The Grenada Co-operative League Limited (GCLL), with crucial funding from the UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP), has successfully concluded a pioneering study tour to Gujarat, India, aimed at revolutionizing Grenada’s cooperative sector.
A delegation of five Grenadian cooperative leaders embarked on the “Cooperative Sustainability Study Tour” from May 20-27, 2025. This immersive experience was designed to bridge knowledge and practice for environmental resilience by exposing the delegates to India’s world-renowned cooperative models. The initiative was facilitated in close partnership with the Gujarat State Cooperative Union (GSCU).
The tour provided a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and peer-to-peer exchange across 11 diverse sites in Gujarat. Participants engaged in five formal workshops focused on critical areas such as financial sustainability, cooperative governance, operational efficiency, and market access. The sessions were hosted by leading Indian cooperatives, including the Cosmos Co-operative Bank, GUJCOMASOL (the State Marketing Federation), and the globally recognized AMUL Dairy.
A major highlight of the tour was the deep dive into indigenous and community-led enterprises. The delegation participated in three workshops with women’s cooperatives and local farmers, learning first-hand about sustainable agriculture, textile innovation, natural farming techniques, and youth engagement in enterprise. These sessions provided powerful insights into grassroots innovation and sustainable community-based business models.
The project’s outcomes are set to deliver significant, long-term benefits to Grenada. The tour culminated in the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Grenada Co-operative League Limited and the Gujarat State Cooperative Union, establishing a foundation for ongoing partnership, knowledge sharing, and future joint training initiatives.
The Grenadian contingent acquired practical case studies, innovative tools, and proven models for adaptation within the local context. The knowledge gained during the more than eight interactive learning sessions will be used to develop action plans to strengthen Grenada’s cooperative societies, enhance environmental resilience, and improve livelihoods for their members.
This initiative represents a landmark achievement in South-South collaboration, demonstrating the power of shared knowledge in building a more sustainable and resilient future for communities at home and abroad.