United Kingdom
Ireland
SearchOikocredit as a cooperative
<<Back to International Year of Cooperatives
Voluntary and open membership
From individuals to larger organizations, anyone can become involved in Oikocredit as part of a country’s association or as a direct member. Almost 35% of Oikocredit’s 595 members are from Western European countries, 20% from African countries and 15% from Asian countries. Oikocredit’s members, staff and volunteers work towards a common goal, just like agricultural cooperative Cornesti in Romania (pictured).
Democratic member control
Each Oikocredit member receives one vote at Oikocredit meetings, no matter how large their investment in the organization. With this, our cooperative maintains an equal balance of power and Oikocredit can move forward while considering every member’s opinion.
Autonomy and independence
Oikocredit is an independent organization, not bound by any government or caretaker organization. As a cooperative, we decide how best to reach our goals together. Like Oikocredit, Guatemalan coffee cooperative Chajul (pictured) promotes sustainable development while considering the environment and cultural sensitivities.
Education, training and information
Oikocredit prides itself on valuing its staff, volunteers, members and greater network through knowledge sharing and information. We support other cooperatives around the world, many of which include educational programmes, including Ghanian cocoa cooperative Kuapa Kokoo (pictured).
Concern for community
As a cooperative, Oikocredit supports another 288 cooperatives around the world with loans and practical advice, including Cocovico market in Ivory Coast (pictured). Our local networks allow us to provide people in developing countries with access to markets, fair financial services and other social programmes in almost 80 countries.
print 
