Burundi Eco – Harnessing Cooperatives to Improve Farmer Yields and Livelihoods – 2024-09-02 11:44:40 – 2024-09-02 11:44:42 – 2024-09-02 11:45:52 – 2024-09-02 11:47:52 – 2024-09-02 11:49:59 – 2024-09-02 11:51:57

For decades, Burundian farmers have faced limited resources, unstable weather conditions, and fragmented markets that hamper their ability to thrive. In 2019, the Burundian government introduced the “Sangwe” policy to create hillside cooperatives in 119 communes and 18 provinces. This initiative addresses the need to increase agricultural production and socio-economic development by encouraging collaboration among farmers. Historically, cooperative farming has been a cornerstone of agricultural progress around the world, and in Burundi, it supports farmers to pool resources, share knowledge, and improve their access to markets.

Even though they work in groups and pool their resources, most cooperative members need increased support to access quality inputs and agricultural knowledge that will help them grow more efficiently and connect to better markets. Farmer organizations like the NGO One Acre Fund – Tubura are accelerating investments to fill these gaps. As of 2021, One Acre Fund, known locally as Tubura, has supported more than 17,000 members in 50 cooperatives, and plans to double that number to 100 cooperatives by 2024.

How are agricultural cooperatives supported?

Access to credit

One of the major challenges facing smallholder farmers is the lack of access to affordable credit. With the support of cooperatives, members receive financial support in the form of credits specifically allocated for the purchase of quality agricultural supplies, such as seeds and fertilizers. This access to credit alleviates financial pressure, allowing farmers to focus on production rather than worrying about financing their operations. In addition, since repayment responsibilities are shared across the cooperative, individual farmers can manage their repayments flexibly, creating a supportive financial environment that benefits all members.

Capacity Building Trainings

To maximize their potential, cooperatives need more than just financial support; they need knowledge and skills to implement effective farming practices. These trainings support farmers to address specific challenges, adopt best practices, and produce and harvest more. Farmers also benefit from these trainings, which provide them with knowledge on poultry health, optimize balanced feeding practices, and increase egg and meat production. This knowledge transfer is essential to improve productivity and ensure that cooperative members can sustain their farming activities in the long term.

Market Access

As production increases, farmers are able to produce enough for their consumption and sell their surplus; they therefore need reliable markets. Support in this area involves helping cooperatives connect with buyers, negotiate better prices and access markets they would otherwise not be able to reach.

Cooperatives have collective bargaining power that often allows them to obtain better market prices and improve their incomes. The collective bargaining power of cooperatives often allows them to obtain better market prices and improve their incomes. For example, in recent years, members of cooperatives working with One Acre Fund – Tubura have collectively aggregated and sold over 41 tons of soybeans, benefiting farmers from several cooperatives in various communes.

Support for diversified agriculture

Diversification is another key strategy to improve the resilience and profitability of agricultural cooperatives. In recent years, we have worked with cooperative farmers, encouraging them to diversify beyond traditional crops like corn and beans to explore crops like mushroom growing.

Through this program, we provide credit and access to supplies and equipment needed to grow mushrooms. We train farmers in modern farming practices and connect them to markets. Diversification not only provides additional income, but also reduces the risks associated with dependence on a single crop, making cooperatives more resilient to market fluctuations and environmental challenges.

Multifaceted support for agricultural cooperatives, ranging from financial support and resource provision to training and market access, is essential to increase agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of farming communities.

However, the journey to strengthening cooperatives and maximizing their impact is far from over. To fully realize the potential of this model, a broader coalition of stakeholders – including the Burundian government, development partners, and the private sector – should be established. By investing in cooperatives, advocating for supportive policies, and providing additional resources and expertise, we can collectively foster sustainable agricultural development and stimulate economic growth.

Par : One Acre Fund – Tubura.