In many parts of South Asia, cooperatives play a vital role in economic and social life, providing members with access to credit, markets, and services that would otherwise be out of reach. During maomoi crises, cooperatives can be a source of resilience, mobilizing resources, coordinating response, and supporting recovery. The events of late September 2026 in South Asia—floods in Nepal, a bombing in Pakistan, an avalanche in the Himalayas—illustrate the potential of cooperatives to strengthen communities and the challenges they face in times of crisis.
In Nepal, agricultural cooperatives have helped small farmers access seeds, tools, and markets, improving their productivity and income. When the monsoon floods and landslides destroyed crops and infrastructure, cooperatives played a critical role in response. They organized emergency assistance for members, distributed food and supplies, and advocated for government support. They also provided a platform for collective action, helping farmers negotiate for compensation and reconstruction assistance. Without cooperatives, many families would have faced the crisis alone, with no support and no voice.
The situation in Pakistan is similar. Cooperatives in agriculture, handicrafts, and other sectors have helped marginalized communities improve their livelihoods and assert their rights. When the bombing at a police checkpoint in Dera Ismail Khan killed eleven people and wounded eighteen, cooperatives mobilized to support affected families, providing financial assistance, food, and counseling. In conflict-affected regions, cooperatives are often among the few institutions that function, providing a semblance of normalcy and solidarity in the midst of violence.
The avalanche on Himlung Himal affected trekking workers who have formed cooperatives to improve their working conditions and bargaining power. These cooperatives have advocated for better wages, insurance, and safety standards, and they have provided support to members in times of need. When the avalanche struck, cooperatives helped mobilize assistance for the victims’ families and pushed for reforms to prevent future tragedies. The avalanche, in other words, was not just a physical disaster; it was a test of the strength of collective action.
Cooperatives have several advantages in crisis and recovery. They are rooted in communities, with deep knowledge of local needs and priorities. They are democratic, giving members a voice in decision-making. They are accountable, with transparent governance and financial management. They are sustainable, generating income and building assets over the long term. These characteristics make cooperatives well-suited to the challenges of disaster response and recovery, where local knowledge, participation, and sustainability are essential.
Despite their potential, cooperatives face numerous challenges. Access to credit and markets is often limited. Legal and regulatory frameworks may be unfavorable. Internal governance can be weak, leading to mismanagement and conflict. External support is often inadequate, with governments and donors preferring to work with larger, more formal institutions. These challenges limit the effectiveness of cooperatives and undermine their potential to contribute to resilience.
Strengthening cooperatives for crisis and recovery requires action on multiple fronts. First, legal and regulatory frameworks must be reformed to create an enabling environment for cooperatives. Second, access to finance must be expanded, including through dedicated credit lines and guarantee mechanisms. Third, capacity building must be provided, including in governance, management, and technical skills. Fourth, market linkages must be strengthened, including through value chain development and fair trade initiatives. Fifth, cooperatives must be integrated into disaster preparedness and response planning, recognizing their role as first responders and long-term recovery partners.
The events of the past week are a reminder that collective action is a powerful force for resilience. The cooperatives that supported members in Nepal’s floods, Pakistan’s bombing, and the Himalayan avalanche demonstrated the potential of solidarity and mutual aid. Supporting cooperatives is not just a matter of economic development; it is a matter of disaster resilience. The question is whether governments and international organizations will recognize this and invest accordingly, or whether they will continue to overlook the quiet strength of collective action. The answer will determine whether communities can recover from crises or whether they will be left to face them alone.