Community Currencies and DEX Multitudes

    -

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts (like Community Inclusion Currencies) for different use cases. Using them opens us up decentralized network topologies that we would never have dreamed of with old fashion stock exchanges and other financial instruments …

    +

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts...

    +
    diff --git a/output/tag/faith.html b/output/tag/faith.html index cc13293..22054a7 100644 --- a/output/tag/faith.html +++ b/output/tag/faith.html @@ -93,8 +93,8 @@

    Faith Based Community Inclusion Currencies

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    Due to economic instability, many people in the marginalized communities are short of money to pay for church offerings or even worse, to set up their local churches. Local churches that have begun to develop their own community currencies (Sarafu) in order to developed their church structures and pay offerings …

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    Local churches and faith based organizations have begun to develop their own community currencies (Sarafu)

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    diff --git a/output/tag/fish.html b/output/tag/fish.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b883f3f --- /dev/null +++ b/output/tag/fish.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - fish tag + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    Articles tagged with fish

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      By + Janet Akinyi
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      Rural Sarafu Network - CIC Impacts

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      Rosemary Owino is a widow from Siaya village in Siaya County. She has wanted desperately to curb her own poverty and make ends meet for...

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/tag/food-forest.html b/output/tag/food-forest.html index abcaa86..0ba50c3 100644 --- a/output/tag/food-forest.html +++ b/output/tag/food-forest.html @@ -80,7 +80,7 @@
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    By - James-thiong'o
    - + James Thiong’o
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    -

    Self-Funded Regenerative Agriculture Kwale Site January Visit

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    On 11th January 2021, I visited Miyani Demo Plot to monitor the progress made a month later after my visit in December

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    Regenerative Agriculture - Field Visit Report

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    The motivation given by accepting community currency will eventually be repaid with their ability to use it to purchase food from the farm.

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    By + Will Ruddick
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    Food Forests and Syntropic Currencies

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    Regenerating soil while practically providing crops and long term food forests is actually possible!

    diff --git a/output/tag/debt.html b/output/tag/food-security.html similarity index 85% rename from output/tag/debt.html rename to output/tag/food-security.html index 4401712..e89fbbc 100644 --- a/output/tag/debt.html +++ b/output/tag/food-security.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - debt tag + grassroots-pelican - food security tag @@ -73,14 +73,14 @@
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    Articles tagged with debt

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    Articles tagged with food security

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      @@ -88,12 +88,12 @@
      By - Isavary Khabuqwi
      - + James Thiong’o
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      -

      Recycling Debt (Kusaga Deni, Kubali Sarafu)

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      Imagine having to endure constant reminders and threatening messages from predatory lenders your entire life.

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      Regenerative Agriculture - Field Visit Report

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      The motivation given by accepting community currency will eventually be repaid with their ability to use it to purchase food from the farm.

      @@ -105,7 +105,7 @@
      - +
      @@ -113,12 +113,12 @@
      By - Isavary Khabuqwi
      - + Janet Akinyi
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      -

      Kilifi Kenya - a hub for Community Driven Basic Income

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      The current reality is that following Covid-19 many have fallen deeper and deeper into debt.

      +

      Rural Sarafu Network - CIC Impacts

      +

      Rosemary Owino is a widow from Siaya village in Siaya County. She has wanted desperately to curb her own poverty and make ends meet for...

      diff --git a/output/tag/goals.html b/output/tag/goals.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..86ce2bb --- /dev/null +++ b/output/tag/goals.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - goals tag + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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      Articles tagged with goals

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        By + Will Ruddick
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        2020 Kenyan CICs in Review

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        We’re extremely excited about using CICs for developing support networks for vulnerable communities and households, and especially food syst

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      Articles tagged with Humanitarian

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        By + Will Ruddick
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        CIC Indices for SDGs

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        By encouraging circular trade within communities humanitarian aid can build basic circulatory systems for support and resilience.

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      + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/tag/impact-claims.html b/output/tag/impact-claims.html index 449a244..0be68f5 100644 --- a/output/tag/impact-claims.html +++ b/output/tag/impact-claims.html @@ -93,7 +93,8 @@

      Claims, Currencies and Cryptography

      -

      Global financial systems as well as humanitarian relief is based on claims, but the current infrastructure especially in vulnerable communities is weak to non-existent, which causes a lot of friction. The promise of a cryptographic approach to claims, is that groups of smaller actors can now more easily erect infrastructure …

      +

      We need frameworks and protocols for various types of endorsed claims that can be held self-sovereignty by individuals and groups.

      +
      diff --git a/output/tag/index.html b/output/tag/index.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..81bccce --- /dev/null +++ b/output/tag/index.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Index tag + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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      Articles tagged with Index

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        + +
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        By + Will Ruddick
        + +
        +
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        CIC Indices for SDGs

        +

        By encouraging circular trade within communities humanitarian aid can build basic circulatory systems for support and resilience.

        +
        +
        +
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        • +
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      + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/tag/kakuma.html b/output/tag/kakuma.html index afad0a9..fad2a70 100644 --- a/output/tag/kakuma.html +++ b/output/tag/kakuma.html @@ -93,11 +93,8 @@

      Refugee Economics in Kakuma Kenya

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      Short description of FHE community based organization.

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      dear sir/madam

      -

      Greetings, I'm MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO a Congolese by nationality being recognized under UNHCR as a refugee in side kakuma refugee camp.

      -

      I'm the founder and CEO of FHE organization that mean Farming and Health Education, the organization include 31 members …

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      Short description of FHE community based organization. dear sir/madam Greetings, I'm MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO a Congolese by nationality...

      +
      diff --git a/output/tag/kisauni.html b/output/tag/kisauni.html deleted file mode 100644 index 1f047ca..0000000 --- a/output/tag/kisauni.html +++ /dev/null @@ -1,128 +0,0 @@ - - - - grassroots-pelican - Kisauni tag - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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      Articles tagged with Kisauni

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        By - Will Ruddick
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        Red Cross brings Community Currency to Kisauni

        -

        Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness …

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      Articles tagged with kwale

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      + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/tag/liquidity.html b/output/tag/liquidity.html index 0932eb5..4b2f30a 100644 --- a/output/tag/liquidity.html +++ b/output/tag/liquidity.html @@ -93,7 +93,8 @@

      Static vs Bonded Liquidity Pools for CICs

      -

      As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity, Grassroots Economics is looking at various ways to connect these tokens together and as well to other networks. Below I'll describe and contrast two approaches, namely a Fixed vs Algorithmic Rate liquidity …

      +

      As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity,...

      +
      @@ -117,7 +118,8 @@

    Community Currencies and DEX Multitudes

    -

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts (like Community Inclusion Currencies) for different use cases. Using them opens us up decentralized network topologies that we would never have dreamed of with old fashion stock exchanges and other financial instruments …

    +

    Decentralized Exchange (DEX) Contracts contain multitudes. There are nearly infinite ways to use them to connect blockchain contracts...

