Savings, Credit and Multiple Services Cooperative for Bamboo in Bonao

FAO

Savings, Credit and Multiple Services Cooperative for Bamboo in Bonao

Learning note

Year of publication 2024

Place of publication Santiago, Chile ;

Pages 5 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) Founded to promote bamboo-based business ventures, COOPBAMBU exemplifies the importance of cooperative organization and member engagement. Legal formalization and operational statutes have enabled its growth, focusing on manufacturing and selling bamboo furniture while fostering community investment. Members contribute to and benefit from collective resources, ensuring sustainability. Strategic sales operations, including profit-sharing and transparent management, have strengthened its market position, paving the way for innovative financial services and improved administration.COOPBAMBU has achieved milestones in professionalizing its business operations, including financial management, human resources, and record-keeping. Training programs for youth in bamboo craftsmanship have encouraged skill development, while targeted initiatives for women have expanded access to microcredit, bolstering local entrepreneurship. These efforts not only diversify income but also integrate underrepresented groups into the economic framework. Support from international partners has further solidified COOPBAMBU’s capacity to implement marketing strategies, improve infrastructure, and create diversified production lines.The cooperative has adapted to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic by introducing diversified revenue streams, including transportation, tool sales, and edible bamboo production. Its sustainable approach to community-led development positions it as a model for integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern cooperative strategies. COOPBAMBU’s experiences underscore the transformative potential of well-structured cooperatives in empowering rural economies and fostering inclusive growth.

Language English

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