The training started at 10 am at Emu community with OIl Palm SHF. The trainer explained the concept of group dynamics and the benefits of being in a sustainability group.

He started by asking the SHFs if they have been in any group before and what their experience was. Some of the SHFs explained that it has helped them improve their livelihood, some others recounted their negative experience with group formation and activities.

The trainer explained that this will be an entirely different approach and there will be continuous training and engagement with the group members to ensure that there is sustainability.

Trainer mentioned the importance of communication and good leadership in a group and he also made the group demonstrate the benefit of effective communication.

Furthermore, he explained that the group could easily apply and get loan, they have more negotiating power, and they can have a block farm owned by the cooperative where all the members will be involved in the farming activities.

Cooperative documentation and registration

The trainer explained to the members the model of operation and working with SHFs, group/cooperative will be registered, members to pay their dues and ensure they hold regular meetings and also contribute money to be paid into the cooperative account, and they are to ensure that every member registers with an amount as agreed by the cooperative members.

SHFs were excited and they agreed to form the cooperative, register as a member, pay their dues, hold regular meetings and carry out their responsibility as a group member.