By Amos Harris
Two agricultural cooperative societies in Porkpa District, Grand Cape Mount County, have achieved full-fledged cooperative status following a three-day intensive leadership and institutional development training organized under the Community-Based Forestry and Protected Area Management (CBFM) Project.
The Domafam Agricultural Cooperative Society and the Gbama Lumeh Multipurpose Cooperative Society benefited from the capacity-building initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA).
The training focused on governance, financial management, accountability, transparency, proper record-keeping, and effective institutional leadership. It equipped cooperative leaders with practical skills needed to manage their organizations efficiently. A total of 20 participants, including leaders and management representatives from both cooperatives, completed the exercise alongside key local stakeholders, such as the Statutory Development Superintendent, District Commissioner, and Paramount Chief of Porkpa District.
The intervention aimed to strengthen the institutional capacity of the two cooperatives, preparing them to operate as sustainable, productive, and accountable community-based businesses while advancing their transition toward full-fledged status.
Speaking at the close of the training, CDA Registrar General Madam Lwopu G. Kandakai emphasized that strong cooperative institutions are essential for improving rural livelihoods, strengthening local economies, and supporting sustainable forest conservation. She encouraged members to view their organizations as self-sustaining business institutions rather than entities dependent on external aid. She urged them to embrace collective action, responsible leadership, financial discipline, and accountability as foundations for long-term growth.
Madam Kandakai noted that well-managed cooperatives enable communities to invest in vital social services—including schools, clinics, and bridges—while helping members gain greater access to financing and economic opportunities. She challenged both cooperatives to work together with a shared vision, stressing that unity, transparency, democratic decision-making, and responsible management remain critical to their sustainability.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Domafam Agricultural Cooperative Society Chairperson Hassan Seimavula expressed appreciation to the CDA and UNDP for investing in rural cooperative capacity. He acknowledged that the cooperatives previously struggled with informal decision-making, weak financial management, and poor record-keeping, noting that the training provided practical knowledge to improve internal systems and accountability. He pledged that the cooperatives will hold regular meetings, maintain proper financial records, and uphold principles of good governance.
The CDA-UNDP partnership through the CBFM Project continues to support rural communities in Grand Cape Mount County by promoting sustainable forest management, protected-area conservation, agriculture, and alternative livelihood opportunities. Achieving full-fledged status marks a major milestone for these societies, enhancing their ability to attract investment, access credit, expand farming activities, and create lasting economic opportunities across Porkpa District.