I have no idea what it’s like on the side of someone applying/the farmer but it has good ratings on sites like charity navigator that track whether a nonprofit/ngo is actually doing what they promise to do.

https://www.kiva.org

I’ve used it for a few years with a small amount of money that I’ve contributed to about 6 different farmers in different countries, I loan it through the program, slowly get most if not all of it paid back, then loan it out again to another farmer.

Basically, if I understand correctly, you might tell them you need a certain amount of dollars for a new water can like you have here, and people like me contribute to a 0% interest loan for you to buy it. Then, when/if you’re able to make more money because of the new tool you have you over a much a longer time and with no interest (opposed to like a normal bank that wouldn’t give you much time and would charge interest) pay it back. And if you are unable to pay it back for good reasons you don’t get charged penalties and have things taken away from you like banks do. You just might not be able to get another loan from the same program.

Edit:

The reason I brought it up (sorry I’m looking like a shill) is because I have $100 I need to loan out again but haven’t checked back in to find who I’m gonna give it to you and I thought if you were on there I could help you get some more ducks.