In the summer of 2009, we conducted our initial research project on the social networks in the aldeas that would eventually inform the development of our microfinance program.

Crawling under barbed wire fences, wading through streams, hiking up mountains, taming herds of cattle, bushwhacking through overgrown coffee bushes, and trekking up muddy footpaths in torrential rainstorms were only a few of the challenges our team faced. But we knew our hard work would give us a deep look into the social, economic, and political nature of the aldeas, an important step towards providing the innovative services we offer today.

Follow the links on the right to learn more about what we researched, how, and why.