    +
    diff --git a/output/tag/markets.html b/output/tag/markets.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5cf66d2 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/tag/markets.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - markets tag + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    Articles tagged with markets

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      By + Janet Akinyi
      + +
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      Strong Communities - Strong Currencies

      +

      I had the pleasure to visit Kwe Kende in Nyalgunga, Siaya County one of the strongest groups (chamas) in the Sarafu Network across Kenya,...

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    Municipal Basic Income (MBI) via CIC

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    -

    A municipality, town or local administration is an ideal issuer and anchor for a basic/guaranteed income because the have the means to back it and the intention to build sustainable and thriving local markets– Such a Municipal Basic Income (MBI) can in turn act as a growth medium and …

    +

    Consider the value in decentralized, municipally supported economies (networks of MBIs) - building and supporting local as well as regional

    +
    diff --git a/output/tag/mission.html b/output/tag/mission.html index 43b8b79..ca286e8 100644 --- a/output/tag/mission.html +++ b/output/tag/mission.html @@ -93,8 +93,8 @@

    Grassroots Economics has a New Director: Shaila Agha

    -
    -

    When I was 9 years old, my mother came home one day with a monopoly board game. It was the beginning of the March holidays and she wanted to provide us with an alternative activity to watching cartoons. Every day after that, my brother and I would insistently play game …

    +

    It is an honor to work as a Director along with Will Ruddick and the Grassroots Economics team in their endeavor to rebalance the inequaliti

    +
    diff --git a/output/tag/municiple.html b/output/tag/municiple.html index e6fc97c..c089523 100644 --- a/output/tag/municiple.html +++ b/output/tag/municiple.html @@ -93,8 +93,8 @@

    Municipal Basic Income (MBI) via CIC

    -
    -

    A municipality, town or local administration is an ideal issuer and anchor for a basic/guaranteed income because the have the means to back it and the intention to build sustainable and thriving local markets– Such a Municipal Basic Income (MBI) can in turn act as a growth medium and …

    +

    Consider the value in decentralized, municipally supported economies (networks of MBIs) - building and supporting local as well as regional

    +
    diff --git a/output/tag/nyanza.html b/output/tag/nyanza.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..babe3c5 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/tag/nyanza.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Nyanza tag + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    Articles tagged with Nyanza

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      By + Janet Akinyi
      + +
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      Strong Communities - Strong Currencies

      +

      I had the pleasure to visit Kwe Kende in Nyalgunga, Siaya County one of the strongest groups (chamas) in the Sarafu Network across Kenya,...

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    Grassroots Economics has a New Director: Shaila Agha

    -
    -

    When I was 9 years old, my mother came home one day with a monopoly board game. It was the beginning of the March holidays and she wanted to provide us with an alternative activity to watching cartoons. Every day after that, my brother and I would insistently play game …

    +

    It is an honor to work as a Director along with Will Ruddick and the Grassroots Economics team in their endeavor to rebalance the inequaliti

    +
    diff --git a/output/tag/pools.html b/output/tag/pools.html index 8d2a4e4..9084828 100644 --- a/output/tag/pools.html +++ b/output/tag/pools.html @@ -93,7 +93,8 @@

    Static vs Bonded Liquidity Pools for CICs

    -

    As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity, Grassroots Economics is looking at various ways to connect these tokens together and as well to other networks. Below I'll describe and contrast two approaches, namely a Fixed vs Algorithmic Rate liquidity …

    +

    As communities create their Community Inclusion Currencies as a credit against their future production, projects and excess capacity,...

    +
    diff --git a/output/tag/red-cross.html b/output/tag/red-cross.html deleted file mode 100644 index 729ccd8..0000000 --- a/output/tag/red-cross.html +++ /dev/null @@ -1,128 +0,0 @@ - - - - grassroots-pelican - Red Cross tag - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
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    Articles tagged with Red Cross

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      Red Cross brings Community Currency to Kisauni

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      Below are a compilation of Community Inclusion Currency (CIC) user stories from Grassroots Economics Field Support Engineers (Emmanuel Mbui, Amina Godana, Janet Akinyi and Joyce Kamau) supporting and working with Red Cross volunteers and community groups. Implementation with Red Cross volunteers led by Bahero Mohamed through door to door awareness …

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    Refugee Economics in Kakuma Kenya

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    Short description of FHE community based organization.

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    dear sir/madam

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    Greetings, I'm MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO a Congolese by nationality being recognized under UNHCR as a refugee in side kakuma refugee camp.

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    I'm the founder and CEO of FHE organization that mean Farming and Health Education, the organization include 31 members …

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    Short description of FHE community based organization. dear sir/madam Greetings, I'm MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO a Congolese by nationality...

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    Self-Funded Regenerative Agriculture Kwale Site January Visit

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    On 11th January 2021, I visited Miyani Demo Plot to monitor the progress made a month later after my visit in December

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    Regenerative Agriculture - Field Visit Report

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    The motivation given by accepting community currency will eventually be repaid with their ability to use it to purchase food from the farm.

    diff --git a/output/tag/report.html b/output/tag/report.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..923b1d9 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/tag/report.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - report tag + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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      2020 Kenyan CICs in Review

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      We’re extremely excited about using CICs for developing support networks for vulnerable communities and households, and especially food syst

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    Articles by Isavary Khabuqwi

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      Recycling Debt (Kusaga Deni, Kubali Sarafu)

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      Imagine having to endure constant reminders and threatening messages from predatory lenders your entire life.

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      Strong Communities - Strong Currencies

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      I had the pleasure to visit Kwe Kende in Nyalgunga, Siaya County one of the strongest groups (chamas) in the Sarafu Network across Kenya,...

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      Kilifi Kenya - a hub for Community Driven Basic Income

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      The current reality is that following Covid-19 many have fallen deeper and deeper into debt.

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      Rural Sarafu Network - CIC Impacts

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      Rosemary Owino is a widow from Siaya village in Siaya County. She has wanted desperately to curb her own poverty and make ends meet for...

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      Refugee Economics in Kakuma Kenya

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      Short description of FHE community based organization.

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      dear sir/madam

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      Greetings, I'm MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO a Congolese by nationality being recognized under UNHCR as a refugee in side kakuma refugee camp.

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      I'm the founder and CEO of FHE organization that mean Farming and Health Education, the organization include 31 members …

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      Short description of FHE community based organization. dear sir/madam Greetings, I'm MARCELIN MUNGA PETRO a Congolese by nationality...

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      diff --git a/output/tag/sdgs.html b/output/tag/sdgs.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f717f0e --- /dev/null +++ b/output/tag/sdgs.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - SDGs tag + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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      Articles tagged with SDGs

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        CIC Indices for SDGs

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        By encouraging circular trade within communities humanitarian aid can build basic circulatory systems for support and resilience.

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        Strong Communities - Strong Currencies

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        I had the pleasure to visit Kwe Kende in Nyalgunga, Siaya County one of the strongest groups (chamas) in the Sarafu Network across Kenya,...

