Martha Gabriela

Gabriela is 38 years old.  She is a humble, hard-working woman who is married and has created a united, loving household with her husband.  She and her husband had three children, whom Gabriela loves and for whom she has created a better future.  Two of her children are grown and run their own households.  They live nearby, but each in their own home.  Currently, only Gabriela's youngest son is still dependent; he goes to school.

Gabriela and her husband earn their living farming.  They work the land planting cacao, yucca, plantain and other tropical fruits common to the area.  For the last three years, Gabriela has wanted to expand her cacao crop, which is the main source of income for many farm women in the area and the most consumed crop nationally.  She is looking to work her crop independently so she can generate more income for her household, which is why she is requesting a loan. 

Gabriela will use the loan to purchase farming supplies and fertilizers and to pay day laborers.  She hopes that will allow her to further help her husband and her children, once she earns more from her plantings.  Gabriela hopes to keep taking courses to improve her organic farming techniques, which is her main inspiration. 

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerMarni Siegal. View original language description.