In Egypt small fluctuations in food prices can push a large part of the population below the poverty line. The Popular Markets for Local Consumption project (PMLC) aims to establish a low-priced popular market that will strengthen links between small agricultural producers and urban consumers. The project also aims to support cooperatives, promote organic agriculture and increase the disposable income of both farmers and consumers.

This initiative has been spearheaded by Egyptian national United Nations Volunteers who are members of the local management group and have received the benefit of training with CECOSESOLA, a Venezuelan cooperative that has been active for twenty years.

 

So far the project has:

• Established an up and running market located in Sudan Street, Giza. It opens twice a week and sells approximately six tonnes of produce per week. It has been in operation since June 2005;
• Provided over twenty products found in the family food basket at a price at least 15% lower than elsewhere, creating savings for over 400 low income families in Cairo;
• Led to the formation of a cooperative by a group of Egyptian youths who have strengthened their capacity to collaboratively manage an economic initiative;
• Increased the availability and accessibility of organic products.