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      SMEs the missing link in Circular Economies

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      Clementina has a hair salon in an informal settlement on the outskirts of Nairobi’s industrial area. She has been accepting Sarafu for almost 5 years now. She’s the chairlady of the Shalom chama in Mukuru. She used to freely accept Sarafu for her hair salon services knowing she …

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      Organizations merely have to choose whether to help their local community, or pay taxes to a government whose reach is never felt in these s

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      Grassroots Economics has a New Director: Shaila Agha

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      When I was 9 years old, my mother came home one day with a monopoly board game. It was the beginning of the March holidays and she wanted to provide us with an alternative activity to watching cartoons. Every day after that, my brother and I would insistently play game …

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      It is an honor to work as a Director along with Will Ruddick and the Grassroots Economics team in their endeavor to rebalance the inequaliti

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      diff --git a/output/tag/syntropic.html b/output/tag/syntropic.html index 5435733..c3943c5 100644 --- a/output/tag/syntropic.html +++ b/output/tag/syntropic.html @@ -80,7 +80,7 @@
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      By - James-thiong'o
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      Self-Funded Regenerative Agriculture Kwale Site January Visit

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      On 11th January 2021, I visited Miyani Demo Plot to monitor the progress made a month later after my visit in December

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      Regenerative Agriculture - Field Visit Report

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      The motivation given by accepting community currency will eventually be repaid with their ability to use it to purchase food from the farm.

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      Food Forests and Syntropic Currencies

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      Regenerating soil while practically providing crops and long term food forests is actually possible!

      diff --git a/output/tag/tax.html b/output/tag/tax.html index bba8f79..19e40ce 100644 --- a/output/tag/tax.html +++ b/output/tag/tax.html @@ -93,8 +93,8 @@

      SMEs the missing link in Circular Economies

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      Clementina has a hair salon in an informal settlement on the outskirts of Nairobi’s industrial area. She has been accepting Sarafu for almost 5 years now. She’s the chairlady of the Shalom chama in Mukuru. She used to freely accept Sarafu for her hair salon services knowing she …

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      Organizations merely have to choose whether to help their local community, or pay taxes to a government whose reach is never felt in these s

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      diff --git a/output/tag/testimonial.html b/output/tag/testimonial.html index d1b12f6..9b86f8f 100644 --- a/output/tag/testimonial.html +++ b/output/tag/testimonial.html @@ -93,8 +93,8 @@

      GRE for ME

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      To be perfectly honest, which isn’t necessarily considered a virtue in the blockchain space, Grassroots Economics is my absolute favorite community currency project on the face of the earth and I couldn’t be more excited to join as an advisor. Some people might not know that there are …

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      Thank you for doing the sacred and life-preserving work of creating financial opportunity and elevating people’s dignity

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    diff --git a/output/tag/ubi.html b/output/tag/ubi.html index 275d044..4ae1b16 100644 --- a/output/tag/ubi.html +++ b/output/tag/ubi.html @@ -93,8 +93,8 @@

    Municipal Basic Income (MBI) via CIC

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    A municipality, town or local administration is an ideal issuer and anchor for a basic/guaranteed income because the have the means to back it and the intention to build sustainable and thriving local markets– Such a Municipal Basic Income (MBI) can in turn act as a growth medium and …

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    Consider the value in decentralized, municipally supported economies (networks of MBIs) - building and supporting local as well as regional

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    diff --git a/output/tag/update.html b/output/tag/update.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a687b76 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/tag/update.html @@ -0,0 +1,129 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - update tag + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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      2021 Mid Year CIC Update

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      We grew from a few thousands users to over 50,000 and have seen roughly 3 Million USD worth of trade between users for basic needs.

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/tag/youth.html b/output/tag/youth.html index 1da2789..05a19bc 100644 --- a/output/tag/youth.html +++ b/output/tag/youth.html @@ -93,8 +93,8 @@

    Youth Employment via Elderly/Vulnerable Support

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    Using a basic income (Sarafu in Kenya) youth can support their elderly and vulnerable by giving them their Sarafu. Then those elderly/vulnerable in turn spend it with other youth run businesses, who could in turn give it to their elderly/vulnerable - who could, in turn, spend it on other …

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    Using a basic income (Sarafu in Kenya) youth can support their elderly and vulnerable by giving them their Sarafu. Then those...

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    Tags for grassroots-pelican

    diff --git a/output/takaungu-pesa.html b/output/takaungu-pesa.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..338c085 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/takaungu-pesa.html @@ -0,0 +1,162 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Takaungu Pesa is here! + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Takaungu Pesa is here! +

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    The Vindakala Youth Bunge’s motto “Coming Together is Just The Beginning.” mirrors this excitement we have after the launch of Takaungu Pesa (TK-Pesa) a new Community Currency in Kilifi, Kenya.

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    As a youth group based in Takaungu-Kilifi county, one of the poorest counties in Kenya, Vindakala continuously must seek ways to support their livelihoods and that of their extended families. Hence self employment also known as “Hustling” becoming the means for survival.

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    Vindakala Youth Bunge together with Green World Campaign Kenya and Grassroots Economics Foundation have implemented a combined community currency and food security program. This is an opportunity to not only incubate and develop local resources but also a chance to build social relationships within the community.

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    On 9th November, 2018 the Vindakala Youth Bunge rallied the villagers of Takaungu to come and learn of the new ways of taking charge of their local economic development by taking part in the Takaungu Pesa, Community Currency programme. The day saw 322 locals and village elders from the area, women leaders, religious leaders, youth leaders, business people, fishermen and local politicians.

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    On the agenda were Question and Answer sessions, skits, songs and dances which filled the air as the villagers came to a halt at Kayanda grounds where the launch was held. People assembled to celebrate oneness, the true spirit of community currencies signifying that coming together is just the beginning!

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    In this first round, roughly 10000 KSH worth of TK-Pesa was issued to a first round of 20 users, shopkeepers, madrasas, fishermen, schools …. With about 20 TK-Pesa one is able to get a meal of chapati and beans or a small fish.

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    How Community Currency works in Takaungu:

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    Local businesses receive a free credit in TK-Pesa worth 200 Kenyan Shillings..

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    The businesses can trade it among each other and at designated hubs. These hubs like the local Coconut Oil Factory accept the TK-Pesa for a portion or the entire price of their goods. Then use it for operating expenses like buying coconuts and farm implements. Some TK-Pesa is collected in these hubs and used for environmental services and food security programs. These programs pay for communal farm labor and inputs. The food from these farms can be purchased using the TK-Pesa and the workers on the farms can use the TK-Pesa at all the other shops in the community. So the TK-Pesa continues to circulate even when Kenyan Shillings are commonly not available.

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    Next Steps:

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    After using the paper voucher versions of TK-Pesa for the next month we will introduce the digital system - which can be used on any type of phone (with or without internet).

