A qualitative analysis of success and failure factors of agricultural cooperatives in Central Kenya.

Abstract

The study presented in this chapter identified the factors associated with the success and failure of agricultural cooperatives in the liberalized Kenyan rural economy in which government withdrew the administrative and financial support it had previously offered cooperatives and devolved governance authority to cooperative members. It is revealed that the retreat of government resulted in a legal and regulatory vacuum that adversely affected the performance of many cooperatives and facilitated exploitative behaviour on the part of some unscrupulous members and business associates. Furthermore, a lack of general understanding among the membership of the business of running a cooperative left some with a dearth of management, accounting and marketing skills necessary to compete effectively. The experience of decentralization of control over cooperatives was not uniformly negative, however, as some evolved in response to the changing environment and seemed to thrive, delivering good value to their members. Successful cooperatives were generally characterized by a well-educated and skilled management committee, and transparency, accountability and responsiveness of the management to the members at large.

Agricultural cooperatives and social empowerment of women: a Ugandan case study

“…Even though the empowerment of members to improve their quality of life and enhance economic opportunities through self-help is a key goal of most cooperatives (NCBA 2005), more often than not in practice agricultural cooperatives focus on generating greater profits (Barton 2000;Ortmann and King 2007). Even studies that acknowledge cooperative organisations' positive influence on broader social aspects within communities often present these social benefits as secondary to economic benefits (Mayoux 1995;Hoyt 2004;Nyoro and Ngugi 2007). Studies that explore the role of agricultural cooperatives in empowering their women members are particularly limited, but a few exceptions exist (see Oberhauser and Pratt 2004).…”

Effect of Free-Range Strategy on Taste of Conventional Broiler Meat in Coastal Lowlands of Kenya

“…G enerally, consumers prefer to have high quality, convenient and safe meat products that contain natural flavour and taste (Aymerich et al, 2008). However, these preferences tend to change with increasing urbanization and growing household incomes (Nyoro and Ngugi, 2007). One such trend is preference for lean white meat over red meat (Moschini and Meilke, 1989).…”

Holding All the Cards? Quality Management by Cooperatives in a Moroccan Dairy Value Chain

“…Many milk collection cooperatives in East Africa have measurement tools that can only measure milk density and freshness. These cooperatives can only refuse the milk that does not meet very simple quality requirements and farmers are not paid based on the quality of their milk (Francesconi, 2009;Nyoro and Ngugi, 2007). When there is no equipment to measure quality, farmers can 'free ride' on the quality of their products.…”