The KAWAIMA Cooperative is a youth-led cooperative founded in 2021 in Cameroon’s Far North Region. With a mission to develop the broiler chicken value chain—spanning production, processing, and distribution—the group began its journey with ambition but faced significant financial constraints that hindered growth and limited their production capacity.
The Journey
Despite their determination, the members of the cooperative struggled to scale their operations due to a lack of funding. Their turning point came in 2025 when they received 2,000,000 XAF in financial support through the Education and Economic Empowering Project (EEE-P), implemented by Global Health Systems Solutions (GHSS). This intervention under the MSE/CIG framework transformed their trajectory.
With the funding, the cooperative upgraded its infrastructure and expanded its production capacity. Today, the KAWAIMA Cooperative produces between 700 and 1,000 broiler chickens monthly, supplying households and restaurant professionals across Maroua I, II, and III subdivisions. Approximately 100 households regularly
consume 3 to 4 chickens per month, while local chicken grillers purchase between 100 and 135 chickens monthly—demonstrating the reliability and quality of their products.
Beyond economic gains, the cooperative has become a beacon of youth empowerment. It currently provides permanent employment to nine young people and hosts one intern, contributing to local job creation and entrepreneurial development. Their newly constructed modern facility stands as a symbol of growth, resilience, and long-term vision.
The Cooperative’s success story is a powerful example of how targeted support can unlock potential and drive sustainable impact. Through the EEE-P program, the cooperative transitioned from financial hardship to becoming a thriving poultry business that feeds families, creates jobs, and inspires youth.
Their journey reflects the transformative power of community-driven initiatives and the importance of investing in young entrepreneurs.
“Before the GHSS funding, we had ideas, a bit of resources, and the will to succeed,
but we lacked real financial support despite several attempts. Today, we are proud
to see our business growing, creating jobs, and feeding families,” a member of the
cooperative stated.