Since 1963, we’ve expanded economic opportunities in nearly 150 nations by collaborating with governments, civil society, private companies, and financial institutions to enhance the economic prosperity of families and communities. Explore highlights from our history in this timeline.
United States
A central role for cooperatives in foreign assistance
The Humphrey Amendment to the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 emphasizes cooperatives— “to encourage the development and use of cooperatives, …
READ MOREUNITED STATES
U.S. farm cooperatives launch ACDI to spread the co-op model abroad
Inspired by the Humphrey Amendment, major U.S. farm cooperatives form the International Cooperative Development Association (ACDI’s parent organization) and register …
READ MOREIndia
New Indian cooperative transforms the subcontinent’s agricultural efficiency
ICDA plays an instrumental role in establishing Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO). IFFCO’s role in preventing food shortages was a …
READ MOREVice President Hubert Humphrey’s letter expressing regret that he was unable to attend ACDI’s annual meeting.
“It is not just that you have so nobly carried out the intent of the Humphrey Amendment. You know how …
READ MOREUnited States
A strong base for free societies
U.S. cooperative leaders found the Volunteer Development Corps, VOCA’s predecessor. “A strong, stable economic base for free societies in developing …
READ MOREChile, Jamaica
First VOCA volunteers
VOCA’s first volunteers, W. Gordon Leith and Ruth M. Senior, carry out assignments in Jamaica and Chile, respectively.
READ MOREGUATEMALA
Board’s first site visit
Fifteen members of ACDI’s board of directors visit a cooperative project in Guatemala’s Indian Highlands, the first board visit to …
READ MOREUnited States
An early focus on small farmers’ role in warding off food shortages
Homer Darby, ACDI chairman, forecasts the company’s role addressing food security. He tells board members that food shortages are the …
READ MOREGlobal
Threat of HIV/AIDS looms
AIDS emerges as a global health threat. In subsequent years ACDI/VOCA helps those living with HIV/AIDS improve their health and …
READ MOREUnited States
Microcomputers on every desk
ACDI computerizes HQ. Each desk has a microcomputer connected to a local area network.
READ MOREUGANDA
First Women in Development project
ACDI launches its first Women in Development project. It provided training to develop women’s cooperatives in Uganda for income generation …
READ MOREGlobal
VOCA launches USAID’s first Farmer-to-Farmer program
VOCA is selected to implement the pilot USAID Farmer-to-Farmer program, assigning 30 volunteers to advise farmers’ associations, farmer cooperatives and …
READ MOREUnited States
Peace Corps honors VOCA
Peace Corps Director Loret Ruppe presents VOCA President Don Cohen with the Leadership for Peace Award.
READ MOREUNITED STATES
President George H.W. Bush recognizes VOCA in fight against hunger
VOCA receives the Presidential End Hunger Award from President George H. W. Bush for “vision, initiative and leadership in the …
READ MOREEASTERN EUROPE, FORMER SOVIET UNION
Berlin Wall comes down
With the fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent dissolution of the USSR, new economic development initiatives are launched …
READ MOREARMENIA, KAZAKHSTAN, RUSSIA, UKRAINE
First agricultural program in the former Soviet Union
VOCA launches a quick-start Farmer-to-Farmer program and becomes the first USAID grantee to work in the agricultural sectors of the …
READ MOREPOLAND
Over 1,600 rural banks privatized in Poland
ACDI and VOCA launch a program to privatize Poland’s 1,665 rural cooperative banks. It helps Poland establish regional banks in …
READ MOREGLOBAL
ACDI establishes ASI
ACDI establishes Agribusiness Systems International (ASI), a flexible, entrepreneurial nonprofit subsidiary, to support its mission through innovative projects with non-U.S. …
READ MOREBELARUS
Future Agriculture Secretary volunteers in Belarus
Future Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman serves as VOCA volunteer in Belarus, conducting seminars on the appropriate role of government …
READ MOREHUNGARY
ACDI/VOCA helps introduce popcorn to Europe
Under a USAID-funded project supporting privatization, popcorn was introduced to Hungary in a joint venture between a U.S. company and …
READ MOREArmenian farmer, beneficiary of Farmer-to-Farmer program
“I never thought a huge country like the United States would care about me. In the face of a VOCA …
READ MOREUSAID Administrator J. Brian Atwood speaking about VOCA
“Your volunteers work at the grassroots. They are the backbone of sustainable development.”
