Forming an effective farmers’ cooperative

    | June 9, 2008

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    When it comes to purchasing inputs at a reasonable price and selling crops for a good profit, small-scale farmers are often at a disadvantage. Recent changes to input and food markets have only made the situation more challenging. But, as millions of small-scale farmers in countries around the world have found out, there is strength in numbers. By forming cooperative groups for purposes such as obtaining loans, buying or making fertilizer, buying or banking seeds, preparing land, processing food, and selling crops, these farmers have discovered ways to increase their profit margins and improve their food security.

    This week’s script, taken from the latest script package (Package 83) describes how to start a small-scale farmers’ cooperative. You can also find this script online at:
    http://www.farmradio.org/english/radio-scripts/83-7script_en.asp.