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Occasional Papers

BCICS is delighted to publish a new series of Occasional Papers through New Rochdale Press. These scholarly papers, written by students, faculty, and individual reseachers provide a forum for promoting the field of Cooperative Studies. The papers reflect the diversity of sectors and uses for which the co-op model has been adapted and demonstrate the rich array of topics and interests that may be pursued within the field of Co-operative Studies.

 

A Chance for the Living
Targeting micro-credit loans to people living with HIV/AIDS in Accra, Ghana

Katharine Rollwagen

$4.00 CAD
34 pages, soft cover

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In a few parts of Africa, HIV/AIDS is becoming less a death sentence and more of a debt sentence. As subsidized drug treatment plans make it possible to live longer with HIV, increasing numbers of people living with HIV and AIDS want to support themselves and lead productive lives. They want to keep their households from falling into debt and send their children to school. However, in most of Africa those infected with HIV are particularly vulnerable to poverty and stigma. This case study, set in Accra, Ghana, follows a group of people who are HIV positive and examines The Almond Tree, a micro-credit program designed to help them start businesses and regain a measure of self-confidence and independence. The program and its participants struggle with discrimination, poor literacy levels, persistent infections, and funding shortages. Their experiences offer some initial insights into the potential benefits and difficulties of micro-credit programs for people living with HIV and AIDS in Africa.

 

Saanich Organics
A model for sustainable agriculture through co-operation

Robin Tunniclife

$4.00 CAD
32 pages, soft cover

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Southern Vancouver Island is blessed with a rich resource of agricultural land; farming however, is a threatened activity because of the increased demands of a growing population and inadequate support through public policy. Nevertheless, there is an enthusiastic mix of small and organic farmers in the region whose efforts to steward the land have been welcomed by local residents and promoted through culinary tourism.
The story of Saanich Organics provides a look at the co-operative efforts of three female farmers as they work to establish a thriving, small-scale agricultural enterprise. As a co-operative vegetable marketing business, Saanich Organics demonstrates the efforts, innovation, creativity, and values that form the bases of many formal co-operatives. Their story highlights patterns of co-operation that are indigenous to many parts of the world and demonstrates the benefits that follow from collaborative efforts.

 

Previous Papers

Older volumes of the Occasional Paper Series are available to download. Click the title to view in PDF format. Hard copies are available in our office. These volumes are all free of charge.