[Editor's note: this short documentary looks at the multi-faceted company Alaffia, based in Togo, West Africa. Alaffia's three cooperatives (producing shea butter, baskets, and coconuts) provide economic independence for the women involved and fund empowerment and development projects for local communities. In the US, Alaffia's fair trade products are sold at many food co-ops and natural food stores. While the company may not be entirely cooperative (the US part of the company does not appear to be run cooperatively, for instance), it provides an interesting example of a hybrid structure that combines the traditional activities of co-ops and non-profit charities in one organization.]

Go to the GEO front page