Facilitators-Handbook-For-Permaculture

Workshop Module 13: Cooperatives and Enterprise Development 339

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Presentation : Cooperatives and small enterprises

Method : Facilitator presentation

Tools : Images, black/white board, markers

References : PC Book MOD 13 – Cooperatives and Enterprise Development

Objective : Participants learn about cooperatives and enterprise development,

        and the benefits    to  individuals and communities

Community cooperatives are organized, managed and run by communities.
They can create many benefits for the community.

The objective of a community cooperative can be:

• Economic.


• Social.


• To provide a needed service.

The most important principle for a successful community cooperative is that
the members of the cooperative use the principles of equality and working together for
the collective benefit.

Why form a community cooperative?

• They can benefit to the whole community - By improving local economies
  and local resources.


• They make it easier and cheaper to collect and buy materials –
  Including transportation, tools, and better quality raw materials.


• They can make types and amounts of products that can’t be made by
  individuals – This means more products, with reduced costs, which are more
  competitive on the market place.


• They make it easier to voice opinions or work with government,
  private investors, religious groups, and NGOs – Groups are more
  attractive to investors and have a louder voice than individuals.


• Different people in the community can contribute depending on their
  skills – For example builders, cooks, book keepers, agriculture skills, etc.


• Marketing, transporting, and selling goods – Is cheaper and easier to
  organize and the markets are easier to create and expand.

Community cooperatives can make individuals feel better because they:

• Have work that they previously they could not do alone.


• Are working together in the community and participating in their community.


• Can provide more for their family, now and in the future, through continuing
  collective work within the community.


• Learn new skills and achieve goals that would not be possible working alone.