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    #Takaungu #Rural #Kenya #Kilifi #FoodSecurity #Fishing

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    #Takaungu #Rural #Kenya #Kilifi #FoodSecurity #Fishing

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    #Takaungu #Rural #Kenya #Kilifi #FoodSecurity #Fishing

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    #Takaungu #Rural #Kenya #Kilifi #FoodSecurity #Fishing

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    #Takaungu #Rural #Kenya #Kilifi #FoodSecurity #Fishing

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    +#Takaungu
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    #Takaungu

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    +#Rural
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    #Rural

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    +#Kenya
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    #Kenya

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    +#Kilifi
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    #Kilifi

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    #FoodSecurity

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    +#Fishing
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    #Fishing

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    + Tiwi Orphans Visit +

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    + By Jacky Kowa +
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    This visit is different, we sat down to eat together and had a frank chat. Am grateful

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    The Koru team visited a village in Tiwi, which had mobilized 21 orphans to share a meal and life stories. The 4 hours visit was supported by Koru, organized by the community health workers who requested for the support.

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    Before lunch, introduction was done and stories like the ones below, had to be told, for climatization.

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    Am 13 years old girl, I live with my 5 siblings. Our parents died of HIV and 'Nyanya' or grandmother is taking care of us. Nyanya wakes up very early in the morning to make breakfast for sale. This is helping 3 of us to go to school but currently, we were chased out of school. Nyanya has to pay for a loan that she took before we go back to school.

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    I don't know my age, was chased out of primary school because am epileptic and I was told that I scare other kids. I clean people's houses and wash clothes. I cannot cook though. I wish I would go back to school but its sounds impossible. Am interested with starting a small food selling business to help my grandmother, my brother will also go back to school.

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    Community Service is a central part of our work. This is the time to listen to sincere community burdens. Participatory approaches, through the community's effort will be facilitated by Koru to ensure that strategies that make sense are implemented. Walk with us.

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    #kenya #coast #orphans #communityservice

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    #kenya #coast #orphans #communityservice

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    #kenya #coast #orphans #communityservice

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    +#kenya
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    #kenya

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    +#coast
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    #coast

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    +#orphans
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    #orphans

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    #communityservice

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    + Tree of Knowledge and Pit of Ignorance: Aid vs. Development +

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    Since beginning in the field of “development” over 10 years ago every time I visit a new community I find there is a lack of understanding between the concepts of aid and development. To describe the differences, I borrowed a chart from the famous book “Where There Is No Doctor” by Hesperian Press. The chart is intended to detail two types of healthcare, but can be applied generally to any intervention or program intended to serve the poor, including income generation. The tree and the field represent the “Land of Knowledge”. This heavenly land is where all the people who have had the opportunity for education and social mobility live. It is the realm of doctors and nurses, but also of economists, scholars, and professional aid workers. These people who have been able to make educational advancement have two choices for interacting with the people who have been trapped in what we call “the pit of ignorance”. Those trapped in the pit of ignorance have had limited opportunities for education and advancement typically due to the cyclical nature of extreme poverty.

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    On one side of the image we show a doctor throwing medicines into the pit with little concern as to how or if the fellow in the pit ever sees the light of day. This shows the aid approach which believes when someone has a need, it is suitable to meet that need temporarily and immediately without concerns of bringing someone out of the pit, but keeps them alive. Aid is like putting a bandaid to a gaping wound and expecting it to stop bleeding. It creates dependency and a loss of freedom. The person in the pit needs someone from the land of knowledge to come and save them in order survive. The person in the pit grows accustomed to his depency so spends the rest of their live languishing and waiting for handouts.

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    On the other side of the image, we show a man from the land of knowledge offer a rope to the person in the pit so they can now begin to climb out and feel the sunshine in the land of knowledge. This side shows sustainable development. It is not a quick fix or temporary approach but one that prioritizes the long term impact of working with the disadvantaged and removing their barriers to a level playing field. Helping others to learn to care for themselves encourages self reliance and equity.

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    The difference between these two approaches can be clearly illustrated through Grassroots Economics community currency programs. If the organization decided people need money and sent a one time cash transfer, that transfer would last a few days before perhaps even weeks before the individual will ask for another transfer. That would be an aid driven model which would be discontinued at the end of the program, leaving the individual in a similar position to where she began. The program may have saved her temporarily, but as soon as the grant or funding expires all impact vanishes like nothing was ever done.

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    In the case of Grassroots Economics programs, a virtual rope to financial sustainability is lowered into the pit. By leveraging organizations and structures already in the community, our programs help individuals to learn about entrepreneurship and how a means of exchange can help communities to use their own resources more effectively and efficiently to improve their lives. This change is lasting, sustainable and can properly be termed development.

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    Both aid and development have their roles and ways of serving the needs of the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized. Depending on the context, one approach may prove superior to the other in tackling tough problems. In the case of complex emergencies such as weather disasters, aid is vital to saving lives that very instant. However building strong and resilient communities requires a different approach. It requires using the resources available in the community to better provide for its members and fostering empowerment through education and opportunities. So next time you hear about a project, ask yourself is it aid or is it development. You might be surprised at your answer.

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    + Universal Basic Income via Community Currencies +

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    + By Will Ruddick +
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    Universal Basic Income (UBI), as currently under trial in Kenya by GiveDirectly, gives regular donations to individuals in selected communities. According to GiveDirectly, these donations allow people living in poverty to save money and invest, without the typical high overhead cost of administration facing NGOs. GiveDirectly is part of a popular wave of cash transfers, with remarkable examples such as the Bolsa Familia in Brazil, which provides direct funds to about 14 million families (2012 figures). Still, history tells us that ‘the next big thing in development’ (such as microfinance in the 90s) will need a thorough review.

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    The idea that just giving people money (without NGOs involved) in a developing country such as Kenya will enable people to engage in economic opportunities, get out of poverty and send their children to school, is highly appealing. GiveDirectly’s UBI certainly meets the ‘paternalism test’ as used by Guy Standing: “a policy can only be just if it doesn’t impose controls on some groups that are not imposed on the most free groups in society.” But critics would say that in GiveDirectly’s pilots, poor people are still dependent on and subjected to the goodwill of the rich whose wealth may come in part from exploiting resources and cheap labor.

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    One of the prominent scholars on cash transfers, Christopher Blattman, argues that without the necessary supply-side provided by the government such as good education and health care, a basic income cannot function. Blattman considered political stability, economic certainty and establishing small and large firms far more important to foster the wealth of people in a country. Scouring inequality levels largely set in motion by the Structural Adjustment Programs imposed by the IMF on Kenya in the 1980s and 1990s, it is extremely hard to see how this debt will be reversed by donating small amounts to a selection of poor people.

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    These challenges have not deterred the current trials of UBI in Kenya, but may thwart long term change. With the goal of developing sustainable local economies in mind, one key question Grassroots Economics asks is, what is an appropriate and sustainable source of basic income?We, among many scholars, economists, activist and communities, believe that changing the type of currency used in the fight to end poverty is the key ingredient in seeing lasting and significant change.

