The Untapped Potential

Women constitute nearly half of Ethiopia's agricultural workforce, yet they often face barriers to land ownership, credit access, and decision-making power. ALMI Ethiopia believes that empowering women in agriculture is not just a matter of equity—it is essential for food security and economic development.

Cooperative Model

Our Women's Agricultural Cooperatives program brings women farmers together into organized groups that provide:

Shared Resources

Cooperatives pool resources to purchase improved seeds, tools, and equipment that individual farmers could not afford alone.

Collective Bargaining

By marketing their products together, cooperative members command better prices and access larger markets.

Peer Learning

Regular meetings and demonstration days allow members to share knowledge, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate successes.

Financial Inclusion

Cooperatives serve as pathways to microfinance and savings programs, helping women build financial resilience.

Success Story: The Gurage Women's Cooperative

Formed in 2024 with 25 members, the Gurage Women's Cooperative has grown to 80 members and now manages a thriving vegetable business. Key achievements include:

• Establishment of a communal irrigation system

• Contract with a local supermarket chain

• Creation of a revolving loan fund

• Training of 50 additional women in neighboring communities

Focus Areas

Our cooperatives concentrate on high-value, manageable enterprises:

• Vegetable production and marketing

• Poultry raising

• Beekeeping and honey production

• Handicrafts using agricultural byproducts

Challenges and Solutions

We have learned that sustainable women's empowerment requires addressing multiple barriers simultaneously:

• **Time constraints**: Cooperative activities are scheduled flexibly around women's existing responsibilities

• **Limited mobility**: We bring training and markets to communities rather than expecting women to travel

• **Social norms**: We engage male community leaders as allies and advocates for women's economic participation

Measuring Impact

Our monitoring shows that women in cooperatives experience:

• 35% increase in household income

• Greater decision-making power in household finances

• Improved nutrition for children

• Increased school enrollment for daughters

Join the Movement

We are actively forming new cooperatives. If you work with women farmers interested in cooperative development, we would love to partner with you.