Cooperative Members Research Articles

Social Capital and Poverty Reduction in Ethiopia: Evidence from the Amhara Region

This paper broadens the scope of research on social capital theory by offering new perspectives and empirical evidence on reducing objective poverty. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of social capital on poverty reduction among members of financial cooperatives in both urban and rural areas of the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Kothari's formula was employed, followed by multi-stage stratified, proportional, and random sampling. Primary data was collected from 348 sample members through a structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, and personal interviews. Additionally, data was analyzed using multiple linear regression and logistic regression models. The study reveals important insights into the relationship between social capital and poverty reduction among members. Structural and relational social capital, family labor, physical capital, and access to credit have a positive and significant impact on poverty reduction. On the other hand, the lack of cognitive social capital, which refers to the lack of awareness regarding the common mission, goals, and shared values of financial cooperatives, has a negative and significant impact on poverty reduction. Furthermore, family size, marital status, and individual health conditions also negatively and significantly affect poverty reduction. The study emphasizes the significance of social capital in influencing poverty reduction among members in the study area. Policymakers can design targeted interventions to effectively combat poverty by recognizing the impact of different dimensions of social capital, as well as family labor and physical capital. Strengthening social capital within financial cooperatives and promoting collaboration with financial institutions are essential steps towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of poverty alleviation in the region.

Investigating the Correlation between Air Pollution and Housing Prices in Seoul, South Korea: Application of Explainable Artificial Intelligence in Random Forest Machine Learning

South Korea’s Particulate Matter (PM) concentration is among the highest among Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries. However, many studies in South Korea primarily focus on housing characteristics and the physical built environment when estimating apartment prices, often neglecting environmental factors. This study investigated factors influencing apartment prices using transaction data for Seoul apartments provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) in 2019. For this purpose, the study compared and analyzed a traditional hedonic price model with a machine learning-based random forest model. The main findings are as follows: First, the evaluation results of the traditional hedonic price model and the machine learning-based random forest model indicated that the random forest model was found to be more suitable for predicting apartment prices. Second, an importance analysis using Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) showed that PM is more important in determining apartment prices than access to education and bus stops, which were considered in this study. Finally, the study found that areas with higher concentrations of PM tend to have higher apartment prices. Therefore, when proposing policies to stabilize apartment prices, it is essential to consider environmental factors. Furthermore, it is necessary to devise measures such as assigning PM labels to apartments during the home purchasing process, enabling buyers to consider PM and obtain relevant information accordingly.

Trust in Intraorganizational Relationships: The Case of COOPERORG-DF

Purpose: Associativism and cooperativism, as social technologies, are promoters of rural development. Social capital and, above all, trust is essential for the success of organizations. The study considers – from the perspective of the members – the relationships of trust in the Cooperative of Producers of the Organic Market of Brasília, Federal District, as well as identifying the social capital formed by actors that make up this organization. Methodology: The research is applied, has an exploratory character, a qualitative and quantitative approach, representing a case study. The dimensions of organic food production in the DF are highlighted through the collection of updated data and, also, with emphasis on informality and the flow constant of (in)formal relations in the cooperative environment. Results and Discussion: The demographic and socioeconomic profile of the cooperative members demonstrate the influence of the strengthening of cooperative actors on the development of their own businesses, contrasting with the current development of the cooperative. The results reveal the gaps observed in cooperative management, demonstrating the importance of relationships based on trust for strategic management, as well as for strengthening social capital as a basis for the development of cooperative organizations. Implications of the Research: It is hoped that the results presented can support future studies and research relevant to collective actions based on trusting relationships and contribute to positive changes in cooperativism. Originality and Value: The research innovates in the presentation of a research agenda based on the construct – trust, observed in the interpretation of cooperative actors who form the first cooperative of organic food producers in the Federal District, Federal Capital of Brazil.

RANCANG BANGUN APLIKASI KOPERASI SIMPAN PINJAM WIDYAEZA SEJAHTERA BERBASIS WEB DAN MOBILE

The objectives to be achieved in this study are to design and build mobile and web applications for the widyaeza sejahtera savings and loan cooperative, the research method used is the stages of this research using the UML (Unified Modeling Languange) modeling language. Using UML because it provides visualization of modeling to users of various programming languages, modeling systems with object-oriented concepts (PBO). The results of black box testing research, User Acceptance Testing testing by conducting a survey using a questionnaire. This questionnaire is shown to 30 users, namely cooperative members and the general public, the results of responses from 30 respondents can be calculated as the highest value of 900 and the lowest of 180, so the percentage calculation = 680 / 900 x 100% = 75. 5% of this cooperative application is classified as strong from the user's assessment.

