Authors:
Katwesigye, L., Edward, S and Kalibwani, R ,Uganda |
Abstract:
Cooperatives are important vehicles for community development because of their capacity to
mobilize local resources into critical masses. Their potential to respond to socio-economic needs
of community cannot be underrated. Despite efforts by many governments to uplift their
operations and sustainability, they continue to face sustainability challenges. The study was
addressing the challenges and opportunities of agricultural cooperatives in coffee production and
marketing in Bushenyi and Sheema Districts in Uganda. The specific objectives were to; identify
the challenges that hamper cooperative growth and available opportunities for their growth and
sustainability. The study was a descriptive-cross sectional survey engaging both qualitative and
quantitative approaches for data collection and analysis. Information was collected from 360
cooperative members and other key informants using questionnaire and interviews. Data was
analysed using SPSS version 21 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study
identified various challenges hampering cooperative growth such as; inadequate supply of inputs,
inadequate member participation, lack of trust, poor coordination, lack of democracy, failure to
serve the members’ interest, lack of capital resources, poor power relations with the local
government, corruption and mis-use of fund. The study also confirmed that; indorsing
democracy, active participation, fighting corruption, building trust, and strengthening
governance were the available opportunities for sustaining cooperative growth. This could
however be achieved through policy measures like tough penalties against corrupt, prioritizing
training and education, cooperative tax exemption, creating cooperative bank, emphasizing
democracy and equal participation, strengthening governance structures as well as introducing
reward systems. As a result of the significant results, the study concludes that there are different
socio-economic and institution challenges hampering the potential of cooperatives in promoting
agricultural development in Bushenyi/Sheema districts. It therefore recommends the reestablishment of a Cooperative Bank to provide loans necessary for agricultural cooperatives
with suitable interests. It also recommends the need to create more awareness about the benefits
of cooperatives to members and general population. Fighting corruption is also paramount. |
