Jalil O. is 49 years old, married, and has four children. He sells dried fruits in the central local market. He has been in this business for 12 years. The dried fruits are very popular in Tajikistan. They are served to guests and during family occasions such as wedding parties and birthday parties. Considering the constant demand for this type of goods, Jalil's business is quite successful and results in a stable income for his family. Jalil wants to increase the stock of his goods in order to be able to supply all the demands of his buyers. He is requesting a loan 6,000 Somoni, which he will use to purchase dried fruits, such as raisins and apricots, and nuts, such as almonds and pistachios, with the purpose of increasing the range of goods he sells. Jalil has a positive credit history. He would like to thank all for support and promises to pay the loan in time.


More about Tajikistan and IMON International

Tajikistan is known for its rich history, which includes a key post along the Silk Road and the end of Alexander the Great's rule. It has also produced great thinkers, philosophers, scientists, and poets, including Rudaki, Avicenna, Ferdowsi, Omar Khayyam, Jomi, and Rumi. The country is home to communities that still speak the ancient Sogdian language, epic mountain passes, and a civilization that dates back to the 4th millennium BC. And, even today, it is a complex mixture of the Islamic faith, Soviet culture, New West culture, and Central Asian traditions.

But Tajikistan is also the poorest of the former Soviet republics. The civil war, which ignited soon after its independence from the U.S.S.R., further damaged the already weak economy. In addition, 93% of the country is mountainous and only 7% of the land is arable. These conditions have resulted in high levels of unemployment and have forced hundreds of thousands to seek work in other countries, mainly Russia. While the people of Tajikistan are working to improve its agricultural production and manufacturing sector, nearly two-thirds of the population still live in abject poverty.

IMON's History

Since December 2007, IMON International has worked closely with Kiva and Kiva lenders to ensure that poor and low income clients represent a viable business proposition. Funds raised through Kiva have already been distributed to thousands of IMON International's clients and will continue to provide thousands more with permanent access to the varied financial services they need. To learn more about IMON International's work, please visit www.imon.tj