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    What if the source for the basic income was from the community itself? Community currencies have been piloted in Kenya since 2010 and are showing promising results. Grassroots Economics develops cooperative businesses within communities, providing a collateral source for vouchers that are issued as an interest-free credit to community members as well as for social and environmental services. These vouchers circulate in the community and can be used at any shop, school, clinic or cooperative businesses, and form a stable medium of exchange when the Kenyan Shilling is lacking. This injection of money (liquidity) into the community in the form of a community currency, based on local assets, increases local sales and helps directly develop the local economy.

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    A basic income in community currency based on cooperative assets such as fish farms, maize mills, coconut oil and wholesale shops, could be more effective than basic income based on donor funds.

    + +

    As shown in the diagram above, in this paradigm money for donations, cash transfers and UBI are pooled and put into developing cooperative assets. Following which: 1) Cooperative business profits and assets are issued as vouchers to the community as a basic income. 2) All businesses within the community can accept and trade these vouchers which act as a community currency that increases local liquidity and circulation. 3) Finally anyone can use the vouchers at the cooperative businesses, where they are then reissued to the community, completing the cycle.

    +

    Community currencies enable the funding to be more effective, as they encourage circulation in the community long term, increasing local trade, and thus economic development. As more and more cooperative businesses are developed, their assets are issued as more vouchers to more families across the community and can be used at any shop or school in the community. While the impact may not be as fast, over time, a UBI based on Community Currency could outpace one funded by donor support. By directly developing cooperative assets into a system that distributes assets and profits to the greater community, community currencies can directly effect local development and outlast all forms of donation-driven cash transfer.

    +

    While studies are currently underway on Universal Basic Income it is important to also test other models. To address which model of basic income would be faster and more cost effective at developing local sustainability, pilots and RCTs on community currencies as a source of basic income are needed and are being sought by several universities around the globe.

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    #UBI #communitycurrencies #research #cashtransfers #donations

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    #UBI #communitycurrencies #research #cashtransfers #donations

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    #UBI #communitycurrencies #research #cashtransfers #donations

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    #UBI #communitycurrencies #research #cashtransfers #donations

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    +#UBI
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    #UBI

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    +#communitycurrencies
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    #communitycurrencies

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    #research

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    #cashtransfers

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/output/kilifi-isavary.html b/output/university-of.html similarity index 57% rename from output/kilifi-isavary.html rename to output/university-of.html index 43dd16d..5b1700f 100644 --- a/output/kilifi-isavary.html +++ b/output/university-of.html @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ - grassroots-pelican - Kilifi Kenya - a hub for Community Driven Basic Income + grassroots-pelican - University of Nairobi Research Visit @@ -26,11 +26,6 @@ - - - - - @@ -83,56 +78,33 @@

    - Kilifi Kenya - a hub for Community Driven Basic Income + University of Nairobi Research Visit


    -

    The current reality is that following Covid-19 many have fallen deeper and deeper into debt. However, most individuals would still not openly disclose this reality to avoid the negative connotation that comes with owing. Imagine a world where household debt is no longer an individual burden, but rather a tool to build a strong local economy? Instead of waiting for Kenyan Shillings from the government or donors, basic income programs built via community currencies like Sarafu are communalizing and trading debt to reduce poverty. A perfect example of this is the diverse and welcoming population of Kilifi, who have begun to accept a basic income (locally called Sarafu) for goods and services, as a way of reverting the loss they would have incurred through stagnate loans and markets.

    -kilifi_isavary1 -

    Residents of Kilifi like Kimmy Katana above at Red House, are accepting their role in driving economic change by embracing a different outlook to financial freedom.

    -

    The implementation of a basic income program in Kilifi, as developed by Grassroots Economics and supported by the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), helps ''Kilifians'' choose to collectively curb the issue of prolonged debt amongst the vulnerable in the community. Thanks to the local sub-chief, Mr. Tony Tuva, the program exists as hope for a better future by empowering communities to build prospering economies.

    -
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    What Sarafu means for me...

    -kilifi_isavary2 -

    When a Kilfi resident, like Pascaline Wanjiku, accepts to receive Sarafu, she offers her customers a way out of debt. This means that rather than continuing my debt streak, I get an opportunity to clear my existing debt with the Kenya shillings I save when I purchase her bed sheets using Sarafu. Apart from helping the community, a user like Jesse Komora (a boda boda) accepting Sarafu from Pascaline for a ride then re-spending it to buy a shirt, is ensuring circulation continues rather than stagnation of debt and local markets.

    -
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    Market Days

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    Kilifians come to weekly Sarafu market days to sell goods and services using basic income (Sarafu ya Jamii). One such market happens at Mnarani Chief’s office behind MTG grounds each Sunday and is an ideal place to meet other people who believe in community driven basic income. This is an opportunity to buy and sell with Sarafu to support yourself and the economy while exploring your social-entrepreneurial spirit.

    -kilifi_isavary3 -

    Anyone can receive a basic income in Sarafu by dialing *384*96#or call 0757628885 for more information. This national service is free and available to all Kenyans thanks to the Red Cross. Kilifians who don’t need a basic income, often support others by giving theirs to those in need and accepting it for goods and services or in place of debt.

    -kilifi_isavary4 -

    While these are the early days of Kilifi embracing a basic income it is wonderful to be part of such a vibrant and diverse community!

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    Follow the flow...

    -kilifi_isavary5 -
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    “…I no longer sleep hungry. Even without the Kenyan money, I still have Bangla Pesa. I will survive one more day. This money never ends…” Awour, Bangla Pesa user.

    +

    This inspiring statement keeps ringing in my mind. When I visited Bangladesh for a research visit for my studies at the University of Nairobi, I also sought to understand how the Bangla Pesa works as I intend to be part of the Nairobi Bangla Pesa’s in Kangemi and Kawangware.

    +

    Bangladesh is not your typical slum. The happy children, vibrant roadside businesses and the optimism within the community is enough to overshadow that the poor infrastructure, lack of land rights, poor sanitation among other problems that face this community. Emma Onyango, the BBN secretary gave me an all round tour of this village, where at the tip of it all, lies a scenic breath-taking view of the ocean. That said, I got to meet the BBN chair: Paul Mwololo, the BBN treasurer: Titus Mangenda and other users of Bangla Pesa, such as Clement Ochieng, Awour among others.

    +

    Bangla Pesa is used almost anywhere-shops, churches, schools, roadside businesses, salons and it buys almost anything. During the day its usage is a bit low, but in the evening, it picks up as people shop for food and other supplies. The least amount used daily is about 20BPs while the highest went to about 160BPs. While most people understood how the Bangla Pesa works, a few people could be saving while others refuse to accept it despite being BBN members. These cases are however too few to affect the volumes of Bangla Pesa in circulation. The local businesses are the biggest users and beneficiaries of the BP’s but the currency also takes care of the unemployed youth through the community fund kitty. This is not free money though. The youth have to provide an community duty such as clean ups to earn from this kitty. They in turn use the BPs in local business to purchase day today needs.

