The Cooperative Development Agency (CDA) has embarked on measures to make cooperatives in Liberia vibrant, aiming to contribute immensely to food security and the economy.
A press release issued by the CDA said all cooperatives in the country operating certificates of registration will be withdrawn, reissued with a security code, and validated within two years.
According to the release, the January 2-31 exercise will help the CDA know the location of all existing cooperatives, status, and value chains and resonate informed decisions about their clustering based on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
However, the release further said certificates of cooperatives will be renewed based on productivity.
The CDA Registrar General, Madam Lwopu Kandakai, has meanwhile called on all cooperatives to take advantage of the opportunity to move forward if the CDA recognizes them.
“We are also using this time to appeal to all cooperatives to embrace the idea of clustering, which will help make them stronger and increase their output, which will have a multiplier effect on food production, security, and empowerment,” the release said.
Established by legislation in 1981, the CDA is the government entity that regulates and governs the activities of cooperatives in the country.
Cooperatives were known for their immense contributions before the Liberian Civil War. However, the war seriously affected them, and they are still struggling to recover due to challenges.
According to the CDA, currently, there are 700-800 registered cooperatives, but their impact and visibility are not felt at all levels.
The CDA Registrar General has since assumed authority and is determined to bring the requisite reforms amidst the limited budgetary allocation.
She said adequate budgetary support is needed for the CDA to perform effectively.
Madam Kandakai has lauded the contribution of international partners for working with cooperatives but calls for continuous collaboration with her institution.
The CDA believes that the measure to make cooperatives vibrate aligns with the National Agriculture Development Plan and the government’s ARREST agenda, making agriculture a priority for improving the economy.
By Judoemue M. Kollie
