Advancing cooperatives to improve their enabling environment, capacity, and resources

In many countries around the world, cooperatives play a critical role in promoting food security while supporting the livelihoods of their members. The USAID Cooperative Development Activity 4 (CD4) strengthened the enabling environment for food processing cooperatives in Lebanon, Malawi, and Rwanda. CD4 built and improved cooperative systems through tailored technical assistance, collaboration with apex organizations, governments, and other stakeholders, as well as robust research, learning, and dissemination. The activity improved cooperatives’ business performance and self-reliance through technical support and in-kind grants. CD4’s approach prioritized women and youth, providing gender-specific curriculum, awareness sessions, and internship programs to ensure the inclusion of women and youth, a critical component for sustainable economic growth.  The activity's learnings were disseminated locally and internationally through a cooperative learning platform, information exchange, and advocacy efforts. CD4 was funded by the USAID Cooperative Development Program (CDP). Venture37 is an implementer of USAID's global CDP, which strengthens cooperatives and credit unions globally to improve the social, economic, and environmental conditions of local communities.