Cooperative Federalism Research Articles

Co-operative education in Malawi: An interview with John Mulangeni

This interview was conducted via Zoom with John Mulangeni, Executive Director of the Malawi Federation of Co-operatives (MAFECO), during our 2023 Co-operative Education Workshop. The aim of the workshop was to gather content for this special issue of the Journal of Co-operative Studies. MAFECO is the umbrella body for co-operatives in Malawi, providing “aid in teaching, regulating, and maintaining co-operatives across the nation” (MAFECO.org). John has worked for over 30 years in the Malawi co-operative movement, including in the Ministry of Trade and Industries. He is a committed co-operative educator, and expert in the co-operative economic sector.

ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA: THE ROLE OF COOPERATIVE FEDERALISM IN FEDERAL-STATE COLLABORATION

Sustainable housing development in Malaysia relies on collaborative governance and resource sharing. Several proposed sustainable housing initiatives have involved federal-state tensions. Cooperative federalism can bring together diverse stakeholders to address complicated environmental, social, and economic variables affecting housing construction, according to this study. The authors analyze federal and state laws and policies doctrinally. To assess the efficacy of collaborative governance and resource sharing, government officials, housing experts, policymakers, and community leaders were interviewed. Fictional international case studies inform this study. The authors find 1) federal or state government agencies lack coordination. 2) policy alignment for sustainable housing development and 3) state resource constraints. The findings show how collaborative governance and resource sharing may transform. Participants understand the importance of federal-state housing policies, which streamline sustainable housing development and prevent conflicting laws. Effective intergovernmental connections inform housing policy decisions, meeting local demands. International case studies also provide many suggestions for adapting and innovating in Malaysia. This study proposes resilient, inclusive, and sustainable housing in Malaysia. By adopting collaborative governance, harmonizing policies, pooling resources, fostering intergovernmental partnerships, and learning from global experiences, Malaysia's housing sector may inspire future generations with innovation and sustainability.

Analysis of relationship between pork belly preference and fat level by distributors in the Korean pork market: Utilizing belly cross-sectional assessment and belly fat percentage measured by VCS2000

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the overall fat percentage of pork belly and the visual fat level of pork belly, and to determine whether these factors influence the distributor's preference. Fat percentages in LYD pigs' pork bellies were measured using VCS2000, and visual fat levels were assessed through cross-sectional photographs. Additionally, a survey was conducted across four distributor types (direct managed stores, supermarkets, National Agricultural Cooperative Federations (NACFs), and butcher shops) to understand distributor preferences in the pork market.The results demonstrated a moderate correlation between pork belly fat percentage and appearance-based belly fat level. The regression equations between distributors' pork belly preferences and pork belly fat percentage showed that all regression equations exhibited coefficient of determination (R2) values below 0.2, indicating that pork belly fat percentage could not be explained by distributors' pork belly preferences. The regression equations between appearance-based belly fat level and distributors' pork belly preferences demonstrated that all regression equations exhibited an R2 value of 0.75 or higher, indicating that appearance-based belly fat level can effectively explain distributors' pork belly preferences. Furthermore, it was observed that there were variations in distributors' preferences contingent on the appearance-based belly fat level.Appearance-based belly fat level was found to be reliable indicators for predicting pork belly preferences. The findings of this study are expected to assist in the reduction of unnecessary distribution costs when planning the delivery of pork belly.

A inclusão (tácita) do município à competência legislativa para proteção e defesa da saúde: análise sob o binômio urgência e popularização

Objective: this study analyzes the federalist decentralization materialized by decisions of the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court rendered during the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic. In this context, the aim is to consider the possibility of tacitly including municipalities within the concurrent legislative competence in the area of health, based on the elements of popularization and urgency. Methods: the study is based on bibliographic research – legal and public health doctrine – and legislative research, as well as ex post facto research, analyzing the causes and effects of Direct Action of Unconstitutionality 6.341, Allegation of Violation of Fundamental Precept 672, and Original Civil Action 3.451, all grounded in cooperative federalism. Results: as a result, the recognition of the municipality's duty to legislate in defense of health, especially in the inertia of other entities and limited only by regulatory agencies, and the existence of a delaying clash between legislative incompetence, urgency and popularization of the health system. Conclusion: it was concluded that the municipality was tacitly included in the legislative competence in the area of health by the decisions of the STF. Submission: 01/23/24| Review: 08/16/24| Approval: 08/16/24

The Canada Water Act, 1970: Did Parliamentarians Seek Cooperative Federalism?

The Canada Water Act, 1970: Did Parliamentarians Seek Cooperative Federalism?