PELATIHAN PEMBUATAN BROSUR DAN PAMFLET MENGGUNAKAN CANVA SEBAGAI PENDUKUNG KEGIATAN USAHA PADA KOPERASI WANITA ATSIRI CITAYAM BOGOR

The use of information technology has great potential to improve performance and add value for small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), so that they can compete more effectively. Marketing is a key aspect in the success of MSMEs, which helps in reaching target audiences, building brand awareness, generating leads and sales, and building relationships with customers. Brochures and pamphlets are important marketing tools for MSMEs, used to introduce their products or services, as well as explain the unique proposition they offer. However, many MSMEs face difficulties in creating effective and attractive brochures and pamphlets. Canva is a graphic design platform that can help MSMEs create professional-looking brochures and pamphlets without requiring design experience. Therefore, structured training is needed to help them utilize information technology more effectively. Bina Sarana Informatika University will carry out community service activities by providing training in making brochures and pamphlets using Canva to the Atsiri Citayam Bogor Women's Cooperative. This training aims to provide knowledge and skills to cooperative members in using this graphic design platform. In this way, it is hoped that the participants can create more brochures and pamphlets so that their effectiveness in helping their activities is even higher

Pelaksanaan Perjanjian Pinjam Meminjam Antara Anggota Koperasi dengan Koperasi Florette di Kecamatan Langke Rembong Kabupaten Manggarai

The purpose of this research is to analyze the implementation of a loan and borrowing agreement between cooperative members and the Florette cooperative in Langke Rembong District, Manggarai Regency. The research was conducted with empirical research and the nature of the research was descriptive, namely researching by revealing facts objectively at the time of research in the field. The result of this research is that the implementation of a loan and borrowing agreement between cooperative members and florette cooperatives using additional collateral is a provision of collateral based on the policy pattern that applies in the Florette Cooperative. The agreement has been stated in a loan agreement letter which is made unilaterally. The reasons why members cannot fulfill their obligations are due to limited backgrounds and also external circumstances that have an impact on the income of the members. The settlement efforts from the Cooperative are carried out by means of a family approach so that both parties, namely Cooperative Members and Forette Cooperatives, are not harmed.

Pelaksanaan Perjanjian Kredit pada Koperasi Simpan Pinjam Kopdit Swasti Sari Kota Kupang

The purpose of this research is to analyze the implementation of credit agreements at the Kopdit Swasti Sari savings and loan cooperative in Kupang City. The writing of this research uses empirical legal methods. Types and sources of data are primary data, secondary data and tertiary data. Data techniques are conducted by interview, documentation and literature study. Data processing is done by Editing, and Coding. The results of this study are that the problems that arise in credit agreements at the Swasti Sari Savings and Loan Cooperative in Kupang City are bad debts, namely loans that have difficulty by the debtor to fulfill the obligations agreed upon between the creditor and the debtor due to deliberate or out of control factors. Problems regarding bad credit occur from the debtor or cooperative members who are late in fulfilling installments or do not pay their debts. The settlement procedure for defaults in credit agreements at the Swasti Sari Savings and Loan Cooperative is that if the debtor has income and there is a good intention to settle the loan, rescheduling can be carried out, if the debtor has income but does not have a good intention to settle the loan, confiscation of collateral can be carried out, if the debtor no longer has income but there is a good intention to settle the loan, it can be done by offering the sale of collateral, if the debtor no longer has income or there is no good intention to settle the loan, confiscation of collateral can be carried out and then sold.

