Shared Interest Foundation and COLEAD make progress in linking technical assistance with financial access, to strengthen the sustainability and operational efficiency of cocoa and coffee cooperatives

The partnership between COLEAD and the Shared Interest Foundation (SIF) continues to make progress in its mission to strengthen cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda and Uganda. Launched in February 2024, the project entitled “Design and Management of a Training & Technical Assistance Programme” has successfully implemented three of its four core components.

Key achievements

• Baseline diagnostics: a thorough assessment of the governance and financial frameworks of the eight participating cooperatives has been completed. The diagnostic reports have provided a clear pathway for addressing gaps and improving management practices.
• Training in cooperative governance and management. Launched in July 2024, this training equips cooperative boards and management teams with the skills needed for effective leadership and operational excellence. Targeted roles include presidents, general secretaries, treasurers and accountants.
• Business and financial planning. Providing training to improve financial literacy, develop robust business strategies and enhance market readiness.

Upcoming focus

The final phase, scheduled for January-February 2025, will prioritise climate change awareness sessions. These sessions will engage extension officers and lead farmers to promote adaptation strategies and build resilience to environmental challenges.

Collaborative impact

This initiative underscores COLEAD’s key role in linking technical assistance with financial access, thereby strengthening the sustainability and operational efficiency of cooperatives in the cocoa and coffee sectors. By integrating governance reforms, financial planning and climate-smart practices, the project advances the common goals of resilience and sustainability.

COLEAD remains committed to fostering stronger frameworks and capacities for cooperatives to navigate dynamic economic and environmental landscapes with confidence.

Shared Interest Foundation was established in 2004 as a charitable subsidiary of Shared Interest Society. Its aim is to work with producers who need support to grow and be more sustainable, ultimately alleviating poverty by helping people to trade and earn a living.  Founded in 1990, Shared Interest Society brings together a community of more than 12,000 people in the UK with the common goal of investing in a fairer world. They work hand in hand with communities where income opportunities may be limited and where businesses face increasing challenges. Shared Interest works cooperatively, funding Fair Trade enterprises in 45 countries. Most of these organisations support smallholder farmers who produce around a third of the world’s food but often struggle to feed their families.