The Puthumai Women Farmer’s Society has come a long way since 2024. With the support of Vanni Hope and Empower Projects, this under-resourced cooperative was revitalizsd through training and targeted funding. What began as a collective of 20 households has now grown to 50 households, with Empower Projects providing annual funding through 2026 to sustain the cooperative’s revolving fund—a key feature enabling members to borrow and invest in small-home gardens, income-generating activities, and flood-resilient practices.

Our Journey: From Revival to Resilience

2024: Launched with 25 households, supported by training in financial management and organic farming. The formation of a revolving fund allowed member households to borrow up to AUD 300 over a maximum of 12 months (1% per month interest goes to the cooperative). This proved to the catalyst growth.

2025: Almost doubled membership to 40 households, diversifying crops and advancing organic techniques. The Cooperative has a remarkable 100% repayment rate back into the revolving fund, no defaults. On average, the project has improved monthly household income by 35%.

Late 2025: Cyclone Ditwah disrupted progress, but the cooperative rebounded with flood-resilient agricultural training, tools,and loans.

Today: The group is rebuilding stronger, with Empower Projects preparing to expand its revolving fund to support 50+ households. The current focus is on strengthening the revolving loan system and facilitating market-linkages between the cooperative and medium to large-scale buyers.