When we are talking about Peruvian cooperatives, we are referring to business and social organizations that have been recognized as an alternative for small Peruvian producers, who live in a fragile context and precarious conditions, result of that, they require an organization which represents them in international markets.
Plenty of research have recognized cooperatives as highly resilient organizations. Peru is a perfect example: we have had internal conflict for many years; nevertheless, the cooperatives has survived those disruptive times.
"Generating Gasoline for our Brain"
As been the case the case of the Banana Growers’ Cooperative – APPBOSA, is located in Piura -Peru, which jointly with National and International organizations, has implemented a motivational day of workshops called “Generating Gasoline for our Brain”.

The first day was given by Graduate Carla Noemi Palacios Abanto, expert in innovation and CEFE methodology; these experiential trainings have been carried out for all the collaborating staff, starting with process team (harvesting and packing). The trainings were given team by teams in different schedules (morning and afternoon). Everyone had the opportunity to participate, interact in an orderly manner and respecting safety protocols.
The adaptation of CEFE exercises to the Covid-19 safety protocols was not complex; the existing methodological tools in CEFE, the knowledge of the participants’ characteristics/profile and the innovation of the CEFE facilitators were the pillars to achieve this task.
We still have a few more months of social isolation, there are areas where the internet is not suitable to generate processes remotely. In addition, many participants cannot move to areas where there are better connectivity conditions; therefore, we have to continue adapting to the new reality, because today more than ever, the presence of CEFE facilitators is required to accompany innovation processes in small farmer organizations.
Prepared by: CEFE Peru
Karim Vargas
