In the heart of the Beni district in DR Congo lies the village of Mangina, where Leonie Kahasa, a 48-year-old rice farmer, lives. As a dedicated member of COOMUSERIZ, Leonie’s story reflects the positive impact of agricultural support and partnerships on her life and the community.
Read moreWritten by Mikidadi Waziri, Cooperative advisor Tanzania
Kinole SACCOS in Tanzania was established in 2001, with the support of Sokoine University of Agriculture. Since its establishment, Kinole SACCOS has been known as the financial institution you can trust. This year (2024), Kinole SACCOS is celebrating its 23rd anniversary.
The following story tells the fate of women of the COVAMABA cooperative, located in Rulindo District, Rwanda. COVAMABA is engaged in the cultivation of maize, vegetables, and potatoes in the Bahimba marshland. The cooperative comprises 2,531 members of which 1,310 are men and 1,221 are women.
Read moreWritten by Dita Beshada, cooperative advisor Ethiopia
For the past 19 years, Wirtu Kechema Seed Multiplication Cooperative in Ethiopia has been actively involved in the seed multiplication business. As a result, this cooperative has developed practical seed multiplication techniques and has increased members’ income.
Together with Agriterra’s Lobby & Advocacy expert Noah Ngetich, Kenya National Farmers Federation (KENAFF) with other key stakeholders managed to convince the government of Kenya to waive import duties on maize and soy to make animal feed cheaper. No small feat, as Ngetich explains.
Written by Olika Urgessa, Cooperative advisor Ethiopia
Girara multipurpose cooperative was established in 1993 with an initial membership of 10 males and 2 females. Currently, cooperative membership has increased to 446 males and 229 females, totalling 675 members. The cooperative is located in the south of Ethiopia. Most of the land is used for growing coffee, the production of different crops and the rearing of animals.
Read moreWritten by Ibrahimu Mwankanye, Cooperative advisor Tanzania
In Mufindi District in Tanzania, a total of 1,807 small tea farmers are organised into 16 Primary Tea Cooperatives. These cooperatives sell green tea leaves to three major tea processing factories: UNILEVEL TEA CO. LTD (now known as AKATERRA TEA CO. LTD), MUFINDI TEA & COFFEE CO. LTD and KISIGA TEA FACTORY CO. LTD.
Dire Union provides agricultural inputs and technical support to 38 primary cooperatives and more than 8,000 farmers in Ethiopia. The union was assessed in 2018 with support from two Dutch Agripoolers from Rabobank and Flynth. The team found out that Agriterra could be of support to improve the Lobby & Advocacy (L&A) skills of Dire’s board and management to have a more effective reach to regional and national governments.
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