Canadian Co-operative Association

Published purpose

The project aims to increase sustainable economic growth and improve food security for 100,000 women and men smallholder farmers who are members of, or engage with agricultural co-operatives. The project helps reduce poverty by increasing the productivity of local farmers as well as their food production -through improved production techniques designed to improve yield and quality while minimizing exposure to climate, food insecurity and commodity fluctuation risks - and by facilitating access to markets and financing. Activities include : (1) training women and men producers on agricultural practices to increase production and to reduce climate/disaster vulnerability; (2) facilitating access to financial services for women and men members through savings and loan groups, credit unions and other providers; (3) training agricultural co-ops in market analysis and marketing, feasibility studies and business planning, and negotiating and contracting with buyers; and (4) strengthening risk management structures for co-ops and producers, including insurance and climate and disaster resilience.