READ MOREETHIOPIA
Milestone for Ethiopian co-ops
As a result of ACDI/VOCA’s work with Ethiopian cooperatives, the first patronage dividends in the country’s history are paid to …
READ MOREUnited States
ACDI and VOCA join forces
ACDI and VOCA come together to capitalize on each organization’s best qualities—ACDI’s business-oriented approach to sustainable development and VOCA’s people-to-people …
READ MOREMALAWI
ACDI/VOCA helps form largest farmer association in Malawi
National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM) is formed with the help of ACDI/VOCA. Today, NASFAM represents over 100,000 farmers …
READ MOREBULGARIA
New grain laws multiply opportunities for Bulgarian farmers and traders
ACDI/VOCA helps the government of Bulgaria draft and pass new grain storage and trade laws and regulations, leading to a …
READ MOREEGYPT
ACDI/VOCA produces Egypt’s most popular TV program
ACDI/VOCA produced a TV series named Serr El Ard (Secrets of the Land), which was named most popular program by …
READ MORERUSSIA
Expanded credit for rural Russian farmers
First private rural credit system serves farmers in Russia. We helped create a network of member-owned financial institutions and improve …
READ MOREAfrica
A boost for coffee growers
ACDI/VOCA helps found the African Fine Coffees Association to improve quality and boost returns to coffee growers in Africa. As …
READ MOREKYRGYZSTAN
Bai-Tushum created to increase access to credit in Kyrgyzstan
ACDI/VOCA leads the push to establish the Bai-Tushum Financial Foundation with the support of USAID, USDA and the Swiss development …
READ MOREGlobal
Public-private SUCCESS Alliance supports cocoa farmers
ACDI/VOCA, the World Cocoa Foundation and Mars, Inc., team up to form the Sustainable Cocoa Enterprise Solutions for Smallholders (SUCCESS) …
READ MOREGlobal
Premier agricultural development NGO
USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios calls ACDI/VOCA “the premier agricultural development NGO in the world.”
READ MOREGLOBAL
Value chain approach pioneered
Through a series of USAID contracts, ACDI/VOCA helps develop the value chain approach to creating wealth and promoting growth by …
READ MOREINDONESIA
Tsunami wreaks havoc in Southeast Asia
A tsunami devastates Indonesia. UNDP selects ACDI/VOCA to manage recovery efforts for micro, small and medium-sized businesses. ACDI/VOCA hosts an …
READ MOREKay Rockwell, ACDI/VOCA volunteer and professor emerita at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln
“Uganda was never on my radar, but when ACDI/VOCA called about this volunteer opportunity, I felt it was a good …
READ MOREETHIOPIA
Ethiopian coffee wins Starbucks award
After three years of development, Shirkina dry-processed gourmet coffee, produced by ACDI/VOCA’s client Ferro Cooperative in Sidama, Ethiopia, was designated …
READ MORESERBIA
Radio ad wins award in Serbia
The Serbian Association of Media Advertisers awarded “best radio spot” to an ACDI/VOCA radio campaign funded by USAID that focused …
READ MOREDairy farmer, beneficiary of AERI program, implemented by ACDI/VOCA
“I’ve been raising animals for 10 years now, but I have never before experienced the amount of milk, cheese and …
READ MORECongressman Christopher Shays (R-Conn.), speaking about USAID’s Community Action Program, which ACDI/VOCA implemented from 2003 to 2012
“This is the one program that is in fact working in Iraq. No one disputes it. We can dispute everything …
READ MOREMember and former president of cocoa producers’ association in Naranjito County, Guayas province
“We were not used to selling directly to exporters, and the exporters did not have much experience working with small …
READ MORERWANDA, SOMALIA
Pirates hijack ship carrying food aid
The MV Maersk Alabama, carrying ACDI/VOCA food aid meant for a USAID project in Rwanda, is hijacked by Somali pirates. …
READ MOREMember of association of women cocoa farmers
“At the beginning, my husband did not want me to work in the [cocoa] nursery; he thought it was a …
READ MOREHAITI
Major earthquake devastates Haiti
After rallying to emergency response, ACDI/VOCA redoubles agricultural development work in Haiti’s Southeast Department, one of the least food-secure regions …
READ MOREAFRICA
ACDI/VOCA leads key food security program
USAID selects ACDI/VOCA to implement its Support for Food Security Activities (SFSA) indefinite quantity contract (IQC), a pillar of the …
READ MOREHAITI
Ayiti leve! Haiti rise!
