CO-OPERATIVES have been identified as crucial players in the implementation of the National Development Strategy (NDS) policy and by mobilising communities and providing essential services, they help to drive development and achieve the NDS goals.
The NDS policy aims to promote economic growth, reduce poverty and improve living standards in Zimbabwe.
These remarks were made by Mike Duru, the president of the Zimbabwe National Co-operative Federation (ZNCF) during the International Day of Co-operatives held in Kadoma recently, highlighting the significance of co-operatives in Zimbabwe’s development journey.
In Zimbabwe, co-operatives are playing a vital role in implementing the NDS policy by providing access to essential services such as healthcare, education and financial services.
They are also promoting economic growth by supporting small-scale farmers, entrepreneurs and small businesses and by providing training, resources and market access, in turn, helping to create jobs and stimulate local economies.
“Co-operatives have a role to play in the implementation of NDS policy and let’s continue to work hard for ourselves and the communities we live in,” Duru said.
“Together we can explore how co-operative values can address some of Zimbabwe’s most pressing challenges through innovation, collaboration and people-centred development.”
Running under the theme Co-operatives: Drive Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World, the International Day of Co-operatives, through ZNCF, brought together vibrant and diverse co-operatives, communities, policymakers, development partners and women across Zimbabwe.
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Duru noted that the importance of co-operatives cannot be overstated, highlighting their crucial role in Zimbabwe’s development journey.
He said ZNCF was implementing various programmes, even in rural areas, focusing on sustainable development initiatives such as agroforestry, wetland preservation, recycling of waste, composting and renewable energy adoption, contributing to environmental conservation and community empowerment.
Duru added that sustainable development was crucial for ensuring that current and future generations could live in a world where economic growth, social equity and environmental protection were balanced.
ZNCF works with women, youths, the elderly, people with disabilities, poor and working-class co-operatives across the country’s 10 provinces.
It also works with Mupamombe Housing Co-operative.
The International Day of Co-operatives, commemorated annually, is celebrated to recognise the contributions of co-operatives to the economic and social development of communities worldwide.
The day is marked by various activities that highlight the importance of co-operatives in promoting sustainable development, social justice and community empowerment.
The day is also used as an opportunity for co-operatives to raise awareness about their values, principles and impact and to promote the co-operative model as a viable and effective way to achieve development goals.
The commemorations in Kadoma were attended by Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development minister Monica Mutsvangwa, who was the guest of honour, ministry permanent secretary Mavis Sibanda, senior government officials and other dignitaries.
