b'It is crucial to build [the] business acumen of farmersfarms yield. The producers are educated about market to help them improve their income, stressed Subrataforces that influence the prices of the commodities they sell Chowdhury, senior program manager for institutionand learn negotiation skills that help them demand a fair development and training at Heifer Bangladesh. Farmersprice for their produce.are mostly involved only in making the product. They They are also educated on external factors and threats have little knowledge about the demand of [that] product,that can cause losses, such as flooding, drought or disease [its] market price or where and when to sell [it]. Theyoutbreak among animals, which helps them adopt require support to learn about the forces that driveprecautionary measures, prepare mitigation plans and markets and influence their incomes.minimize impact. In Cambodia, Tor received education and guidance on Building the Foundation animal management, savings and loans, and principles for To build business knowledge among farmers, Heiferengaging with markets to begin raising poultry for business encourages individuals to form self-help groups in whichand better provide for her family. they can work together with other producers from theirI have enough food to support [my] children and community.Their journey together starts with sheddinghave enough money to save, Tor said. I really appreciated the weight of fear and doubt and building a clear vision. the support I gained, knowledge I learned and income Conceptualizing a thriving business and resilientI generated.families provides people the trajectoryand resolutionto fulfill their ambitions. We help farmers realize andReconstructing the Futureunlock their potential, shared Shyam Kumar Katta, projectOnce producers are trained and farm-level productivity director at Heifer India. We help them see where they canhas improved, Heifer-supported self-help groups are often reach and be a catalyst of their growth.legally registered as farmer-led agricultural cooperatives. To map their paths forward, Heifer provides businessDriven by values of accountability and solidarity, the training in which community trainers help group memberscooperatives leverage the power of the collective to spur prepare a business plan, a flexible strategy that isprogress throughout their community. customized to their needs. The business plan helpsCooperatives receive additional business training on producers identify their available resources, such as landincreasing members, building capital, pooling resources, and number of animals; identify areas for investment, suchbulking products and engaging with formal markets. as buying farming equipment; calculate optimumProducing quality products in mass through a cooperative production capacity and potential for expansion; anddrives more buyers, improves farmers bargaining prepare an actionable work plan to reach milestones in acapacity and leads to better profit margins, potentially timely manner.doubling or even tripling farmers incomes. The training familiarizes producers with effectiveEquipped with knowledge, skills and solidarity, production techniques and links them with extensionotherwise vulnerable smallholder farmers are able to drive service providers, like seed suppliers, animal health careinclusive and equitable development in their workers and feed producers, who help them improve theircommunities and build a legacy of prosperity and hope. n"I really appreciated the support I gained, knowledge I learned and income I generated. TOR PON LOUKHEIFER.ORG |9'