Special Thanks: This video was filmed and edited by Bayard Jean Bernard of Jacmel’s Ciné Institute, Haiti’s only professional film …
READ MOREUnited States
A great place to work
ACDI/VOCA is one of the top 15 nonprofits nationwide to work for, according to Opportunity Knocks’ 4th annual People’s Choice …
READ MOREACDI/VOCA Leadership and Local Governance Youth Camp participant, Diyala province, Iraq
“I truly believe the only way forward is to change people’s ideas of how to work together.”
READ MOREUNITED STATES
ACDI/VOCA wins Best Practices and Innovations Award
ACDI/VOCA receives a Best Practices and Innovations Award from InterAction and IFAD for Sell More For More™. Sam Worthington, president …
READ MOREGlobal
Worldwide switch from cash to electronic payments
ACDI/VOCA joins the Better Than Cash Alliance and commits to transition its worldwide operational and programmatic payments from cash to …
READ MOREGlobal
ACDI/VOCA’s 11,000th volunteer assignment completed
In April, ACDI/VOCA marked its 11,000th volunteer assignment. Our volunteers have traveled to 130 countries bringing specialized talent in areas …
READ MOREGLOBAL
Leveraging Economic Opportunities (LEO)
USAID selects ACDI/VOCA to implement Leveraging Economic Opportunities (LEO), a milestone project to support programming that fosters inclusive growth through …
READ MOREAFRICA DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
First-ever Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer helps smallholders in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Early November marked a milestone for the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program: the first-ever volunteer assignment in the Democratic Republic of …
READ MOREKenya and Bangladesh Projects Win USAID Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting Case Competition
FOUR ACDI/VOCA STAFF PRESENT CLA APPROACHES AT LEARNING EVENT Case studies from USAID/Bangladesh and ACDI/VOCA’s AflaSTOP project in Kenya were …
READ MOREACDI/VOCA Featured in INGO Impact Investing Report
The INGO Impact Investing Network released a report about the critical role international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) play in impact investing. …
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ACDI/VOCA Launches New Subsidiary AV Ventures
ACDI/VOCA launched AV Ventures to serve as a global investment management and advisory company. AV Ventures provides innovative, catalytic financing …
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USAID Ghana ADVANCE Wins Digital Development Award for Smartcard Use
The Feed the Future Ghana Agricultural Development and Value Chain Enhancement (ADVANCE) project, implemented by ACDI/VOCA in Ghana, was one …
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ASI Becomes Tanager
ACDI/VOCA’s affiliate, Tanager, launched a new name and refreshed brand. Since 1993, Tanager (formerly ASI) has allowed ACDI/VOCA to expand the reach …
READ MOREFundación ACDI/VOCA LA Launched
December 2018 saw the launch of Fundación ACDI/VOCA LA in Bogotá, Colombia. ACDI/VOCA’s new nonprofit regional entity will strengthen inclusive …
READ MOREAV Ventures Invests in Ghana Poultry Industry
AV Ventures, ACDI/VOCA’s impact investor subsidiary that provides catalytic financing to SMEs in West Africa and Central Asia, partnered with …
READ MOREACDI/VOCA Awarded USAID Activity in Myanmar
We were awarded the five-year, USAID-funded Agriculture and Food Systems Activity in Myanmar in November 2019, marking our return to …
READ MORECentral Asian Impact Fund Launched
In March 2020, ACDI/VOCA launched the Central Asian Impact Fund to support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food, …
READ MOREACDI/VOCA Responds to COVID-19 Crisis