IDENTIFICATION OF DIFFERENCES IN THE SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FARMS PARTICIPATING AND NOT ARTICIPATING IN SHORT FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS. EMPIRICAL STUDY IN POLAND

The main aim of the research was to identify the differences in socio-demographic characteristics between managers of small farms in Poland who do and do not participate in short food supply chains (SFSCs). The analysis was based on the results of a survey conducted in 2023 among 199 respondents – farmers in Poland. Selected social and demographic variables were analysed. For the demographic ones, there were used: gender, age, education of the farm manager, and number of members on the farm. In turn, the level of social capital characterising farmers was described by participation in continuing education, participation in organizations, cooperatives, associations, clubs, etc., and participation in events, concerts, festivals, etc. A chi-square Pearson’s test of independence was used to compare two groups of farms in terms of the analysed variables. The strength of the relationships was measured using the V-Cramer convergence coefficient. Research revealed that among the social and demographic variables, gender and education were significant. Hence, among farms participating in the SFSCs, there were significantly more farms owned and managed by women and managers of those farms were better educated than managers of farms not participating in the SFSCs. Moreover higher level of social capital, particularly perceived through the involvement of farm owners or members of a household in lifelong education and membership in organisations, cooperatives, or associations was also a distinguishing feature of farms participating in the SFSCs.

Beyond subsistence? The role of rural cooperatives in driving smallholder commercialization in Ethiopia

AbstractThe transition from subsistence to market‐oriented agriculture holds the potential to boost rural economic progress and improve the well‐being of the rural poor in developing countries. Despite this potential, there is limited understanding of the key drivers for smallholder commercialization. In this study, we utilize comprehensive three‐wave panel data collected from three major maize‐producing regions in Ethiopia to examine the role of agricultural cooperatives in promoting smallholder commercialization. Employing a double‐hurdle model, we smallholder commercialization as a two‐step decision process involving market participation and the extent of participation (sales quantity), conditional on market participation. Unobserved heterogeneity is accounted for using a correlated random effect procedure, and the potential endogeneity of cooperative membership is addressed through a control function approach. The findings reveal that cooperative membership increases the probability of market participation and the intensity of sales. However, further analysis demonstrates a heterogeneous relationship between cooperative membership and commercialization, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions to boost the contribution of cooperatives to rural development through commercialization. The main findings highlight that promoting smallholder commercialization through farmer groups necessitates implementing policies to increase cooperative membership, coupled with allocating resources that enhance the contribution of agricultural cooperatives [EconLit Citations: Q12, Q13, Q18].

Efficiency of agricultural cooperative members in Indonesia

The food supply's stability is dependent on agricultural productivity, which, in turn, depends on the efficient allocation of production factors. This research analyzes the efficiency levels of rice farmers and compares them between cooperative members and non-members. This study quantifies efficiency using the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) method and compares the results using the propensity score matching (PSM) method, which addresses potential selectivity bias resulting from the decision to join a cooperative. The study utilizes cross-sectional data from the Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) of the Republic of Indonesia, encompassing a sample size of 68,204 farmers. The analysis reveals that the majority of farmers operate within an efficiency range of 70-90 percent. Cooperative members exhibit higher efficiency levels than non-members, with a 2.1 percent increase during the wet season and a 3.1 percent increase during the dry season. Researchers employ an alternative method, coarsened exact matching (CEM), to ensure robustness, yielding results similar to the PSM model. This research provides evidence that cooperatives have the potential to significantly enhance agricultural efficiency. The findings underscore the importance of developing and supporting cooperatives to enhance the overall welfare of farmers.

ANALISIS KELAYAKAN KREDIT KOPERASI MITRA TANI MANDIRI DENGAN ALGORITMA NAÏVE BAYES

A cooperative is a financial institution located in each village. Cooperatives can provide solutions to the community when the community's economic needs are decreasing. One of the services provided by cooperatives to the community is credit loans. This research focuses on analyzing the suitability of prospective cooperative member creditors who are eligible for credit applications. This analysis requires attributes or variables that are suitable for use in the credit application process. The attributes used in this research are that prospective creditors must be of sufficient age, disciplined in the payment process according to the monthly due date, have income and have allowances. This research uses data mining techniques using the Naïve Bayes algorithm, and data processing uses the Rapidminer application. The results obtained were based on the results of processing 182 data, namely obtaining an accuracy value of 81.32%, precision of 89.36% and recall of 77.78%. In this case, credit worthiness analysis with four attributes using the Naïve Bayes algorithm is suitable for use with accurate and precise results.

