International Development Grant
Increasing Wealth and Improving Food Security Through the Integrated Cooperative Business Model
Project Number: CA-3-D001693001
Status: Closed
Country/Region:
Maximum Contribution: $17,098,356.00
Start Date: October 19, 2015
End Date: March 31, 2021
Duration: 5.4 years
Project Description
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.
Expected Results
The expected intermediate outcomes for this project include: (1) women and men smallholder farmers have increased production and market access resulting in increased household incomes; (2) co-operatives are sustainable profitable and gender equitable businesses in their communities connecting smallholder farmers to market; and (3) an enabling business environment is created through local national and regional governance structures that responds to the needs of women and men co-operative members.
Progress & Results Achieved
Results achieved as of March 2021 include: (1) reached 86 163 direct beneficiaries (50.2% women). This exceeded the target by 26.4%. Reached 457 533 indirect beneficiaries (50.5% women) and 4 807 intermediaries; (2) increased income due to higher productivity improvements in product quality and access to specialty markets. In Peru 99% of direct beneficiaries (370 women 1712 men) increased their income by an average of 30% because of higher productivity. In Indonesia 39% of the direct beneficiaries reported an increased income; (3) contributed to positive gender equality results by involving women in farming and financial decisions. Almost 90% of women in Mongolia participate in household decisions; and (4) improved economic well-being from increased household income. Female-headed households’ income increased by 243% and the gross income of two-headed households increased by 122%. In Mongolia and in Malawi households noted increases in household assets such as livestock bicycles and improved housing structures. These results have contributed to helping women and men small producers achieve increased climate resilient gender equitable production and use of financial services.
Key Information
Executing Agency:
Canadian Co-operative Association
Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada
Program:
YFMInternaAssistPartnershp&Programing Br
Last Modified:
September 19, 2025
Development Classifications
DAC Sector:
Aid Type: Project-type interventions
Collaboration: Bilateral
Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation
Selection Mechanism:
Unsolicited Proposal