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How a group of women farmers in rural Senegal developed a thriving cooperative that processes and markets local agricultural products
Contact Us to Start Your ProjectThe Koumpentoum Women's Cooperative began in 2016 when 15 women farmers in the rural community of Koumpentoum, Senegal, came together to address shared challenges in agricultural production and marketing. What started as an informal mutual aid group has evolved into a registered cooperative with 78 members that processes and markets a range of agricultural products.
With support from Dilulu, the cooperative has developed processing facilities, improved product quality, established market linkages, and built organizational capacity. Today, the cooperative produces high-quality millet flour, dried fruits, hibiscus tea, baobab powder, and moringa products that are sold in local markets, urban centers, and through fair trade networks.
The project demonstrates how collective action, combined with appropriate technical and organizational support, can help rural women transform agricultural activities from subsistence to sustainable enterprise. It showcases the potential for value-added processing to increase incomes, reduce post-harvest losses, and create economic opportunities in rural communities.
The women farmers in Koumpentoum faced multiple interconnected challenges that limited their economic opportunities and food security.
Individual farmers struggled to access markets beyond their immediate community. Poor transportation infrastructure, limited market information, and weak bargaining power meant they often sold their produce at low prices to intermediaries.
Without adequate storage facilities or processing capabilities, farmers experienced significant post-harvest losses, especially during peak harvest seasons when local markets were saturated with fresh produce.
Most agricultural products were sold in raw form without any processing or value addition, resulting in lower prices and missed opportunities for income generation through processing and packaging.
While women had traditional knowledge of food processing, they lacked technical skills for commercial-scale processing, quality control, packaging, and marketing that would allow them to access higher-value markets.
Women farmers had limited access to credit, equipment, and infrastructure needed for agricultural processing. Traditional gender norms often restricted women's control over productive resources and decision-making.
Initial informal groupings lacked the organizational structure, management systems, and governance mechanisms needed to operate effectively as a business entity and engage with formal markets and institutions.
The Koumpentoum Women's Cooperative developed a comprehensive solution that addressed the multiple challenges faced by women farmers through collective action, value-added processing, and market development.
The women formalized their group as a registered cooperative with clear governance structures, membership criteria, and operating procedures. Leadership and management training built the capacity of elected officers to effectively manage the cooperative's operations.
The cooperative established a central processing facility equipped with appropriate technology for milling, drying, packaging, and storage. The facility was designed to meet food safety standards while being appropriate for the local context and manageable by cooperative members.
Members received comprehensive training in food processing techniques, quality control, hygiene, and food safety. A quality management system was established to ensure consistent product quality that meets market requirements and regulatory standards.
The cooperative developed a range of value-added products based on local agricultural production and market research. Attractive, functional packaging was designed for different market segments, with branding that highlights the cooperative's story and product quality.
Multiple sales channels were developed, including local markets, urban retailers, institutional buyers, and export markets through fair trade networks. The cooperative established a small retail outlet in Koumpentoum town and participates regularly in regional agricultural fairs.
The Koumpentoum Women's Cooperative has achieved significant impacts for its members and the broader community.
Cooperative members have experienced an average 65% increase in income from agricultural activities. The cooperative creates year-round income opportunities through processing, reducing the seasonal vulnerability that previously affected farming households. Women report greater economic independence and increased decision-making power within their households.
The cooperative's processing and storage capabilities have reduced post-harvest losses by approximately 40%. Surplus production that would previously have spoiled can now be processed and stored for sale throughout the year, improving food security and income stability.
The cooperative's products have gained recognition for their quality and are now sold in shops in Dakar and other urban centers. The cooperative has secured contracts with two institutional buyers and exports a portion of its production through fair trade networks in Europe.
The cooperative has developed into a well-governed organization with transparent management systems and active member participation. It has successfully accessed credit from a microfinance institution and manages a savings scheme for members. The cooperative's leadership is regularly invited to share their experience with other women's groups.
The cooperative's success has created indirect benefits for the broader community. It provides a reliable market for local farmers, has created 12 full-time jobs in processing and administration, and invests a portion of its profits in community initiatives, including a scholarship program for girls' education.
Cooperative members have developed valuable technical and business skills that they apply both within the cooperative and in their individual activities. Several members have taken on leadership roles in other community organizations, applying the skills and confidence gained through the cooperative.
The Koumpentoum Women's Cooperative has developed a diverse range of high-quality products from local agricultural produce.
Finely ground flour from locally grown millet, available in traditional and enriched varieties (with moringa or baobab). Used for making couscous, porridge, and baking.
Naturally sweet dried mango slices with no added sugar or preservatives. Harvested at peak ripeness and solar-dried to preserve nutrients and flavor.
Premium quality dried hibiscus flowers for making bissap, a traditional refreshing drink. Available in loose leaf form and tea bags, in pure and blended varieties.
Nutrient-rich powder from wild-harvested baobab fruit, high in vitamin C, calcium, and antioxidants. Used as a nutritional supplement and flavor enhancer.
Fine powder made from carefully dried moringa leaves, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Used in cooking, smoothies, and as a nutritional supplement.
Hear from the women who have built the Koumpentoum Cooperative.
Before joining the cooperative, I struggled to feed my family with what I earned from selling raw produce. Now, I have a stable income throughout the year. The money I earn has allowed me to keep my children in school and even build a new roof for our home. But beyond the money, I've gained knowledge and confidence. I now lead our quality control team and train new members. People in the community look at us differently now – they see what women can achieve when we work together.
I joined the cooperative three years ago after seeing how it changed the lives of other women in our village. At first, I was hesitant because I had no experience with food processing or business. But the other members trained me, and now I specialize in making our dried fruit products. What I value most is the solidarity among us women. When my husband was ill last year, the cooperative supported me both emotionally and financially. We are like a family, working together for a better future.
As president of the cooperative, I've seen our organization grow from a small group of friends to a respected business. The journey hasn't been easy – we've faced many challenges and made mistakes along the way. But we've learned from each experience and become stronger. What makes me most proud is seeing young women join us and develop their skills. Several of our members' daughters have joined after finishing school, bringing new ideas and energy. This shows that we're creating opportunities that will continue into the next generation.
Visual highlights from the Koumpentoum Women's Cooperative.
Inspired by the Koumpentoum Women's Cooperative story? Dilulu can help your community develop sustainable agricultural enterprises that create economic opportunities and strengthen food systems.
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