Membership Based Organizations of the Poor

Impact of Cooperatives Membership on Economy in Eastern Oromia: The Case of Haramaya Agricultural Farmers’ Cooperative Union (Hafcu)

“…In rural Africa, membership‐based rural producer organizations (RPOs) like cooperatives, peasant associations and unions are believed to be the chief strategies through which nations can ease rural poverty (Chen et al. ; World Bank ). Particularly, agricultural cooperatives can help smallholders achieve economies of scale in input provision and output marketing (Collion and Rondot ; Berdegue ; World Bank ).…”

Improving the health and welfare of people who live in slums

“…There are a number of examples of successful grass-roots networks in slums. 39,[42][43][44][45] The programme in Porto Alegre mentioned above incorporated participatory budgeting where communities were involved in setting priorities. 30,46 Such groups have provided successful escort for women in labour in Nairobi slums, in Kenya 47 enhanced protection for sex workers in Zimbabwe, 48 and improved self-organisation of waste pickers in slums who have gone on to bid successfully for municipal contracts.…”

The Trinity – God, Federation, and Community: A Mixed-Methodological Analysis of Religion and Ethnicity among the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia

“…About 90% of Federasi are female. For most women, Federation participation represents the possibility to move from dirt-floor shacks into their own brick homes (Chen et al, 2007;Cowser, 2013;Hishongwa, 1983). Federasi join voluntarily, work together to achieve collectively defined objectives, and provide in-kind contributions of labor and time (i.e., sweat equity) to build new homes (Chen et al, 2007;Cowser & Barnes, 2016).…”

“…For most women, Federation participation represents the possibility to move from dirt-floor shacks into their own brick homes (Chen et al, 2007;Cowser, 2013;Hishongwa, 1983). Federasi join voluntarily, work together to achieve collectively defined objectives, and provide in-kind contributions of labor and time (i.e., sweat equity) to build new homes (Chen et al, 2007;Cowser & Barnes, 2016). The Federation focuses on the following activities: building homes; savings groups for communal safety nets; practical training and education to cultivate strong work ethics; information sharing during community exchanges; (note 1) political action; developing settlement profiles; (note 2) negotiating for affordable land, infrastructure, and resources; and, acquiring loans to establish small business and purchase houses.…”