The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), GiveDirectly, and the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) celebrated today the completion of the three-year initiative, the Cooperative Support Project, that provided financial support to Moroccan cooperatives affected by COVID-19, drought, inflation, and the Al Haouz earthquake.
This collaboration resulted in a total of $20 million in assistance distributed to over 1,600 vulnerable cooperatives.
The INDH provided strategic guidance, aligned the program with national goals, and mobilized resources.
USAID offered technical expertise to cooperatives and funded 49% ($9.85 million) of the budget. GiveDirectly implemented the program and funded 51% ($10.35 million) of the budget.
The support provided cash grants ranging from $3,000 to $9,000 to more than 1,000 cooperatives and entrepreneurs, primarily in rural areas.
These grants allowed recipients to invest in equipment, raw materials, and improved techniques.
These grants led to fostering sustainable economic development and enhancing resilience to climate impacts.
The program allowed Moroccan cooperatives to invest in income-generating projects and recover from successive economic and environmental shocks, particularly in the sectors of handicrafts, agriculture, local product development, tourism, and services.
Since its launch in 2021, the program has improved the living conditions of more than 10,000 beneficiaries, including 55% women and 33% youth.
The Cooperative Support Project directly benefited cooperatives in six regions: Marrakech-Safi, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, Fès-Meknès, Drâa-Tafilalet, Oriental, and Souss-Massa.
The program has demonstrated significant impact, with 72% of beneficiary cooperatives situated in rural areas.
76% of these cooperatives reported enhanced financial stability while 45% achieved impressive sales growth, surpassing 24,000 MAD.
Participants, especially women-led cooperatives, demonstrated remarkable courage, innovation, and hard work.
These cooperatives created employment opportunities for women in rural areas and contributed to the overall well-being of their communities.
Many have become safe spaces for knowledge exchange and the promotion of solidarity among members.
The Wali in charge of the National Coordination of the National Initiative for Human Development, Mohammed Dardouri, said that this project represents a model of successful and impactful partnerships, with significant social benefits for the targeted cooperatives.
The Wali also noted that the initiative aligns with the strategic objectives of the third phase of INDH, which focuses on human capital promotion and socio-economic inclusion for disadvantaged populations.
INDH adopts an approach that ensures project sustainability while enhancing synergy between initiatives within a structured territorial framework.
The Wali stressed the importance of pooling resources and efforts to ensure effective convergence between stakeholders, contributing to the rational and efficient implementation of state actions.
Randy Ali, USAID Morocco Mission Director, said that the Support for Cooperatives’ project proves how direct investment in empowering local communities can catalyze significant and lasting change.
Randy said that the success of this program lies in its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of vulnerable communities, responding quickly to crises such as drought, inflation, and the Al Haouz earthquake.
“By supporting over 1,600 cooperatives and 10,000 individuals—men, women, youth, and people with disabilities—our partnership has set a benchmark for resilience and economic recovery through a people-centered approach,” Randy added.
The Regional Director of GiveDirectly, Lydiah Wangechi, said that GiveDirectly’s work aligns closely with the strategies of INDH and USAID, which aim to reduce social inequalities and support income-generating activities.
The organization also helps marginalized populations, including women and youth, stimulate long-term economic development through comprehensive capacity building and financial assistance.”
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