From Struggles to Strength: The Journey of Atipriya Women’s Cooperative

Inside the Atipriya Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative, the air buzzes with anticipation. This is not just a cooperative; it is a movement — one that has been transforming lives since its inception on January 14, 2016, under Heifer International’s Strengthening Smallholder Livestock Value Chains program.

Atipriya Cooperative was founded in Bhimad, a village in Tanahu district, Gandaki province, Nepal, with a vision to uplift communities in the area through collective strength. Over the years, it has grown into a powerhouse, equipping its 443 members with training in financial management, business policy formulation and marketing for goat production and other agriculture enterprises.

Under the Strengthening Smallholder Livestock Value Chains program, the cooperative has taken bold steps — refining value chains, expanding markets and strengthening business development services.

As the cooperative’s marketing manager, Sumaya Thapa carries the weight of the group’s collective journey.

“Either be knowledgeable or listen to those who know,” she said, reflecting on their past. Before the cooperative, many women were confined to their homes. Though their ancestors had been farmers, they lacked knowledge of proper goat management. “We used to keep many goats in one cage, not realizing how it affected their health. Now, we have learned proper goat-rearing practices and grow our fodder and forage, improving both farm efficiency and income.”

She described how the cooperative had transformed their struggles into structured solutions. Farmers who once struggled to secure fodder could now buy it through the cooperative. Partnerships with Machhapuchhre Bank provided much-needed loans, while Heifer’s support enabled the women members to access insurance services, offering a safety net against unforeseen losses.

But challenges persist. Migration to cities has left many villages deserted, labor shortages affect farm operations and transporting goats to the market in the nearby city of Pokhara remains difficult. Competition among local cooperatives to attract farmers as members creates additional pressure.

Yet, rather than seeing these as roadblocks, Atipriya Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative views them as opportunities to innovate.

“When we started, it was chaotic,” Sumaya admitted. “There were conflicts, doubts and resistance. People didn’t believe women could lead, manage money, or make business decisions. Many of us were too hesitant to speak in public. But today, we stand strong — confident and independent.”

Atipriya now offers more than just economic opportunities; it provides a support system for smallholder farmers, whom the cooperative calls stakeholders. From marketing assistance for farm products to technical training and financial services, the cooperative ensures long-term stability for its members. Its collaboration with local government bodies, insurance providers and financial institutions has been instrumental in its success.

The numbers reflect this success. As of this year, the cooperative’s annual transaction value stands at more than $173,000, and through Machhapuchhre Bank, the cooperative has facilitated a total of nearly $90,000 in subsidized loans for its members.

Of its members, 93 percent actively raise goats — while others focus on marketing the cooperative’s other products, including turmeric, vegetables and fruits — and the cooperative has been integral in the development of the region’s livestock sector.

A government initiative introduced an exotic breed of goat, which, when crossbred with local breeds, resulted in better weight gain than local breeds. The crossbred breeds are called Boer. Over 150 households benefited from this initiative, and Heifer’s Passing on the Gift® approach, through which farmers share their animals’ first offspring with other families, ensured the impact multiplied.

One of the cooperative’s key innovations has been implementing live-weight-based goat sales, ensuring fair pricing. This has encouraged farmers to raise healthier goats, increasing the weight of male goats from as little as 15 kilograms, or 33 pounds, to an average of 35 kilograms, or 77 pounds, within 12 months — a significant boost in market value.

Recognizing its contribution to livestock development, the Bhimad municipal government designated the cooperative’s coverage area as the Boer Goat Resource Center, providing over $10,850 in support to advance it as a demonstration and learning site and provider of high-quality breeding goats.

Not only that, Atipriya Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative has established formal relationships with goat buyers beyond local markets. In recent years, more than 15 rural local governments and municipalities across Nepal have purchased goats from the cooperative.

Looking ahead, the cooperative’s future plans include strengthening its business network, including networking with other cooperatives; producing their own livestock feed; investing in business growth; and strengthening branding and marketing, including launching a cooperative logo and improving marketing strategies.

Sumaya’s advice to other cooperatives is simple yet powerful: “Transparency and honesty are key. When we work with trust, we build something strong and lasting.”

Atipriya Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative is more than just a cooperative — it is a movement driven by resilience, collective power and an unwavering belief in the future. With each step forward, it proves that when women lead, entire communities thrive.