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The Role of Cooperatives

Cooperatives play a major role in creating an inclusive and sustainable economy around the world. As people-centered businesses, cooperatives enable a locally anchored development process, thanks to their specific model based on self-help, democratic ownership, and concern for the community.

To demonstrate the impact of Cooperative Development Organizations (CDOs), the U.S. Overseas Cooperative Development Council (OCDC) and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) joined forces to demonstrate the extensive reach and scope CDOs have - invoking greater collaboration with development partners. 

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What are CDOs?

Cooperative Development Organizations (CDOs) are cooperatives and cooperative support organizations, that support and/or implement development projects outside their home countries. CDOs believe that cooperatives are ideal engines for development, since they empower people to fulfill their human, social and economic rights and needs.

The data displayed on this portal provides access to information from around 30 CDOs. The goal is to strengthen the network, encourage world-wide exchanges and connect CDOs to new partners and stakeholders.

Cooperative Development Organizations

Développement international Desjardins

A Desjardins Group-affiliated NGO, Développement international Desjardins (DID) works to strengthen the economic autonomy of disadvantaged populations living in developing and emerging countries by promoting their financial inclusion and education.

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National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF)

The NACF, or 'NongHyup' as it is called in Korean, was established to contribute to improve the economic, social and cultural status of farmers and contribute to the balanced development of the national economy. To meet these goals, we are engaged in Extension and Support Unit, Agribusiness Group, and Financial Services. We will continue to make every effort for the development of local communities and the affluent life of farmers.

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Food and Forest Development Finland (FFD)

FFD, the Finnish Agri-Agency for Food and Forest Development, is a non-profit organization supporting agricultural producer organizations, forest owners' organizations and cooperatives in developing countries. FFD was formed in 2012 by four Finnish farmers' and forest producers' organizations to coordinate Finnish farmer-to-farmer development cooperation efforts.

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