In the fast paced, technology-driven business environment that cooperatives exist in, the pressures to become more IT (information technology) savvy in their business practices is becoming an emerging concern of the sector. For community-based organizations such as cooperatives, the developments in the field of IT presents both difficulties and opportunities. For one, the costs involved in overhauling manual systems and training staff are the basic considerations which hinder cooperatives from evolving to more IT-driven business entities. On the other hand, the benefits of increased efficiency and expanded market presence to cooperatives are the main incentives to cooperatives who have improved on their IT capability.

To assist member-cooperatives in their transition to becoming technology-driven actors in the development sector, NATCCO’s IT Group has initiated the development of ICT solutions specifically catered to cooperatives and their operations. Among these are the Ekoopbanker software for the accounting and finance needs of cooperatives; and the Ekoopmart business suit for Coop Mart establishments. The IT Group of NATCCO also conducts trainings for cooperative staff on current software applications which could boost cooperatives’ marketing initiatives. Among these are trainings on Adobe Photoshop, In Design and Joomla. Their IT specialists also develop and maintain websites for client cooperatives.