John Raiffeisen

John Raiffeisen was a pioneering German farmer and cooperativist in the late 19th century. He believed that farmers could improve their economic situation by working together through agricultural cooperatives, pooling resources, and sharing infrastructure. His ideas led to the development of rural credit unions and cooperative banks, which provided farmers with affordable loans and financial services. This approach empowered farmers, fostered local economic growth, and reduced dependency on external banks. Raiffeisen's innovative model of cooperative banking remains influential today, especially in rural and agricultural communities worldwide.