Cooperative professionalization in order to get access to working capital

Green Organic Watch Growers Cooperative represents >5,000 farmers. Currently they are selling their fermented cocoa (organic or conventional) mostly outside the Coop. Not because they want to, but because they have no alternative. The Coop is not able to get access to trade finance, although they have the contract with a buyer. Hence the difficulty procuring all the cocoa from their members. Management capacity of the Coop is not up to the mark. Due to financial restraints they have lost their CERES organic certification. So, the Coop is encountering trying times. Yet, this Cooperative is sitting on gold. Once they get their act together, ensure the members are 100% Cooperators, have access to capital, they can grow. And they can ensure their members grow. Agriterra is able to support this Coop, and it will take some years before they can bear the fruits. But in the short run, one should be able to see results. Improvement of Financial Management will be key, combined with a realistic business plan. Their need for working capital will be UGX 300 million, whereas their investment need is UGX 135 million.