Expanding business operation and professionalizing Lemlem Welkayit FCU Comparing the current image of the union to when it was first scoped, it is very notable to spot the changes the union has shown after the union’s engagement with Agriterra, resulting in trained and empowered management and staff, increase in the number of member PCs by more than 50%, increase in capital, introducing new operational guideline and many more achievements. The previous action plan, although planned for a year, it had only covered 6 months’ period and was reported until December 2015, leaving some ongoing activities to be reported in the year to follow. Thus, the current action plan is a continuation of the previous one with some new activities included. The union has completed all necessary preparation to enter into fattening and bee keeping business. As an infant union, a lot is still required to improve the union to becoming stable cooperative business. In the previous action plan period, the union has made the necessary preparation to engage in to export market, with some additional coaching, the union is expected to launch its first export this season. As the union has selected a consultant to conduct the 5-year strategic plan in the 2015, the plan will be part of 2016 budget year. The current action plan will highly focus on organizational development including raising capital for proposed investments from the strategic plan, feasibility studies, professionalizing the financial management with the introduction of computerized Peach-tree programs and son on. As is shown in the study conducted in the previous action plan, the sourcing of natural gum will not be sustainable unless appropriate action is taken (2016) based on the recommendations provided by the experts of the 2015 study. Due attention is also given to promote the marketing activities of natural gum and fattening. This action plan will also give emphasis to member cooperatives in strengthening and professionalizing their operations through recruitment of accountants and managers, and has embedded focused and tailored capacity building programs for few selected PCs.

The current action plan will highly focus on organizational development including raising capital for proposed investments from the strategic plan, feasibility studies, professionalizing the financial management with the introduction of computerized Peach-tree programs and son on. As is shown in the study conducted in the previous action plan, the sourcing of natural gum will not be sustainable unless appropriate action is taken (2016) based on the recommendations provided by the experts of the 2015 study. Due attention is also given to promote the marketing activities of natural gum and fattening. This action plan will also give emphasis to member cooperatives in strengthening and professionalizing their operations through recruitment of accountants and managers, and has embedded focused and tailored capacity building programs for few selected PCs.Objectives - Mobilizing 30% equity finance for new investments - Improving the union financial sustainability - Preparing the union for entering into sesame export marketing - Developing a five-year strategic plan and implement

organizational development including raising capital for proposed investments from the strategic plan, feasibility studies, professionalizing the financial management with the introduction of computerized Peach-tree programs