Resource

Business/Enterprise Development – Misenjele

Farmer-to-Farmer is a USAID-funded initiative, which sends American agricultural/agribusiness experts to developing countries to offer technical assistance to our host organizations. These trips are volunteer-based, but all trip-related expenses are covered by CNFA, and typically last between two and three weeks.

ASSIGNMENT

Misenjele Nandolo Cooperative was formed in 2012 and currently has 483 members. The Cooperative cultivates legumes (soybeans, pigeon peas, and peanuts) and a variety of vegetables on 112 hectares.

The cooperative struggles due to poor leadership, resulting poor management of cooperative members. Additionally, the cooperative is not formally registered, which reduces access to markets. An F2F volunteer has been requested to train members on how to improve cooperative management and leadership in order to improve operational capacity.

DESIRED IMPACTS

• Improved organizational structure and leadership

• Increased access to markets and higher income for cooperative members.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Willingness to work for a week or more in rural Malawi.

• Extensive knowledge and experience in cooperative management.

• Experience building cohesion and leadership in large groups.

• Must be citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.