People in Shianda are about to have their own co-operative

Members of Wefoco decided to establish a multipurpose cooperative as a measure to ensure sustainability of the income generating activities. 19. – 26. January 2014 members of Wefoco were trained on co-operation and sustainability. Trainings took place in 5 different areas: Shitoto, Eckero, Emuchalari, Shikulu and Khaunga. At the end of the trainings all the participating women groups chose their representatives for signing the application of registration.

There is a need for a co-operative as small-scale farmers in Shianda village are lacking dependable marketplace and have no bargaining power over the price on selling their products. As farmers don’t have appropriate place to storage their products, they are forced to sell it during the harvesting season when the price is often below the net value of producing. At the same time due to low job opportunities and lack of education, for most people farming is the only option to earn some income.

The Co-operative has planned to provide a variety of services, which would provide its members dependable marketplace and secured income for their agricultural products to guarantee food safety, accessibility of education and to improve the wellbeing of the members of the community in general.

Original members, who signed the application of registration

Training on co-operation and sustainability