Oikocredit and Lucha Campesina join forces to support smallholder farmers in Ecuador

Oikocredit has established a new three-year partnership with the savings and credit cooperative Lucha Campesina to enhance financial access for smallholder farmers and livestock producers in Ecuador. The USD 2 million local currency loan will help the cooperative expand its agricultural microfinance programme, aiming to promote sustainable rural development in four provinces: Cañar, Chimborazo, Guayas, and Los Ríos.

Based in Cumandá, Chimborazo province, Lucha Campesina operates across 32 locations, including nine branches, offering vital financial services to underserved rural communities. This funding aligns with Oikocredit's mission to create lasting social impact by supporting small-scale agricultural producers and fostering rural economic growth.

Juan Carlos Zambrano, General Manager of Lucha Campesina, praised the partnership as a recognition of the cooperative's commitment to financial inclusion, stating: “This collaboration inspires us to keep advancing sustainable projects that uplift communities and build a more equitable future.”

Carla Urresta, Oikocredit’s Investment Officer for the Andean region, expressed enthusiasm, adding, “We are thrilled to support Lucha Campesina in improving smallholder farmers’ productivity and advancing rural job creation.”

Read the full press release here.