Circular economy and twin transition in the cooperative movement: The case of Climate Circular Coop research project

The twin transition (TT) towards a circular economy (CE) and digital economy is vital for achieving the United Nations' Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. While research has predominantly focused on traditional enterprises, the role of cooperative enterprises in this transition remains underexplored. The Climate Circular Coop (CCC) project coordinated by the University of Ferrara in collaboration with research offices of the Italian Cooperatives Federation Area Studi Legacoop, and the University of Roma TRE, aims to address this gap by identifying the drivers and barriers cooperatives face in adopting CE and digital technologies. Through the development of a targeted survey, the project seeks to compare the efforts of cooperatives against other enterprise-forms to identify similarities and differences when implementing TT and environmental sustainability practices, such as circular economy (CE). Initial findings suggest that cooperatives and other enterprise-forms, such as SMEs, are influenced by similar barriers and drivers yet the intrinsic community-focused and democratic nature of cooperatives may position them as pivotal players. Comprehensive research is essential to enhance understanding and inform policies that support sustainability development through cooperatives exactly due to their specific business model (BM).

Exploring the conditions for the emergence and sustainability of housing cooperatives in Latin America

Housing cooperatives are being reconsidered in many countries worldwide as potentially relevant actors in the provision of affordable housing. This is also the case in Latin America, characterised by neo-liberal housing policies that have led to an increasing financialization of housing and marginalisation of the poor. Uruguay is an exception, with housing cooperatives playing a key role in the provision of affordable housing. For over two decades its Federation of Mutual Aid Housing Cooperatives (FUCVAM) has been advocating and actively supporting the establishment of cooperative housing in the region. In this paper, we examine the opportunities and challenges of housing cooperatives to penetrate in Colombia and El Salvador’s housing systems, two countries historically characterised by neo-liberal housing regimes. Based on empirical research in Uruguay, Colombia, and El Salvador, we will analyse the socioeconomic, political, and institutional factors that enable or constrain the emergence of housing cooperatives and their sustainability over time.

Navigating Conflicting Incentives: Discursive Strategies of Political Parties in Germany’s Cooperative Federalism

Abstract Federal systems create complex institutional settings that foster and encourage cooperation while also enabling self-serving and even opportunistic political behavior. Focusing on parliamentary discourses, we argue that political parties can navigate these conflicting incentives skillfully, employing a set of five distinct discursive strategies that integrate both the need for cooperation and the possibility of self-interest. Leveraging a qualitative content analysis of 212 German parliamentary debates and 4,524 manually coded statements, we demonstrate that the use of these discursive strategies is shaped by parties’ level of integration into federal institutions. The data reveal that parties which are more strongly involved in intergovernmental bodies uphold a more cooperative discourse, while refraining from confrontational strategies toward federal institutions and actors. We also find that the linkage between the vertically integrated party system, which incentivizes co-partisans to stick together across levels and constituent units, and multiparty coalition governments, counteracts federal blame games.

Money and cooperative federalism: evidence from EPA civil litigation

Abstract The federalism structure of the US government requires active cooperation from state governments to successfully enforce federal environmental regulations. What explains the variation in state governments’ participation in lawsuits against firms that are accused of violating major environmental statutes? We argue that firms’ political connections with state politicians affect a state government’s decision to join the litigation process. By constructing a novel dataset on the EPA’s civil cases and settlements for the period 1998–2021, we show that state environmental agencies are less likely to join the EPA in court when the defendant firms contributed to Republican state legislators. We do not find the same pattern when firms have connections with Democratic legislators. We present various mechanisms of how state politicians influence behaviors of state bureaucrats. Our findings highlight how state politics can be an avenue for firms to exert influence on federal environmental regulations.

Empowering Brazil's Energy Cooperatives: Creating a Federation and Fostering SDGs

Objective: This study examines the potential of establishing an energy cooperative federation in Brazil. Initially, challenges faced by cooperatives are identified, such as cultural resistance, lack of understanding about distributed generation, and financial difficulties. Theoretical Framework: Accelerating the global energy transition is necessary due to the effects of climate change, which presents a challenge for governments as they must balance conflicting agendas. Energy cooperatives have the potential to promote renewable energies and sustainable urban development and are increasingly growing in Brazil. By promoting unity, knowledge sharing, and collective advocacy, the federation can enhance the cooperatives' efficiency, influence, and resilience. This initiative aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Method: Online interviews with management teams of Brazilian energy cooperatives and relevant organizations were conducted in 2023 to gather data on the sector's opportunities, challenges, and barriers. Data triangulation with literature provided a comprehensive view, leading to an analysis of key issues and a proposal to strengthen the sector.Results and Discussion: The main difficulties and solutions include: imbalances in relationships with utilities (discussion of legislation and regulation), disputes over taxation (revision of fees), difficulty obtaining resources (facilitated access to financing), high bureaucracy (simplification of processes), and public unfamiliarity (educational programs). Originality/Value: The proposed federation could act as a transformative force, promoting positive changes and shaping a more sustainable and democratic energy landscape in Brazil. Through robust governance structures, transparent practices, and active member engagement, this federation can catalyze innovation, promote equitable access to renewable energy, foster inclusive economic development, and position cooperatives as critical players in achieving sustainable development goals.

