Njogu Victor James

The Co-operative University of Kenya (CUK) hosted a pivotal seminar on February 27, 2025, under the theme “Empowering Agricultural Cooperatives for Sustainable Rural Development: Celebrating 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives with a Cross-Regional Focus”. The event brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and experts to explore the role of agricultural cooperatives in fostering food security, rural livelihoods, and global collaboration. The seminar began with a guided tour of the university for members of the Network for the Development of Agricultural Cooperatives in Asia and the Pacific (NEDAC). Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Nyamongo welcomed participants and set the stage for discussions on strengthening cooperatives as key drivers of development. The Chief Guest, Commissioner for Cooperatives, Mr. David Obonyo, delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the crucial role cooperatives play in Kenya’s economic transformation agenda. He highlighted that cooperatives are an enabler in all key pillars of the current administration, including agricultural transformation, ICT, affordable housing, and healthcare. He noted that the most effective way to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor is by encouraging more Kenyans to form and join cooperative societies. Another key highlight of the event was the signing of instruments for the CUK-NEDAC Collaboration through a Letter of Intent, marking a significant step in strengthening partnerships for cooperative development. Prof. Isaac Nyamongo expressed appreciation for the collaboration, emphasizing that the Letter of Intent signed during the event would unlock great opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building between the university and cooperative stakeholders not just in Kenya and Africa but also across the globe. The seminar featured a series of panel discussions addressing key aspects of cooperative growth and sustainability. The first discussion, moderated by Prof. Kennedy Waweru, focused on how agricultural cooperatives contribute to reducing hunger, enhancing rural livelihoods, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Panelists, including Mr. Balasubramanian Ganpathy Iyer, Mr. Roeland Monasch, Samuel Omwakwe from Caritas Kakamega, and Joab Osumba from Fineline Consultants, explored how cooperatives align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the ways in which social and financial education empower communities. The second session, led by Prof. Lucy Kiganane, examined opportunities for strengthening ties between Asia and Africa through cooperative models. Panelists, including Mr. Virgilio Rodriguez Lazaga, Mr. Jyoti Saroop, Dr. Moses Gweyi, and Mr. Michael Mutuma, shared insights on successful case studies and identified best practices for cross-regional adoption. The discussion emphasized the importance of international knowledge exchange in building resilience within cooperatives. Following a networking tea break and a group photo session, discussions resumed with a panel on government policies for cooperative growth, moderated by Dr. Lucy Ngare. Speakers, including Mr. Sudhir Mahajan, Mr. P. Chandra Shekara, Commissioner for Cooperatives Mr. David Obonyo, and Hon. Diana Kendi, CEC Trade, Tourism, Culture, and Cooperative Development, Nyeri County, explored strategies for engaging governments in developing cooperative-friendly policies that drive rural development and food security. Case studies from countries with strong cooperative frameworks provided valuable lessons for policymakers. The final panel, moderated by Dr. Moses Gweyi, centered on leveraging the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 as a platform for advocacy and collaboration. Panelists, including Mr. Praveen Reddy Aligireddy, Mr. Bhima Subrahmanyam, Mr. Paul Wanjala from KUSCO, and Ms. Monica Chepkirui from the School of Co-operatives and Community Development, discussed ways to amplify the role of cooperatives in achieving the SDGs and positioning them as global agents of economic and social transformation. The one-day seminar concluded by recognizing the contributions of all participants and reaffirming the commitment to advancing cooperative development through strategic partnerships. A networking lunch provided an opportunity for further engagement, strengthening the foundation for continued collaboration in shaping the future of agricultural cooperatives.