The publication documents case studies of successful institutional innovations that have been applied through cooperatives to achieve food security and rural development objectives, as well as empower women.
1 March 2012: The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) have released a series of case studies that highlight the crucial role of producer groups and cooperatives in fighting hunger and poverty.
The report describes 35 cases of successful institutional innovations, which can, among other things, support small-scale producers by providing: access to, and management of, natural resources; inputs like seeds and equipment; access to markets; and improved information and communication.
The innovations include: Farmer Field Schools; a “warehouse receipt system” for obtaining short-term credit; local lending associations; introduction of new improved varieties; platforms for governments and communities to interact; and decentralization of resources. The report also stresses how women have benefited from rural organizations through access to markets, information, extension, and natural resources. The report will also be highlighted on 2 March 2012 at a side event at the 56th session of the UN Economic and Social Council’s Commission on the Status of Women, which is taking place from 27 February to 9 March 2012. [FAO Press Release] [Publication: Good Practices in Building Innovative Rural Institutions to Increase Food Security]