Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Business Sustainability of Agricultural Cooperatives in Northern Mindanao

Abstract

Cooperatives serve as cornerstones in the region's agricultural sector, supporting livelihoods, food security, and economic development. In examining the complex dynamics of agricultural cooperatives in Northern Mindanao, this analysis investigates the multifaceted factors that affect their business sustainability, shedding light on crucial determinants driving the region's agricultural cooperative landscape. The study used a descriptive correlational research design and used survey in gathering primary data. Findings revealed that the majority of the cooperatives have been operating for 21 years and above, more have members from 15 to 150, the majority have 1 to 9 employees, and the majority are micro-cooperatives. The results indicating an average mean distribution of management of cooperatives described as strongly affecting business sustainability, shed light on the critical role of effective management practices in ensuring the long-term viability of agricultural cooperatives. The study concluded that Management of Cooperatives is significantly correlated to Business Sustainability: People means are considered weak and positive relationships between the variables tested, and Profit means are described as strong. The Enterprise Characteristics are significantly correlated to Business Sustainability, People means are described as moderate and positive relationships between the variables tested, and Profit means are described as moderate. Implications: emphasize the need for cooperatives to strategically leverage their organizational characteristics to enhance business sustainability through targeted interventions in areas such as human resource management, innovation adoption, and value chain integration.