The International Day of Cooperatives is an important occasion that highlights the role cooperatives play in fostering community empowerment and sustainable development. Traditionally celebrated on the first Saturday of July, it was postponed nationally due to presidential and parliamentary elections, and will take place on October 11, 2024, at Ubworoherane stadium in Musanze District, organised by the Rwanda Cooperatives Agency (RCA). This year’s theme, “Cooperatives Building a Better Future for All,” underscores the essential contributions of cooperatives to inclusive growth and community resilience, reflecting Rwanda's commitment to sustainable development. Cooperatives in Rwanda operate across various sectors, promoting economic participation, combating environmental degradation, generating decent jobs, and contributing to food security. ALSO READ: Officials explore ways to promote cooperatives Director General of the Rwanda Cooperatives Agency, Dr. Patrice Mugenzi, emphasised the importance of cooperatives in promoting inclusive development and facilitating social transformation, noting that the International Day of Cooperatives provides a platform to honour the achievements of these organisations while reflecting on the ongoing efforts needed to empower their members. “This day serves as a gathering for cooperative members, local government officials, and key stakeholders, fostering collaboration towards a unified vision of growth and development in Rwanda,” he said. Dr. Mugenzi also added that the cooperatives keep financial capital within local communities and build ethical value chains; they improve the material conditions of their members and promote positive peace. Rwanda Cooperative Agency (RCA) is committed to realising this vision by implementing programmes that strengthen cooperative governance and enhance their contribution to national development. A look at how cooperatives changed lives Pascal Sebatware is the president of Abakunda Ibireti cooperative, which was founded in 2010 and now has 1,049 members. When the cooperative first started, buying shares was at Rwf 5,000; today they have increased to Rwf 30,000. This cooperative specialises in horticulture, particularly the cultivation of Tanacetum cinerariifolium, known for its environmentally friendly insecticidal properties. They are based in Kinigi. Sebatware explains that the amount to buy shares has increased because it allows them to invest in land and other resources, emphasising the cooperative’s role in financial stability. “In our cooperatives, we teach our members to save and invest wisely, which empowers them to plan for the future, and every two weeks, we ensure our members receive profits after paying our farmers and workers. It creates a consistent income stream that helps solve immediate financial challenges,” he stated. He also added that the cooperative aids members in securing loans, acting as a guarantor to facilitate access to financial institutions. ALSO READ: Cooperatives Agency pushes for specialised lawyers to bolster justice in cooperative offenses Imyugariro Cooperative is one of the cooperatives operating in Musanze District, dedicated to cultivating potatoes and corn, and it is based in Busogo and Musanze with 96 members. For Angelique Nyiransabimana, secretary and member of Imyugariro Cooperative, the benefits of cooperative membership extend beyond agriculture. “When I struggled to invest in farming, the cooperative provided me with seeds. Now, I grow my own crops and ensure my children never miss school due to lack of fees,” she recalls. “The cooperative stepped in. I borrowed money to pay for their education, and I was able to repay it once I sold my harvest; thanks to the cooperative, I not only provide for my family but also save for emergencies,” she said. She also added that members of the cooperatives received training in modern agricultural techniques, which has greatly improved their yields. The cooperative plays a role in supporting its members financially. “If someone faces challenges, we come together to help. This solidarity is what makes cooperatives essential for our community,” she noted. Jean Damascene Sinzabaheza, president of Dukomeze Ubuzima Cooperative, leads an initiative focused on empowering individuals with disabilities. Originally starting as a 'begging group', the cooperative transformed in 2012 to become a model of self-sufficiency through agricultural production. “We used to produce six tones per hectare, but now we have reached 20 tones, and we have grown from 62 to over 320 members, including 220 individuals with disabilities. We wanted to change the narrative; that’s why we helped each other become self-sufficient and productive members of society,” he said. Sinzabaheza highlighted the cooperative’s commitment to social responsibility by helping members get access to health insurance. “I believe being a part of a cooperative is a step towards a better life, and in our cooperative we provide support to those outside our cooperative. We offer daily payments for work done, and ensure immediate financial support for members,” he added.
