 The objective of this BBL was to present the findings and implications of the Kyrgyz Sheep Breeder's Association (KSBA) in the Krygyz Republic Sheep Development Project.
The presentation began with a historical overview of livestock cooperatives in Kyrgyz Republic and worldwide and described the activities involved in developing cooperatives in a post-Soviet situation. Many problems were encountered in the establishment and operation of cooperatives such as :
- difficulties in the registration process which exposed the cooperatives to rent seeking organizations;
- poor understanding of cooperatives among government officials;
- the limited understanding of development issues among the foreign consultants; and
- the project's lack of working capital.
The presentation highlighted the progress and achievements of the sheep breeder's association which include:
- Change in income of farmers as a result of the project : this was the first project in Krygyz Republic that changed the economy from barter to cash. This change was particularly helpful to women who are now able to make small purchases such as school materials and medical help. The cooperative increased competition and led to slightly higher prices for wool. These two changes improved the livelihood of beneficiaries.
- Milestones of change in cooperative formation : the KSBA obtained further confidence of farmers by continuing the system of part payment upon delivery, and a second payment after it has sold the sorted product (mainly wool) some live animals and meat. Time was an important factor in change. Whereas earlier they depended on the State to help them out, after 1999, they seemed to realize that they had to do it on their own.
- Link between marketing activities and joint grazing : although initially the main focus of the village cooperatives was wool, soon some of the group of farmers came together for joint grazing and other collaboration. They introduced the idea that working together on a common goal may benefit group and group members.
- They were stimulated by training provided and found it beneficial : they trained over 500 herders in group formation and management, sheep producers (and women) in technical skills (shearing, felt making, wool sorting etc.) and a limited number of local producers in marketing.
- Created a national forum that could have dialogue with Government (and request them to focus on farmer issues)
- Created a tax paying wool trader and generated some competition with private traders
- Focused on representation of smaller farmers
In addition there is still a need to provide further support to the association, especially working capital. With the current leadership and business development the KSBA could be self-sufficient within two years.
 Â Presentation on Creating a Marketing Cooperative: Experience from Kyrgyz Sheep Breeder's Association, Kyrgyz Republic(4050Kppt)
 The Kyrgyz Republic Sheep Development Project
 Notes from the BBL (12k pdf)
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