A Comparative Analysis of The Doctrine of Judicial Review in India, US And UK

The present work undertakes a comprehensive investigation and comparative assessment of the doctrine of judicial review in the nation of India, the US, and the United Kingdom. Judicial review is a legal principle that empowers the judiciary to scrutinise and invalidate actions undertaken by both the legislative and executive wings of government which are inconsistent with the constitution and violate fundamental rights. The study begins by examining the historical evolution of the doctrine of judicial review in each country, highlighting the differences and similarities in the legal framework and constitutional provisions that underpin the doctrine. The study thereafter evaluates the implementation of the doctrine of judicial review in every country, with a specific emphasis on the judiciary's role, the extent of review, and the criteria for review. This study will provide a thorough examination of judicial review within India, including the necessary procedures, in order to offer a clear and concise understanding of the concept. This analysis will include the historical background, aim, and extent of judicial review within the Indian legal system. The study also examines the influence of the doctrine of judicial review in each country on the division of powers, democratic governance, and the safeguarding of basic rights. The text examines the difficulties and constraints associated with the notion of judicial review in different countries and proposes suggestions for enhancing its effectiveness. In addition, the study will analyse the present condition of judicial review within each of the three nations, and will investigate the challenges and issues now confronting the idea in each country. The paper concludes by doing a comparative examination of the idea of judicial review within India, the United States of America, and the UK, emphasising both the similarities and differences. The study emphasises that while the three countries are committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting fundamental rights, the implementation and interpretation of the concept of judicial review differ in each jurisdiction. The chapter also mention some suggestions like courts must analyse the constitutionality of cooperative federalism in conflicts involving federal legislation, such as power distribution and interstate trade. This will enhance the cohesion of federal democracies. Judicial review is designed to interpret and enforce current laws. Furthermore, the autonomous nature of the judiciary is a crucial factor whenever the court possesses the power to examine any statute. A judiciary that lacks dependence is unable to deliver a just and impartial verdict.

Autonomy of Higher Education Sector in Post-18th Constitutional Amendment Era: Challenges and Prospects

The current study tries to comprehend whether the devolution of power as envisaged by the 18th Amendment is reflected and incorporated in the existing Legislative Framework of Higher Education. Theoretically, the 18th amendment strengthened the federal structure where federating units are empowered to make their own decisions without external interference; however, practically Apex Courts are backing the HEC to have a strong hold on provincial commissions while enjoying the absolute authority in the name of cooperative Federalism. The study revolves around the changing role of the HEC at the Federal level and the newly emerging role of HECs at the provincial level. The study revolves around the role of Higher Courts in impacting and reshaping the existing regulatory framework. The conclusions showed that universities enjoy more substantive autonomy and less procedural autonomy; therefore, HECs have to respect other Provincial HECs as mandated by the Eighteenth Amendment while transferring powers pragmatically to provincial HECs.

Financial Performance of Kerala State Co-operative Coir Marketing Federation Ltd. No.679

