Highlighting the crucial role of cooperatives in poverty alleviation and hunger eradication

Rome, 13 November 2012 - It is estimated that one billion individuals, from all sectors, including agriculture, food and finance, are members of cooperatives worldwide, generating more than 100 million jobs around the world.

FAO and the UN, within the 2012 “International Year of Cooperatives”,  continue to raise awareness on the fundamental role of rural organizations and cooperatives in the fight against hunger. The following interviews reflect the work of cooperatives all around the world.

1. “Supporting and investing in farmer organizations, a great step towards achieving food security”- Siobhan Kelly, Agribusiness Economist, Rural Infrastructure and Agro-Industries Division of FAO.

2. "Strengthen the capacity of cooperatives to achieve food security" - Emilio Hernandez, Agricultural Finance Officer for the FAO (in Spanish).