What is a cooperative? A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly and democratically controlled enterprise.

As self-help organisations, cooperatives in both developing and developed countries
help raise the income and employment prospects of its members. The strength and reach
of cooperatives are illustrated by the success of both small and large scale farmers in India
who help 11 million families earn part of their income from dairy cooperatives.

In Africa, cocoa and coffee growing cooperatives, which have a considerable export market, reinvest profits in their communities to obtain potable water, sanitation facilities, and resources for local villages. Cooperatives are also multi-billion dollar businesses, such as Sunkist and Ocean Spray, as well as self-organised artisans and rural farmers.

The Associated Press, one of the oldest cooperatives, employs 3,700 people and provides current news to 121 countries in five languages. Thus cooperatives can be a source for information, credit, food, social protection, housing, and job creation.

https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/social/cooperatives/documents/CoopsAtWork.pdf

https://www.ilo.org/meetings-and-events/cooperatives-advancing-youth-employment-sustainable-development

The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) is a South African government initiative designed to enhance agricultural development, particularly for smallholder farmers. It provides financial and technical assistance to support various aspects of agricultural production, including infrastructure, training, marketing, and access to information.

Key features of CASP include:
Target Beneficiaries:
CASP focuses on supporting smallholder farmers, land reform beneficiaries, farm workers, and small agribusinesses, including women and youth in agriculture.

Six Pillars of Support:
The program is structured around six key pillars:
On and off-farm infrastructure and production inputs: This includes support for building and improving infrastructure like irrigation systems, storage facilities, and providing essential inputs like seeds and fertilizers.
Targeted training, skills development, and capacity building: CASP provides training programs to enhance farmers' skills in areas like crop production, livestock management, and business management.
Marketing and business development: The program assists farmers in accessing markets for their produce and developing business plans to improve profitability.
Information and knowledge management: CASP provides access to relevant agricultural information and resources, including market information, best practices, and technical advice.
Technical, advisory, and regulatory services: This includes access to expert advice on various agricultural practices, as well as assistance with navigating regulations related to farming.
Financial services: CASP aims to improve access to financial resources for farmers, potentially through partnerships with financial institutions.

Promoting Sustainable Practices:
A key objective of CASP is to promote sustainable agricultural practices that ensure long-term productivity and environmental stewardship.

Improving Food Security:
By supporting increased agricultural production and efficiency, CASP contributes to improved food security for the targeted communities and the nation as a whole.

Provincial Implementation:
The program is implemented by provincial departments of agriculture, working in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP) is a South African government initiative designed to enhance agricultural development, particularly for smallholder farmers. It provides financial and technical assistance to support various aspects of agricultural production, including infrastructure, training, marketing, and access to information.

Key features of CASP include:
Target Beneficiaries:
CASP focuses on supporting smallholder farmers, land reform beneficiaries, farm workers, and small agribusinesses, including women and youth in agriculture.

Six Pillars of Support:
The program is structured around six key pillars:
On and off-farm infrastructure and production inputs: This includes support for building and improving infrastructure like irrigation systems, storage facilities, and providing essential inputs like seeds and fertilizers.
Targeted training, skills development, and capacity building: CASP provides training programs to enhance farmers' skills in areas like crop production, livestock management, and business management.
Marketing and business development: The program assists farmers in accessing markets for their produce and developing business plans to improve profitability.
Information and knowledge management: CASP provides access to relevant agricultural information and resources, including market information, best practices, and technical advice.
Technical, advisory, and regulatory services: This includes access to expert advice on various agricultural practices, as well as assistance with navigating regulations related to farming.
Financial services: CASP aims to improve access to financial resources for farmers, potentially through partnerships with financial institutions.

Promoting Sustainable Practices:
A key objective of CASP is to promote sustainable agricultural practices that ensure long-term productivity and environmental stewardship.

Improving Food Security:
By supporting increased agricultural production and efficiency, CASP contributes to improved food security for the targeted communities and the nation as a whole.

Provincial Implementation:
The program is implemented by provincial departments of agriculture, working in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).