Aim: Established in the year 1979 as the Apex Federation of primary coir co-operatives functioning in the State, COIRFED plays a pivotal role in the coir sector of the country. It enjoys the unique status of dealing only in biodegradable and nature friendly products. With its headquarters located in the coir capital of the country, Alappuzha, COIRFED is one of the premier organizations in the coir Industry. COIRFED runs 11 factories for producing various coir related products. COIRFED runs around 50 signature shops throughout the country. Due to lack of operational efficiency, underutilization of production capacity, and lack of timely access to labour and raw materials, COIRFED and coir cooperatives are currently in a declining stage (Annual Report of COIRFED, 2019-20). COIRFED's overall performance and operation were based on the marketing of COIRFED products. Improvement is made possible by identifying the causes of loss or ineffective performance. Considering this, the study aimed to analyse the financial performance of COIRFED. Methodology: For the secondary data, past 10 years data from 2010-2011 to 2019-2020 was collected from the annual reports, websites and publications of COIRFED. Statistical tools like the Ratio analysis were used for the analysis. The study was conducted during the period August to September 2023. Results: COIRFED has been incurring losses for the past decade, reflecting poor financial performance. Solvency ratios indicate an unstable financial position, posing long-term stability risks. While liquidity and inventory turnover ratios are favorable, the net profit ratio remains consistently negative. Despite sales, COIRFED operates at a loss due to high production costs and debt burdens. As a cooperative, it prioritizes member welfare over profits. The Kerala State Cooperative Coir Marketing Federation struggles with financial challenges despite being the apex coir marketing authority. Conclusion: COIRFED's financial analysis reveals a decade-long streak of operating losses, signaling poor financial health. Solvency ratios highlight an unstable position with negative implications for its future stability. Though liquidity and inventory turnover ratios are positive, the net profit ratio remains persistently negative. Despite sales revenue, COIRFED struggles with overall losses, prioritizing member welfare over profits due to its cooperative ethos. Heavy debts and high production costs compound its financial woes. The Kerala State Cooperative Coir Marketing Federation, the leading authority in coir product marketing, grapples with financial challenges despite its prominent position.

Technical and Economic Performance Assessment of Solar Milling Plants in Zambia

In 2015, the Zambian government embarked on a proactive endeavor to enhance the accessibility of economical maize meal through the inception of the Solar Powered Milling Plants (SMPs) Project. The Chinese Government and the Government of the Republic of Zambia jointly provided co-financing, supporting this audacious initiative with a significant financial commitment of US$200 million. However, there have been no documented results on the technical and economic performance of the solar milling plants. To this effect, this study aimed to establish the technical and economic performance of the milling plants installed by the Zambia Cooperative Federation. To achieve this, the study sought to: (1) establish the technical operational characteristics of the installed SMPS; (2) establish the factors that influenced the sitting of the plants; (3) determine the economic benefits of the SMPs; and (4) benchmark the technical operating conditions of the installed SMPs. The study employed a mixed methods approach, where benchmarking observations and semi-structured questionnaires were used as data collection instruments. The sample size of the study was 168, comprising cooperative leaders, solar milling plant operators, and community members from the 12 sites in Masaiti, Chikankata, Solwezi, and Kapiri Mposhi districts where the milling plants were installed. The field observations and questionnaires that were used for the study showed that all twelve sites in the Solwezi, Masaiti, Kapiri Mposhi, and Chikankata Districts needed the same amount of power to run, which was between 7.5 kW and 9.0 kW. However, only Site 3 in Solwezi and Sites 4 and 5 in Masaiti Districts strictly followed the standard operation time of 8 hours. The study has also shown that the two main factors that influenced the placement of the solar milling plants were proximity to the main roads of the communities and the availability of land near the Food Reserve Agency(FRA) shades. With regards to economic benefits, the generated results showed that the installed milling plants brought about employment creation as two operators were employed for each of the 12 sites. However, the revenues generated by the solar milling plants were not economically viable for loan repayment. The study recommended that predictive and corrective maintenance, in addition to project management training for cooperatives and operators, be carried out to improve the technical and economic performance of the solar milling plants.

ICOOP puzzle: localistic practices, internationalism values, and Fair Trade in South Korea’s cooperative movement

ABSTRACT This article illuminates an intellectual puzzle of how South Korean cooperative movements attempt to overcome the dilemma between localistic practices and the value of internationalism. Moving beyond anti-capitalistic debates of building links globally, the cooperative movement brings Fair Trade products from developing countries to consumer cooperatives in South Korea, resulting in a scaling up of community economies globally and forging real international solidarity. Engaging with feminist theories put forward by Gibson-Graham and their collaborators, this article calls upon an expanded feminist politics that challenge the “spatial bounding” of community economies that are often joined with localistic practices. Born as one of the most significant forms of community economies to address the economic precarity of grassroots farmers and workers during the Asian Financial Crisis of 1997, iCOOP was set up as a consumer cooperative federation to support local Korean producers with alternative market linkage. Through Fair Trade movement, iCOOP serves as an interesting case to overcome localistic practices and nurture the value of internationalism. This article develops an expanded feminist politics of community economies to confront the tendency of localistic practices by providing four layers of analysis: value, campaign tactics, new governance structure, and scaling solidarity.

