Initiative

What Difference Do Cooperatives Make?

What Difference Do Cooperatives Make was designed to determine if a measurable social and economic “cooperative difference” exists for members and communities where cooperatives operate.

The project was conducted over four years, examining the difference primary cooperative societies are making in the lives of their members across four countries – Kenya, Peru, Philippines, and Poland. The research was designed to examine the hypothesized “cooperative difference,” … and to present its findings at a high level, grounding research findings within national contexts.

How do cooperatives achieve powerful, multi-faceted impact on members and communities? By letting members decide.

The evidence shows cooperatives are especially effective at improving the economic and social wellbeing of their members when members are active participants in cooperative decision-making processes.

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Meet John Maina Mwai

John was able to overcome challenging odds of poverty and unemployment, and become a businessman and homeowner, one step at a time, supported by his SACCO.

  • Fact 1. With help from Nanyuki Boda Boda (NABOSA) John was able to invest in a motorcycle and launch his business as a boda boda motortaxi driver.
  • Fact 2. John was able to purchase his own home and plot of land.
  • Fact 3. John now owns a full-size vehicle and serves as a taxi driver.

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Media

Explore our cooperative member portraits!

Cooperative Member Portrait: Beata, a Member of a Social Cooperative

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Cooperative Member Portrait: Dolores, a Corn Farmer from the Philippines.

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Cooperative Member Portrait: James, A Business Owner from Kenya

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Cooperative Member Portrait: Meet Denis and Dominika, Cooperative Members from Poland

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Cooperative Member Portrait: Meet Elpido, a Cocoa Farmer from Peru

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Cooperative Member Portrait: Meet Fely, a Clothing Business Owner and Teacher from the Philippines

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Cooperative Member Portrait: Meet Florence, A Vegetable Farmer from Kenya

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Cooperative Member Portrait: Meet John, A Transportation Services Provider from Kenya

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Cooperative Member Portrait: Meet Ola, a Regional Governance Specialist from Poland

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Cooperative Member Portrait: Meet Sabina, A Coffee Farmer from Peru

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Cooperative Member Portrait: Meet Ursula, A Coffee Farmer from Huancabamba

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In Celebration of Co-Op Month the ICRG Presents 4 Member Portraits Throughout October

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Cooperative Member Portrait: Meet Sam, A Dressmaker from Pandi

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