Philippines – Innovative Approaches to Cooperative Management, Finance and Trade (IAP)

Connecting Cooperatives through Information Technologies

ACDI/VOCA’s Innovative Approaches to Cooperative Management, Finance and Trade (IAP) project, which lasted from 1988 to 1991, introduced computers and electronic communications to deliver up-to-date management, finance and trade assistance to a broad audience. More than 125 cooperative members participated in the program, taking courses in computer and telecommunication technology in Honduras, Egypt, the Philippines and Indonesia. Cooperatives in Honduras, Costa Rica and the Philippines were linked in a computer-based cooperative development conference, establishing a regional/global communications network for cooperative and supporting institutions. Project staff followed up via the network for a year after conclusion for face-to-face training and conducted an information management course for participants.