By Baraka John/Ernesto Chakaya
Humanity Worldwide (HWW) has successfully concluded a four-month project aimed at strengthening refugee-led cooperatives and enhancing their access to private sector markets for long-term economic sustainability in Makpandu Refugee Settlement, Yambio County.
Implemented between September and December 2025, the initiative focused on empowering refugees through cooperative development, capacity building, and market linkage support. The project sought to promote self-reliance among refugees while reducing dependency on humanitarian assistance through sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The intervention began with a cooperative mapping exercise to identify eligible and active refugee-led groups operating within the settlement. Following the assessment, four cooperatives were selected based on eligibility criteria set by the government and in accordance with the Cooperatives Act of 2011. The cooperatives have a combined membership of 200 people, comprising 50 percent women and 30 percent youth, reflecting a strong commitment to gender inclusion and youth participation.
Building Skills for Sustainable Enterprise
As part of the project, Humanity Worldwide delivered tailored capacity-building trainings designed to strengthen cooperative governance and business management. A total of 150 cooperative members participated in trainings covering cooperative leadership and governance, financial literacy and record keeping, business planning, as well as marketing and negotiation skills.
According to HWW, the trainings were aimed at improving accountability, strengthening decision-making processes, and equipping cooperative members with the skills needed to manage viable and sustainable enterprises.
In addition, the four cooperatives received technical support to develop comprehensive business plans. These plans outlined clear objectives, operational scopes, and financial projections, enabling the cooperatives to better plan their activities, manage resources, and attract partnerships with private sector actors and financial institutions.
Strengthening Market Linkages and Partnerships
A major milestone of the project was the organization of a market linkage forum, which brought together refugee-led cooperatives, private sector actors, financial institutions, buyers, agricultural input suppliers, and other key stakeholders.
Through this platform, the cooperatives established formal partnerships with several private sector entities. These included RUFI, which will provide loans and other financial services; Bakiki Quality Seeds, offering seeds, packaging materials, and technical training; and Pro Seeds, which committed to tractor hire services, farmer training, and access to quality seeds.
The partnerships are expected to improve productivity, enhance value chains, and expand market access for cooperative products within and beyond Yambio County.
Financial Support and Productive Assets
To accelerate cooperative growth and expansion, Humanity Worldwide provided a total grant of USD 10,000 to the four cooperatives, with USD 2,500 allocated to each group under formal grant agreements. The funding is intended to boost agricultural production, support enterprise expansion, and improve access to wider markets.
In addition to financial support, the cooperatives received essential toolkits to enhance value addition and productivity. These included rice hullers, combined maize milling machines, peanut butter grinders, irrigation pumps and accessories, as well as packaging and branding materials such as banners and stickers.
Each cooperative was also supported with a tricycle to facilitate the transportation of products from farms to storage facilities and markets, addressing one of the key challenges faced by small-scale producers in the settlement.
Stakeholders Commend the Initiative
Speaking during the project close-out event, Jackline John Luise, UNHCR Protection Associate (Community-Based), highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, noting that strengthening refugee-led cooperatives empowers communities to protect themselves, sustain their livelihoods, and live with dignity.
The Western Equatoria State Commissioner for the Commission for Refugees, Paulino Zizi, applauded Humanity Worldwide and its partners for their efforts in transforming the lives of refugee communities. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting self-reliance and reducing long-term dependency on humanitarian aid.
Similarly, Hon. Yona Robert Mark, State Minister of Cooperatives for Western Equatoria, described the project as timely and impactful. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to follow up with the beneficiary cooperatives and continue supporting cooperative development across the state.
Commitment to Community-Led Development
Dramoyo Justine, Project Manager for Humanity Worldwide in Yambio, reiterated the organization’s dedication to community-led development. He stated that HWW remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen local capacities, promote economic resilience, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for both refugees and host communities.
The successful completion of the project marks an important step toward inclusive economic development in Makpandu Refugee Settlement, demonstrating the potential of refugee-led cooperatives when supported through strategic partnerships, skills development, and access to markets.
