Empowering cocoa cooperatives through Strategic Business Planning Training

Written by Prince Essah, Cooperative advisor Ghana

The training on strategic business planning was held in Kumasi in Ghana at the True Vine Hotel from 17th July 2023 to 21st July 2023. The training was attended by 35 participants, from four primary cocoa cooperatives: Dedieso Cocoa Cooperative, Akyemansa Fine Flavour Cocoa Cooperative, Ofoase Cocoa Cooperative and New Edubiase Cocoa Cooperative.
The training was facilitated by Cooperative Advisor Jonas Laryea, with the support of Prince Sammy Essah and online Agripool expert Atze Schaap from The Netherlands. 

Prior to the training the Cooperatives had no strategic plans to drive their organisations and the board lacked the expertise on developing concrete business plan for their respective cooperatives. During the four days of training, participants were engaged in rigorous discussion about the cooperatives and ambitions.

Guided by a step-by-step approach, participants delved into the three pivotal dimensions: Where We Are, Where We Want to Go, and How Do We Get There. Key management tools such, as TOWS & SWOT Analysis, Business Model Canvas and OGSM Canvas were used to support the participants address the 3 main pillars of developing a strategic business plan.

Building Together for Success
The participants were taken through group assignments, presentations, plenary discussions, and role plays to enable them to understand the strategy development concept.

Agripool expert Atze Schaap made a presentation to the participants on communication and dialogue within the cooperative. According to Cooperative advisor Prince Essah, this presentation definitely added value. “Schaap explained to the participants what they had to do to facilitate a smooth flow of information to all their members in their business operation. He gave examples about utilizing social media platforms and other means such as magazines, journals and artefacts to communicate with members."

On the last day of the training the participants developed and presented their cooperative's mission, vision, core various, objectives, goals and KPI’s. Finally, they came out with their action plans and timelines towards implementing their strategic business plans.
This training marks a new era of growth and a future full of opportunities.