Raiffeisen Movement

The Raiffeisen Movement began in the late 19th century, started by Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen in Germany. It focuses on creating cooperative financial institutions, like banks, owned and operated by local members to serve their community’s needs. The goal is to promote economic development, financial inclusion, and mutual support, especially for farmers and small businesses. These cooperatives emphasize solidarity, democratic control, and accessible credit, helping members improve their livelihoods while fostering local development. The movement has expanded globally, influencing modern cooperative banking systems and community-driven economic models.