b'asked & answered FOUNDATIONS FOR CHANGEThe values of solidarity, reciprocity and democracy that underpin cooperatives lead to far-reaching and long-lasting change.group, bonded by a feeling ofto high quality seeds andand her cooperatives members belonging and a shared vision. supplies, a lack of financingproduce. Operating as a group There has to be mutualto expand, and little to nogives farmers greater leveraging understanding and respect,trainingfrequently relyingpower in business negotiations. Nutan said. If there are 20on knowledge learnt fromWhereas buyers likely wouldnt women in a group, we haveprevious generations.travel to rural areas to buy to ensure full participationA cooperative works bytwo goats from an individual of all 20 womenno oneenabling individual farmers tofarmer, they would travel should be left behind.overcome these barriers andthere to buy 100 goats from a With Heifers guidance,operate as a collective. Its anfarmer-owned cooperative. many self-help groupsopportunity for the group toFor the incredible farmers combine to form registeredshare knowledge on improvedHeifer works alongside, these cooperatives like the Kamlafarming techniques, connectformal groups hold the potential Farmer Producer Company. Towith formal markets andfor community development help Nutan and the membersaccess support like subsidiestoday and into the future.build their businessesand technology servicesHelping women to join sustainably, Heifer organizesfrom local governments,together as leaders of groups financial managementbanks or other institutions. and cooperativesthat and business developmentIt also means more moneypersistence, that long-term trainings, and supportsearned for the goods Nutanengagement and mentoring, them in devising strategies to increase profits.I did not know what a [cooperative] washow it works, what a balance sheet isI had no clue, she said. Today, we are supporting goat and seed businesses, working with buyers, managing financial documents and earning profits.The Power of the ManyAs Nutan knows firsthand, farm work is intensive. AndPHOTO BY PR ANAB K . AICHits especially arduous for solo producers who spend long hours rearing animals or growing crops for minimal returns. Farmers working alone often have limited access 40| HOLIDAY 2022'