    +

    Bangla Pesa is used almost anywhere-shops, churches, schools, roadside businesses, salons and it buys almost anything. During the day its usage is a bit low, but in the evening, it picks up as people shop for food and other supplies. The least amount used daily is about 20BPs while the highest went to about 160BPs. While most people understood how the Bangla Pesa works, a few people could be saving while others refuse to accept it despite being BBN members. These cases are however too few to affect the volumes of Bangla Pesa in circulation. The local businesses are the biggest users and beneficiaries of the BP’s but the currency also takes care of the unemployed youth through the community fund kitty. This is not free money though. The youth have to provide an community duty such as clean ups to earn from this kitty. They in turn use the BPs in local business to purchase day today needs.

    +

    Bangla Pesa is used almost anywhere-shops, churches, schools, roadside businesses, salons and it buys almost anything. During the day its usage is a bit low, but in the evening, it picks up as people shop for food and other supplies. The least amount used daily is about 20BPs while the highest went to about 160BPs. While most people understood how the Bangla Pesa works, a few people could be saving while others refuse to accept it despite being BBN members. These cases are however too few to affect the volumes of Bangla Pesa in circulation. The local businesses are the biggest users and beneficiaries of the BP’s but the currency also takes care of the unemployed youth through the community fund kitty. This is not free money though. The youth have to provide an community duty such as clean ups to earn from this kitty. They in turn use the BPs in local business to purchase day today needs.

    +

    The Bangla Pesa Network has allowed the members to network to know each other, learn from each other, boost community security, participate in merry go rounds. Individually, the members get to save the Kenyan shilling while purchasing day to day supplies using the Bangla Pesa.

    +

    The Bangla Visit gave me hope, given that despite all the hurdles Mombasa the Bangla Pesa went through it has survived to see that the poor in have options and are not pre-determined to live poverty. With the Nairobi Bangla Pesa receiving favorable government support, a bright future is in the offing.

    diff --git a/output/update-from.html b/output/update-from.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fe039d9 --- /dev/null +++ b/output/update-from.html @@ -0,0 +1,138 @@ + + + + grassroots-pelican - Update from Kangemi-Pesa Nairobi + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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    + Update from Kangemi-Pesa Nairobi +

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    It has been only 2 months since the members of Kangemi Business Network launched their community currency and received their 400 Kangemi-Pesa (~$4USD) thanks in large part to Nyendo-lernen schools program. Since then, regular monitoring has been conducted under the supervision of the local committee (Kangemi Business Network) and the feedback collected from the users are very promising.

    +

    Indeed, thanks to the regular training given by the volunteers and the local committee, it didn’t take long for the members to understand its functioning and start using it. The first general meeting organized few weeks ago also permitted them to meet each other and form trading circles according to their location.

    +

    The typical member of the network is a small business selling products or services answering the daily needs of the community (Food, Education, charcoal, groceries…). He/she is using between 50 to 100 Kangemi-Pesa (0.5-1$) a day with 2 to 5 other members.

    +

    One of the members is producing flippers (sandals) made from used tires. This kind of flipper is locally produced and made from recycled trash, highly resistant and adapted to the muddy roads of the slums. He receives and spend on a daily basis an average of 100 Kangemi-Pesa (1$).

    +

    “Kangemi Pesa is very good, when I don’t have money and have Kangemi pesa it’s like if I have real money in my pocket, I can eat there” said another member selling pants on the side of the road speaking about an hotel (little restaurant) nearby. Grace, the owner of the hotel, spends and receives an average of 60 Kangemi Pesa daily and she is very happy about it too. “The members around me buy me Chai (tea) and Chapatis (a kind of pancake) during the day using Kangemi Pesa and I use it in their businesses to buy clothes, water and products for my business, I’m buying sugar and tea leaves from a member down there”.

    +

    Moreover, the network is likely to keep growing. After having heard about the success of the currency, some of her costumers, non members have expressed their desire to join the network. “They come and ask if they can pay in Kangemi Pesa to test me and to see if the network is serious before they join”.

    +

    But the businesses are not the only ones part of the network. Eight schools in Kangemi are also using Kangemi-Pesa. Members having their kids at these schools can pay part of the tuition and school fees with it. “Six of my parents are members and the Kangemi-Pesa is helping them. They use it to pay for tuition, 10 Kangemi-Pesa. And one of the parent gave me 100 Kangemi-Pesa to pay a part of the school fees” - Elizabeth, a headmaster of a small school and member of the network.

    +

    However, even if some of its members already feel the benefits of Kangemi-Pesa, the network is still in its stabilizing stage and some of the members don’t know where are located the others or are more isolated weakening the circulation of the currency; but the committee is busy working on solutions to these issues.

    +

    A business directory is currently being created and will be given to each member, allowing him/her to know where are located the others and what they are selling. Additionally, a community clean up will take place this Saturday. This event among other things will raise awareness among the community about the currency and should make other businesses to join us in this exciting adventure!

    +

    About the author - Robin Gerbaux is studying International Development Studies as a graduate student at the Université Joseph Fourier, in Grenoble, France. He has been investigating community currencies while living in Nairobi.

    +

    Many thanks to our partners Nyendo-lernen and Lush Cosmetics for making this a reality.

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    + Use Cases - Honoring 2018 +

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    Closing 2018 with a bang! We mark the end of 2018 and the beginning of this festive season by honoring schools, clinics, micro and small businesses who empowered themselves economically through Community Currency. Business people across communities in Kibera, Kangemi and Kawangware came together today to share how the use of Sarafu-Credit has impacted their lives as they joined in the merry of economic empowerment highlighting their self development. Honoring these micro businesses serves as a motivation for people to take charge of their lives and focus on empowering themselves and others in the community that chronically lacks national currency.

    + +

    Rose Ongoche (pictured above), a business woman who sells Maandazis and doughnuts in Kangemi, says only one month has passed since she enrolled in the system and received 400 Kangemi-Pesa tokens to facilitate her trading with members in the community. Rose recalls, "I have been selling maandazis using Community Currency to customers and the neighboring business people who frequent my shack every morning. Since I joined the network about a month ago, I have come to realize its benefits in ways I could not imagine at first. Most importantly, is how tokens can be transacted easily and fast without needing change. This helps since I can serve more customers without having to go from shop to shop looking for change which can get hectic especially in the morning hours." As a staunch user in the journey of economic discovery she plans to introduce and educate her friends and other businesses in the Sarafu-Network.

    + +

    In Kibera, Razao Kivinza (pictured above) who sells clothes by the roadside delighted in the chance to be able to show the versatility of M-Sarafu tokens. she was introduced into the system by her friends who trade amongst themselves within the neighborhood. But she claimed to only notice them using the tokens to buy food and vegetables. Until one time she was approached by a friend who explained to her that the platform hosts categories for different businesses and so she could also use her tokens to sell clothes and cater for her daily needs.

