Equatorial Guinea cooperative development project phase II (653-0003)

The National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) - formerly known as CLUSA - will implement the project, which will focus on transportation improvements and co-op training. NCBA will continue to work with the approximately 50 cacao and/or coffee co-ops assisted under Phase I. The CSC transport system, which serves co-ops and pre-cooperative groups, will be expanded through the provision of two trucks and two pick-ups and will increase its shipments of co-op cash crops (cacao and coffee). Approximately 30 co-ops, with 3,000 members, will utilize the transport system. User fees will be monitored to ensure that the system achieves financial viability. To strengthen the institutional framework for cooperativism in Equatorial Guinea, and in particular to assure the viability of the CSC"s, training will be provided to co-op members and leaders, CSC staff, and government extension workers. Specifically: (1) CSC board members and local staff will be trained in management and operational areas (the latter including truck maintenance); (2) 20 co-ops will benefit from member education programs, leadership and board of director training, and TA; and (3) 16 government extension agents will receive TA and training in organizing and managing agribusiness activities. In addition, an experimental program to test the viability of cooperative stores will be undertaken in two to four cooperatives. Long-term TA will be provided by a Chief of Party, a Cooperative Advisor and a Project Administrative Officer/Trainer in Rio Muni, and by two Truck Mechanic/Trainers, one in Malabo, one in Bata. Short-term TA will be secured as needed.