Kiva conducts regular, ongoing monitoring of all Lending Partners, but only posts status updates here in response to relevant, major changes at the partner.

June 9, 2020 - COVID-19 Update:

Kiva has been in contact with ODEF to understand how we can best support their business and borrowers during the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all staff, borrowers and their families as this global pandemic continues.

While country-specific responses to the crisis vary, most governments have imposed curfews, travel restrictions, and nation-wide shutdowns. Honduras has imposed temporary moratoriums on loan payments, affecting not only microfinance, but the economy as a whole. 

As a result, borrowers and ODEF may experience difficulty making and collecting loan repayments due to the aforementioned restrictions or fallout effects of the virus. Over the coming months, it’s possible that lenders will see a delay in repayments and new loans posted by ODEF. As an impact-first funder, Kiva is committed to serving our Lending Partners, as in past crises. We are sympathetic to temporary increases in repayment delays and delinquency in order to help Lending Partners and borrower communities recover. 

Kiva is working closely with ODEF to support them and their borrowers through the COVID-19 crisis. ODEF is sending regular updates to Kiva, and we'll update Partner Pages as we learn more. 

On behalf of Kiva and ODEF, we’re grateful for your continued support through this difficult time. 

ODEF Financiera SA (ODEF) is a microfinance institution that serves micro and small enterprises throughout the Northwest and the Atlantic Coast of Honduras. It focuses on women in rural and marginal urban areas, and provides loans for sustainable development and quality of life improvement.

In 2005, ODEF introduced a technical assistance, social impact branch of its organization called ODEF-OPDF (Private Financial Development Organization, or Organización Privada de Desarrollo Financiero). This branch specializes in a more hands on, educational approach to assist borrowers in self-sufficiency and community development.

ODEF's unique lending team approach: ODEF targets low-income clients, stresses poverty reduction and focuses on sustainability and environmentally-friendly products. Because its staff and board are trained in social performance, ODEF is able to focus on these areas of interest. In the past, ODEF has offered loans for sustainable agriculture, soil conservation, and agroforestry.

In addition to agricultural loans, ODEF provides loans for consumption, small and medium enterprises, and housing. To ensure self-sustainability among its borrowers, the organization offers financial literacy education.