    +

    “Today I am very happy to have the chance to have my business showcased to others, as I learn the different ways to work with more community members and and how we could sustain our local economy. It is a chance to network, learn and braid the rope with different traders."

    +
    +'Braiding the Rope' is the term we use for the process of bringing people into the network. People in the community learn from each other and begin to trade with each-other and bring in other traders from their daily life which causes the network to organically grow. Witnessing this organic growth recorded on the blockchain is amazing.
    +

    'Braiding the Rope' is the term we use for the process of bringing people into the network. People in the community learn from each other and begin to trade with each-other and bring in other traders from their daily life which causes the network to organically grow. Witnessing this organic growth recorded on the blockchain is amazing.

    +

    Each digital trade (using feature phones with no internet) uses the Bancor Protocol to track trade deficits between communities in the network and impact data from each transaction is stored on the POA.network blockchain.

    +

    These examples highlight the proof of impact Community Currency continues to make, across users in underserved communities in Kenya. It reinforces that building community economies by use of Liquid Community Currencies is the start of addressing money scarcity and triggering resilient circulation which creates access to education, food, clinics and general goods and services.

    +

    #cryptocurrency #blockchain #impact #sustainabledevelopment #Kenya #communitycurrency

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    #cryptocurrency #blockchain #impact #sustainabledevelopment #Kenya #communitycurrency

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    #cryptocurrency #blockchain #impact #sustainabledevelopment #Kenya #communitycurrency

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    #cryptocurrency #blockchain #impact #sustainabledevelopment #Kenya #communitycurrency

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    #cryptocurrency #blockchain #impact #sustainabledevelopment #Kenya #communitycurrency

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    +#cryptocurrency
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    #cryptocurrency

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    +#blockchain
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    #blockchain

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    +#impact
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    #impact

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    +#sustainabledevelopment
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    #sustainabledevelopment

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    +#Kenya
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    #Kenya

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    +#communitycurrency
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    #communitycurrency

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    + Wanjala Visits Bangladesh +

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    Francis Wanjala is the headmaster at Sifa Childrens Home in Nairobi. After making his first trip to Mombasa he shared with us his experiences and desire to bring the program to Nairobi.

    +

    “Today I came to Bangaladesh, Mombasa where I was invited by Mr Will Ruddick to understand how Bangla-Pesa works,I first met the committee members who gave me briefs on how the program is being implimented. Then we walked around where I could see wall paintings at most shops, clinics, burchery, hotels, shoesmaker, etc. written Bangla-Pesa inatumika hapa “Bangla-Pesa is used here”. I walked in each place and the program was explained so well how it works. It made me to see it so real and working.

    +

    The committee took me to one of the public school (St Mary's primary school in where Bangla is being used, I met the headteacher who welcomed us in his office and shared to us how bangla works in school. He showed us some of the Bangla Pesa he was having. He said that parents who are members in the network use Bangla to pay school tuition and in turn it is used to buy water, tea and chapatis for teachers.

    +

    I was taken to some private schools. St Paul whereby I meet Mr Benard who said they are accepting Bangla when parents pay fees and tuition and it turn spend it to pay staffs and other expenses of the school.

    +

    I visited St. Angeline where I meet Mr Celement who shared with me the same experience.

    +

    It is a fact that this is one of the most exciting program I have come to learn about. It is my high time to introduce the same in Gatina Location (inside Kawangware, Nairobi) in our organization (Gatina Business Organization) This program if it is adopted by the government on this community currency will help to alleviate poverty and encourage members to save National currency.”

    +

    Wanjala's school in Nairobi (Sifa Children's Home) is one of three (including Kanrorosha and Kangemi Youth) that are in part supported through Nyendo-lernen and are making great strides in creating their own community currencies.

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    #education #schoolfees #bangla

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    #education #schoolfees #bangla

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    +#education
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    #education

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    +#schoolfees
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    #schoolfees

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    +#bangla
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    #bangla

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    + Who could like this life? - Motomoto +

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    Yesterday, we sat down with some boys from the streets of Mombasa (survivors, as they prefer to be called) in a shady patch of grass where they practice fire dancing as part of Koru’s MotoMoto program. These boys, who have been with MotoMoto on and off throughout this year or longer, shared some about their lives and what MotoMoto has meant to them.

    +

    Most had lost or run away from one or both parents due to death, abandonment, or abuse. Brian told us about losing his parents in a car accident. Amfrey’s father remarried and left him for a new family after Amfrey’s mother died, and Omari left home because his father beat him. Faraji can’t even remember his parents. The boys described begging or working odd jobs to earn a few dollars, on a good day. Samuel never went to school, so he works as a laborer, carting goods. Omari works as a “scraper,” collecting and re-selling bits of metal and plastic from trash dumps. All seek food from dumps when they can’t earn enough money for food. “But,” Martin said, with a laugh and a lift of his cap to show his funky hair-do, “I like to get my hair cut when I have a bit of extra cash.” Most sleep in shacks and trees in a small settlement of similar youth wedged in an alley between private athletic fields.

    +

    Despite the hardship of their lives, many still dreamed of something more for themselves. They spoke of dreams to become pilots or boxing trainers for police academies, or acrobats, or musicians, or rugby players or just going back to school and living in a house. Martin, still only 14, said, “For me, I want a house, school, clothes, food, and maybe to go abroad.” Brian, who is no longer school aged, loads goods in cars, trucks, and buses for tips described wanting a real job with stead wages so he can realize his dreams of leaving the streets and living in a house. “I just want to get a job, to leave the street, and to have a house.” Samuel, who followed the pattern of many youth all over the developing world by leaving his rural home in hopes of a better life than fragile subsistence farming, agreed, “I don’t like this life. Who could like this life?”

    +

    All described the impact of MotoMoto with enthusiasm, as providing a much needed distraction from the stress of their lives and keeping them too busy for stealing and doing drugs, like sniffing glue and smoking marijuana. As Brian explained, “Because of moto moto, I don’t steal so much. People don’t disturb me. I don’t do drugs because I like to keep practicing. So, I take time to be alone, avoiding these other things.” Martin told us, “When I play with fire, it relieves my stress and I don’t think of drugs or stealing.”

    +

    This year, the program saw around 90 street children and youth, like Amfrey, Omari, Samuel, Martin, Brian, and Faraji. Many only came once, but around half came to the program multiple times. Each visit is an opportunity for them to escape the constant “hustle” of finding money and meeting basic needs. They learn something new, get a nutritious, clean meal, and have a chance to share about their experiences in a safe environment. The program, which has been running since 2009, will soon partner with a children’s shelter and create a more advanced system of referrals to ensure those who come to us to learn, grow their self-esteem, and gain empowerment can access the long-term support they need. We are always looking to expand the program, which is currently funded solely by Burners Without Borders and offers just two classes a week. We would love to grow the program to every day of the week because constant practice develops skill and confidence more quickly, which can be critical for giving children the courage to make long-term changes in their lives. You can visit Burners Without Borders if you would like to get involved in the lives of children and youth like Samuel who don’t like life of the streets and dream of something better.

