Written 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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