The cooperative's progress
9 July 2025
In February 2025, the Abunzumumwe and Abatingingwa cooperatives celebrated being for one year on their new farmland. The project led by the Legacy of War Foundation has generated significant achievements during this period. There has been a notable mindset shift among women in these cooperatives, from hopelessness to self-belief. Many women have gained leadership positions in their communities, and there is now higher joint decision-making in households, demonstrating increased bargaining power for women.
Key data and results include:
- Economic Empowerment: 33% of women set up sideline businesses, 50% of cooperative members now have a bank account in their own name, and 70% report having assets, savings, and food stocks to withstand economic and climate shocks.
- Education and Health: All children the children of the beneficiaries are now in school, and all the women have health insurance. Malnutrition, which affected 75% of women at the start of the program, has been completely supressed.
- Tree Planting: Cooperative members planted 500 trees at the Abatingingwa farm and 300 at Abunzumumwe farm, with plans to plant an additional 200 trees next year. Trees were also donated to local schools and health centres, and smallholder farmers received saplings and agroforestry training.
- Crop Reports: Abunzumumwe produced 20,640 KG of produce, making a profit of $6,12, while Abatingingwa produced 15,965 KG of produce, making a profit of $9,046. Both cooperatives pooled their French beans harvest for price security.
- Irrigation: Cattle shelters were installed at both farms, and the water storage capacity was increased. Cooperative members have been cultivating Napier Grass to feed the cattle.
These results demonstrate the positive impact of the program on the economic empowerment, education, health, and agricultural practices of the cooperative members.