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    #motomoto #performingarts #poi #burnerswithoutborders

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    #motomoto #performingarts #poi #burnerswithoutborders

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    #motomoto #performingarts #poi #burnerswithoutborders

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    +#motomoto
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    #motomoto

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    +#performingarts
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    #performingarts

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    #poi

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    +#burnerswithoutborders
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    #burnerswithoutborders

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    + + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/scrape.py b/scrape.py deleted file mode 100644 index c472008..0000000 --- a/scrape.py +++ /dev/null @@ -1,226 +0,0 @@ -from bs4 import BeautifulSoup -import requests -import shutil -from selenium import webdriver -import time -import logging - -browser = webdriver.Firefox() -browser.get("https://www.grassrootseconomics.org/blog") - -browser.implicitly_wait(90) - -scrollnumber = 13 -for i in range(1, scrollnumber): - browser.execute_script("window.scrollTo(0, document.body.scrollHeight);") - time.sleep(5) - -gretext = "https://www.grassrootseconomics.org/post/gre-for-me" -html_text = requests.get(gretext).text -soup = BeautifulSoup(html_text, 'lxml') - -mainsoup = BeautifulSoup(browser.page_source, 'lxml') -bloglinks = [] - -atitles = mainsoup.findAll('a', class_="_2oveR _2llBS _1e-gz _3T8tF") - -for a in atitles: - hrefs = a['href'] - bloglinks.append(hrefs) - -print(len(bloglinks)) - -imgdir = "content/images/blog" -storeimg = "images/blog" - -logging.basicConfig(filename='loginginfo.log', encoding='utf-8', level=logging.INFO) -logging.info("Running scrape") - - -def findwriter(soup): - authors = soup.find_all('span', class_='iYG_V user-name _4AzY3') - for author in authors: - tag = author.text - out = ":author: " - strauth = out + tag - # print(strauth) - return strauth - -# findwriter(soup) - -def findtime(soup): - times = soup.find_all('span', class_='post-metadata__date time-ago') - for time in times: - tag = time.text - out = ":date: " - strauth = out + tag - # print(strauth) - return strauth - - -# findtime(soup) - -def findtags(soup): - try: - listtags = soup.find_all('li', class_='_3uJTw') - out = ":tags: " - apptags = [] - for lists in listtags: - tags = lists.text - apptags.append(tags) - if len(apptags) > 1: - newstr = ",".join(apptags) - strout = out + newstr - # print(strout) - else: - newstr = apptags[0] - strout = out + newstr - # print(strout) - return strout - except: - # print("no tags found here") - return " " - -# findtags(soup) - -def findmodified(soup): - try: - updated = soup.find('p', class_="_2aGvg _1AZWZ") - out = ":modified: " - - uptime = updated.span - modified = uptime.text - modified = modified.replace('Updated:', '') - strout = out + modified - return strout - except: - # print("no such class for modified date") - return " " - -# findmodified(soup) - -def findtitle(soup): - title = soup.find('span', class_='blog-post-title-font blog-post-title-color') - out = ':title: ' - titletext = title.text - newtitle = out + titletext - return newtitle, titletext - -# tagtitle, text = findtitle(soup) -# print(tagtitle) - -def findslug(title): - words = title.replace(',','').replace("'",'').replace(":", '').replace("(",'').replace(")",'').replace("&",'') - words = words.split() - first = words[0] - second = words[1] - slug = first + "-" + second - slug = slug.lower() - slugwrite = ":slug: " +slug - return slug, slugwrite - - - -# def iframeproces(soup): - # iframe = soup.find('iframe', id="widget2") - # print(iframe) - # content = soup.find_all('div', class_= "post-content__body") - # for tag in soup.find_all(True): - # print(tag.name) - # wrap = content.find('div', class_="o56NN") - # for w in wrap.children: - # print(w) - # for w in wrap: - # iframe = w.decendants - # print(iframe) - - # for frame in iframes: - # print(frame) - -# iframeproces(soup) - - -def filtercontent(soup): - maincontent = soup.find('div', class_="_6SyeS") - title, words = findtitle(soup) - author = findwriter(soup) - date = findtime(soup) - slug, slugtext = findslug(words) - tags = findtags(soup) - - - modified = findmodified(soup) - blogpath = "content/blog/" - filename = slug + '.rst' - filepath = blogpath + filename - fileobj = open(filepath, 'a') - list = [title +"\n", author+ "\n", date+"\n", slugtext+"\n", modified+"\n", tags+"\n\n"] - fileobj.writelines(list) - print(filepath) - - for i, tag in enumerate(maincontent.find_all(True)): - - if tag.name == 'li': - newlist = "\t" + "*" + " " + tag.text + "\n" - fileobj.write(newlist) - - if tag.name == 'a': - linktext = tag.text - linkhref = tag['href'] - newlinks = "\t" + "`" + linktext + " " + "<" + linkhref + ">" + "`" + "_" + "\t" - # print(newlinks) - fileobj.write(newlinks) - - if tag.name == 'span': - for child in tag.children: - if child.name == None: - spantext = "\n\n" + tag.text + "\n\n" - fileobj.write(spantext) - if child.name == 'h2': - text = tag.text - newtext = "\n" + text + "\n*******************************************************\n\n" - fileobj.write(newtext) - if child.name == 'strong': - txt = tag.text.lstrip().rstrip() - newtxt = "\t"+"**" + txt + "**"+"\t" - fileobj.write(newtxt) - if child.name == 'em': - text = tag.text.lstrip().rstrip() - newtext = "\t" +"*" + text + "*" + "\n" - fileobj.write(newtext) - - if tag.name == 'img': - title, slugtitle = findtitle(soup) - titletext, _ = findslug(slugtitle) - imgsrc = tag.attrs['data-pin-media'] - r = requests.get(imgsrc, stream=True) - # print(f"request-details: {r.url} \nrequest-headers: {r.headers.items()}") - # print(r) - if r.status_code == 200: - filename = "/" + str(titletext) + str(i + 1) + ".webp" - pathtofile = imgdir + filename - storedimg = storeimg + filename - # print(pathtofile) - with open(pathtofile, 'wb') as f: - r.raw.decode_content = True - shutil.copyfileobj(r.raw, f) - imagrst = "\n\n"+".. image:: " + storedimg + "\n\n" - fileobj.write(imagrst) - else: - logging.info(f"cannot find image here {slug}") - - if tag.name == 'iframe': - logging.info(f"iframe found here {slug}") -# filtercontent(soup) - -for links in bloglinks[:5]: - html_text = requests.get(links).text - soup = BeautifulSoup(html_text, 'lxml') - filtercontent(soup) - - - - - - -