In Paraguay, DGRV works with cooperatives and other forms of member-based cooperation in the agricultural and financial sector. The objectives of the project follow a multi-level approach and address the issues of sustainability, protection, competitiveness, stability and continuous training.
With over 800 cooperatives and 1.8 million members—representing 51% of the economically active population—cooperatives play a vital role in Paraguay’s economy. They are active across various sectors, with financial services and food production being the most prominent. The project in Paraguay addresses key challenges faced by cooperatives in these areas, aiming to stabilize internal structures and promote long-term competitiveness and sustainability.
To support a conducive environment for cooperative development, DGRV collaborates closely with national institutions such as the National Cooperative Institute (INCOOP) and the Ministry of Agriculture. Joint efforts focus on improving the regulatory framework and supervisory processes, as well as facilitating access to finance for cooperatives and their producer members—such as through the creation of a credit guarantee fund.
The project also works with cooperative networks and initiatives to expand their service offerings. These include the Cooperative Sustainable Finance Initiative, which promotes responsible financial practices, and the SiCoop Initiative, which drives digital innovation. In the agricultural sector, DGRV partners with CERECOOP to strengthen its financial stability and service portfolio, particularly in the area of business management consultancy for member cooperatives. Across all activities, the promotion of youth participation remains a central priority.
At the local level, the projects’ target groups are the members of individual cooperatives and other forms of member-based collaboration. Final beneficiaries include micro-enterprises in rural and marginalized urban regions, with a special emphasis on family producers, women, and young people.
Together with our partners, we carry out the following activities:
– On-site and virtual training through workshops and seminars.
– Regional and international internships
– Formation of competence networks and working groups.
– Consultancy, technical assistance and technology transfer programmes (DGRV tools).
– Elaboration of studies, methodologies, guides and reference manuals.
José Manuel Bautista Serrano
Carla Seidel
Bruno Báez
Javier Gamarra (Agricultural sector)
Rosi Rivarola (Digital Education)
Rafael León (Strategic Planning)
Liliana Miranda (Sustainable Finance)
Antje Ley
Corina Mercado
Martha Duarte
Dr. Cirilo Cáceres Zorrilla N° 1050
entre San Juan XXIII y Narciso Colmán
Asunción, Paraguay
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