The impact of COVID-19 on the economies and well-being of people throughout the world has been profound. Our projects have …
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USAID Honduras TMS Team Wins Humentum OpEx 2020 Award
Humentum, a global nonprofit membership organization, awarded ACDI/VOCA staff of the USAID Honduras Transforming Market Systems Activity an Operational Excellence …
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AV Ventures Launches Fund in Northern Kenya
In December 2020, AV Ventures announced the launch of the Impact for Northern Kenya Fund financed by USAID Kuza. The …
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Celebrating Decades of Impact in Ethiopia & Ghana
ACDI/VOCA celebrates 50 years of activity in Ethiopia with the conclusion of the USDA-funded Feed Enhancement for Ethiopian Development (FEED) …
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NAFAKA Kilimo Partners with Tanager
In June 2021, Tanzanian NGO NAFAKA Kilimo, founded by Feed the Future NAFAKA II staff, joined Tanager’s IGNITE project as …
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Volunteer Program Celebrates 50 Years
Since 1971, we’ve mobilized over 12,000 volunteers to more than 130 countries in the developing world. VOCA’s first volunteers, W. Gordon Leith and …
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Feed the Future Burma Agriculture and Food Systems Development Activity Wins Humentum’s OpEx Honorable Mention Award
The Feed the Future Burma Agriculture and Food Systems Development Activity team won the 2022 Humentum Operational Excellence Honorable Mention …
READ MOREAV Ventures’ Portfolio Company AgroCenta Joins U.S.-Based Accelerator for Food Tech Startups
The technology-driven agricultural platform provider AgroCenta, an investee company of AV Ventures founded in Ghana in 2015, participated in a prestigious, …
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500 Temporary Jobs Obtained for Honduran Agricultural Workers in Spain
In 2022, Spanish authorities notified Honduras’s Secretaria de Trabajo y Seguridad Social of a request for 500 agricultural workers from Honduras …
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FAVLA Celebrates Five Years of Impact
In 2023, Fundaci6n ACDINOCA Latino America (FAVLA) celebrated five years of operations in Colombia, creating opportunities through social and environmental …
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ACDI/VOCA Turns 60
2023 marked the 60th anniversary of ACDI/VOCA’s founding on July 12, 1963. For 60 years, we’ve envisioned a world in …
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ACDI/VOCA Marks Five Years of Transforming the Philippines Coffee Sector
From 2018 to 2023, Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise (PhilCAFE) supported coffee market actors in producing and selling more high-quality Philippine …
READ MOREAV Ventures Strengthens Commitment to Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa by Joining AVPA
AV Ventures, a leading impact investor in the agribusiness sector and subsidiary of ACDI/VOCA, proudly announces its membership in AVPA. This …
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Seven Years of Transforming Northern Kenya’s Livestock Value Chain
Feed the Future Kenya Livestock Market Systems (LMS) Activity, 2018-2024 In northern Kenya, 80 percent of the population relies on …
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ACDI/VOCA Wins 2024 Top Workplaces Award as Best Midsize Nonprofit Nationwide
ACDI/VOCA was named the #1 nonprofit workplace in the USA for organizations with 150-499 employees by Top Workplaces USA, topping the list of …
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