Like many inhabitants of Peru's Four Lakes region, Justa Rufina Mamani and her husband, Teófilo Candia Medina, earn their income through an assortment of means, including owning and operating a variety store, growing grains and potatoes and raising livestock. But Justa has enjoyed an unusual level of success, thanks to microcredit loans from Arariwa, a Global Partnerships partner microfinance institution serving many clients in this rural community.

The couple has owned their store for 30 years, and starting with a $100 loan has expanded the inventory to become the largest store in town. In addition, with the help of their current $330 loan, Justa and Teófilo have been able to purchase land to grow potatoes and cereals as well as raise cuy (guinea pigs), pigs and chickens. Justa has also taken advantage of Arariwa’s creative financial products, including valuable training to help her hone her financial and business skills. She hopes to have continued success with her store and with her crops and livestock, and dreams of buying additional land for her daughter to cultivate in the future.

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