Business cooperation: a formula for resilience in volatile periods
In the heart of Uganda, the Bukonzo Organic Farmers Cooperative Union (BOCU) stands as a beacon of hope for small-scale coffee farmers. Supported by Shared Interest since 2014, BOCU acts as a catalyst, negotiating prices, marketing, and export on behalf of 13 smaller primary co-operatives. This collective approach is instrumental in ensuring these farmers receive a fair price for their produce.
The story of co-operatives, however, stretches back much further. The International Co-operative Alliance was established in London in 1895, with the aim of uniting the global co-op community. Today, approximately 3 million co-ops exist internationally, with an astonishing 1.2 billion members.
The roots of this movement can be traced back to Britain, where the co-operative movement took root in the 19th century. The group of 28 artists and textile workers who founded the first successful cooperative around Manchester in 1844 was called the Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers. Their aim was to provide affordable and unadulterated food to their community.
Fast forward to the present day, and co-operative businesses employ some 280 million people around the world, representing 10% of the employed population. Shared Interest, a UK-based social lender, is one such organisation that supports farmers and handcraft producers in 47 countries. They work with various communities, from Sphagnum moss farmers in Peru to coffee farmers in Rwanda.
For Fairtrade certified producers, the Fairtrade premium has been invaluable, often used for new schools, clean water infrastructure, and building resilience in the face of a changing climate. Smallholder communities, such as coffee farmers, collectively provide around a third of the world’s food, yet often struggle with cycles of poverty.
Life in the remote villages where Shared Interest works is challenging, yet the sense of community is incredible. Tourists often see a different Uganda compared to the remote villages where the farmers live. Without BOCU, farmers in Uganda would likely sell locally or to unscrupulous buyers known as 'coyotes'. Being part of a larger co-operative helps these communities form a stronger community and a powerful collective voice.
Creating a co-op helps these communities not only financially but also socially. It provides a platform for members to discuss and make decisions collectively, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment. This collective approach has been instrumental in ensuring these communities can provide for their families and contribute to the global food supply.
In conclusion, the co-operative movement, with its roots in Britain, has grown to become a powerful force, providing employment, financial stability, and a collective voice for millions around the world. Organisations like Shared Interest continue to support these communities, helping them navigate the challenges of the modern world and ensuring a fair and sustainable future for all.
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