The results of this study indicate cooperative members are better off economically and socially compared to their non-member counterparts. This finding is true in all four study countries even though local circumstances, geography, and history of the movement vary from country to country.
Featured Member Portrait
WDDCM Research Studies

WDDCM – Global Outcomes

WDDCM – Peru Country Study

WDDCM – Philippines Country Study

WDDCM – Kenya Country Study

WDDCM – Poland Country Study
Previous Portraits
December 14, 2021
Meet Sam – manager of a wedding gowns cooperative business from the Philippines. When threatened by the Covid-19 pandemic, cooperatives helped Sam and other member businesses survive and overcome related shocks. Mutual help and support provided when needed, inclusion, and belief in members’ skills and dedication are cooperative values that make them what they are!
December 7, 2021
Meet Sabina – a coffee farmer from Peru. Irrigation system installed by the cooperative provided her and other local farmers with water to grow new corps and raise animals. We often forget to recognize the importance of this resource and only focus on it in moments of scarcity. For Sabina, water meant new opportunities so she was willing to apply the new technique with an open mind, dedication, and hard work.
December 1, 2021
Meet Florence – A Potato and vegetable farmer from Kenya. After retiring from a teaching job Florence engaged in farming and started an informal women support group to help them get better potato yields. A local Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO) helped when obtaining credit from other sources became impossible. Working and learning together, with Sacco’s technical support Florence was able to increase hers, and other women’s productivity and incomes.
October 27, 2021
Meet Úrsula– a coffee farmer from Sapse, Huancabamba, in Piura region of Peru. Ursula is the second generation of members in Norandino Cooperative which helped her learn how to handle coffee to get the most in quantity and quality. Under the cooperative umbrella producers like Úrsula are now active and respected agents for sustainable development in their region.
October 21, 2021
October 14, 2021
October 7, 2021
Meet Dolores – corn farmer from the Philippines. After joining a savings and loan cooperative, Dolores was able to incrementally buy land and farm equipment. Over the years, she was able to gain financial skills and experience to manage loans obtained through the cooperative. She expanded her business and today generates income greater than ever before. This story of a woman-entrepreneur illustrates the potential agriculture holds for women!
September 27, 2021
September 20,2021
September 15, 2021
September 6, 2021