Innovating, Measuring and Promoting Poverty Alleviation by Cooperatives in Transition Societies (IMPPACTS)

CHF International
www.chfmongolia.org

Business Groups (BG) Survey

The IMPPACTS team completed a survey of 113 business groups in order to better understand the nature and evolution of informal and transactional groups. The findings underscore the importance of economic benefit as the main driver behind collaborative efforts. The study delves into the attributes of effective (and not-so effective) groups. Overall, the two main hallmarks of a successful economic-driven group are (i) stable, trusted management of the group and (ii) effective, market-focused management of the business activity.  CHF is using these survey findings to further develop and refine its informal group activities.

Workshops and Activities

On August 12, IMPPACTS co-hosted a workshop with MASP to provide 32 dairy farmers from Baruunharaa with practical information about ideal cow nutrition/feed. As part of the workshop, IMPPACTS facilitated discussions around related group activities that could reduce their operating expenses through cost-sharing (e.g., procurement and transportation costs).

National Cooperative Assessment (NCA)

IMPPACTS met with the Mongolian National Cooperative Development Program (NCDP) in the SME Agency of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industries regarding the upcoming cooperative assessment. The NCDP is supportive of the survey effort and has offered to take part in the assessment workshops. The survey will serve as a tool to help key stakeholders (GoM, cooperatives and cooperative support organizations) to 1) better understand the variables impacting coop formation and effectiveness and 2) identify ways to enhance the legal, regulatory and societal conditions for more cooperative development in Mongolia.