Topic 7: Cooperatives and Agricultural Organisations

1. Cooperative Societies

A cooperative society is a voluntary association of people with a common need who pool resources to run a business for mutual benefit.

Principles of Cooperatives

1. Voluntary and open membership.
2. Democratic control: one member, one vote.
3. Limited interest on share capital.
4. Surplus distributed according to members' patronage.
5. Education and training of members.
6. Cooperation among cooperatives.

2. Types of Cooperatives

3. Benefits of Cooperatives

1. Provide a ready market.
2. Provide credit and savings.
3. Supply inputs and equipment.
4. Offer storage, processing and transport.
5. Give bargaining power.
6. Offer training and extension.
7. Create employment.

Problems

• Mismanagement and corruption.
• Delayed payments to members.
• Limited capital.
• Low member participation.
• Political interference.

4. Other Agricultural Organisations

4-K Clubs and Young Farmers' Clubs (YFCs)

• Train youth in farming skills and leadership.
• Run projects and competitions.
• Promote positive attitudes towards farming.

5. Importance of Agricultural Organisations

• Improve production through research and training.
• Provide markets, inputs and credit.
• Promote standards and quality.
• Represent farmers' interests.