Celso Furtado and the construction of a Cooperative Federalism in Brazil

Resumo O centenário do nascimento de Celso Furtado (1920-2020), um dos mais importantes intérpretes do processo de modernização brasileiro no século XX, tem suscitado diversos debates. O artigo aborda suas ideias políticas, no período de 1945 a 1964, especialmente as reflexões sobre o problema da cooperação entre a União e os estados, voltadas para a redução das desigualdades regionais em contextos democráticos. Suas contribuições favoreceram o avanço do federalismo cooperativo e tiveram maior prestígio no Governo Juscelino Kubitscheck, quando coordenou o GTDN e assumiu a Sudene - instância intermediária entre a União e os estados nordestinos. Numa perspectiva inovadora, diferente do modelo federalista norte-americano, a intervenção do governo federal e de suas instituições regionais ganham relevância na construção da nacionalidade e de uma ordem democrática mais igualitária. Além disso, a Sudene promoveria um outro padrão de gestão pública no Nordeste, direcionando recursos públicos federais segundo critérios técnicos e fortalecendo a coesão regional. JEL: B3, H77, P48.

Fiscal Federalism in India: Learning from best practices in Canada

This research paper aims to provide a comparative study on the fiscal federalism of India and Canada. Both India and Canada have a federal form of government, but their fiscal federalism systems differ in many aspects. This paper analyzes the historical development, constitutional provisions, tax systems, revenue-sharing mechanisms, and challenges of fiscal federalism in India and Canada. The paper concludes that while both countries face challenges in fiscal federalism, Canada has a more established and effective system due to its focus on revenue sharing and cooperative federalism. This paper will examine the key features of Canada's fiscal federalism model and explore the lessons that can be drawn for India.

The Changing Trends of Coalition Politics of Kerala from its Origin to 2016 in India

The Constitution of India provide for a federal system of government though the term ‘federalism’ which is nowhere been used in the constitution. But the article 1 of the constitution describes that India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States. K.C. where describes Indian federalism as “Quasi-federal”. Granville Austin called it ‘co-operative federalism.’ And Ivor Jennings describes it as ‘federation with strong centralizing tendency’. This nature of Indian federalism has leads India towards coalition. The coalition politics at the central level has been relatively a recent phenomenon but at the state level it has been in operation right after the first general election (1952). The growth of regional parties and dominant leadership at state level has federalized the polity and the state government has stretched their arms. The first coalition at state level formed in Kerala in 1954. The coalition politics is a time-tested thing in contemporary democracy. The concept of coalition politics occurred when the states used to ally with each other in order to defect of a common enemy. In 1954 the Congress created a coalition government in Kerala. Since this time Kerala has been living with coalition rule after regular intervals. The politics in Kerala is dominated by two coalition fronts: the communist party of India (Marxist)- led left Democratic front (LDF) and the Indian National Congress – led United Democratic Front (UDF) since late 1970s. Kerala was the first Indian state where the communists were chosen to power. Since the early 1980s these two coalitions have alternate in government. They are unable to gain re- election for a second term. These two-alliance coalition have occurred periodically and ruled continued to 2016 election. In May 2016, the LDF win election and now in power. This LDF coalition occurred with CPI (M)-58, CPI-19, TDS-3, NCP-2, KCB-1, CPM(L)-1, CS-1 and Independents-5.

Localizing the Public Trust

The public trust doctrine is the manifestation of a simple principle: certain natural resources are too important to entrust to private par-ties. Instead, those natural resources are held by the government in trust for the public. When we think of the contemporary public trust doctrine, we usually think of the doctrine as a state-level phenomenon. After all, the State is the sovereign entrusted with ownership of the public trust.
 But the doctrine also includes local governments, which play im-portant and substantive, if under-appreciated, roles. Missing from the conversation, however, is how local governments should be incorpo-rated into the doctrine. Should local governments be permitted auton-omy as co-trustees of the public trust? Do we trust local governments to safeguard public trust assets?
 This Article develops a framework for the normative relationship be-tween state and local governments in the public trust context. Doing so formally recognizes the role of local governments, thus localizing a doctrine that exists almost exclusively at the state level. This Article begins by reframing the doctrine as part of the lived experience of the public rather than merely a tool of the judiciary. Next, this Article cat-alogs the benefits of localizing the public trust doctrine, including the impacts local actors already have on the doctrine, localism’s tradition-al benefits, environmental justice, and environmental federalism.
 This Article then proposes localizing the public trust doctrine through three principles: (1) minimum state requirements; (2) increased local autonomy; and (3) shared responsibilities between local and state governments. This framework mirrors cooperative federal-ism and shares its advantages. Finally, the Article looks at local cli-mate adaptation as a case study of how states and local governments can begin localizing the public trust doctrine.

Understanding and Resolving Inter State Water Disputes

The resolution of interstate water conflicts requires a multifaceted approach that combines legal frameworks, technological interventions, and cooperative federalism. Legal mechanisms such as the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act play a central role in resolving disputes.