Does Farmers’ Cognition Enhance Their Enthusiasm for Adopting Sustainable Digital Agricultural Extension Services? Evidence from Rural China

The service model of digital agricultural technology extension, as a novel and sustainable approach, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the digital transformation of farmers’ agricultural practices. Leveraging survey data from 1475 farmers in China, the study employed a multivariate ordered logit model to investigate the relationship between farmers’ cognition and enthusiasm to adopt digital agricultural extension services. The findings revealed that subjective and objective cognitions positively influence farmers’ enthusiasm for adopting digital agricultural extension services. Furthermore, policy incentives, as a significant regulatory factor, effectively influence farmers’ cognition levels and enthusiasm to adopt digital agricultural extension services. Additionally, female respondents, farmers with higher educational levels, and membership in agricultural cooperatives all facilitate the adoption of these services. This study not only enriches the theoretical framework for agricultural technology promotion, aiding in the understanding of farmers’ decision-making processes when adopting digital agricultural extension services, but also provides a deeper insight into the role of digital agricultural technologies in promoting sustainable agricultural development, offering scientific evidence for relevant policy formulation and implementation.

A research on the people’s perception and expectations and the behaviours of the cooperative partners in Balıkesir

<p>The study attempts to learn the perceptions of people living in Balıkesir about cooperatives and their expectations from cooperatives. It also aims to learn the thoughts of cooperative members about cooperative activities and the behavior of each member. Within the scope of the research, 724 people from Balıkesir were interviewed. Meetings were held for discussions. The public’s perception of cooperatives in Balıkesir is generally positive. However, unsuccessful attempts and the difficulty of establishing a joint business also cause negative criticism. The public expects supervision and educational assistance from the government and financial support from the municipality. There are many reasons to become a member of cooperatives. However, the first thing to do is to facilitate the work related to the activity. Acting in solidarity with other people is also an important motivation for becoming a member. In Balıkesir, it is not regular for cooperative members to attend cooperative general assembly meetings. At the same time, their desire to take part in cooperative management and control bodies is low. The success level of cooperatives varies according to the expectations of the members. In Balıkesir, 36.7% of the members find the technical information provision activity of the cooperative sufficient, while 32.7% find the product marketing activity sufficient. The majority of cooperative members in Balıkesir find the financial aid activities of cooperatives incomplete. At the same time, they generally find the product purchase price of cooperatives inadequate.</p>

Voice Behaviours within Cooperatives. The Importance of the Relational Aspects of Leadership and Integrative Mechanisms for Loyalty

AbstractThis study explores the dynamics of cooperatives, with a focus on the internal challenges associated with sustaining democratic governance and promoting active member participation. The emphasis is on individual-level participation within the workplace, an often-neglected aspect in cooperative literature. An empirical model examines how member loyalty influences constructive and destructive voice behaviours. Leader–member exchange (LMX) relationship and integrative mechanisms are the proposed mediators in this context. Analysing data from 301 members of 19 worker cooperatives in Italy revealed different mediating effects through LMX, integrative mechanisms and a combined sequence. These findings enrich the cooperative literature by highlighting the importance of loyalty and voice behaviours in regenerating cooperative principles and member participation. The study also underscores the role of interpersonal relationships in affecting operational processes and explaining members’ loyalty and participation dynamics, proposing suggestions for cooperative management upholding democratic governance rooted in trust-based relationships, organic organisational models and mutual values.

Determinants of urban households in the diversification of livelihood activities: The case of Wolaita zone in southern Ethiopia

Diversification of Livelihood Activities (DLA) is indeed crucial for populous countries like Ethiopia, where it serves as a strategy to mitigate food insecurity. Despite its significance, empirical studies focusing on DLA among urban households in Ethiopia are relatively scarce. Therefore, this study examines factors affecting urban households' participation in the DLA in selected towns of the Wolaita zone. The study used both primary and secondary data. A total of 310 sample respondents from three town administrations in the Wolaita zone: Areka, Boditi, and Sodo, were selected using a multi-phase sampling technique. The study used a survey questionnaire, Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, and observations as methods for primary data collection. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that among the sampled respondents, 23.9 %, 28.4 %, and 33.2 % depend on on-farm, on-farm + non-farm, non-farm + off-farm activities, respectively, while the remaining 14.5 % diversify their livelihood activities through combinations of on-farm + non-farm + off-farm Livelihood Diversification Activities (LDA). The Multinomial Logot (MNL) model result shows that the participation of LDA in the study areas was positively and negatively determined by cooperative membership, development agent training, gender, education, home ownership, rural connections, household income, and technical skills that were found to be statistically significant at 1 %, 5 %, and 10 %. Therefore, the government should prioritize empowering the diversification of livelihood activities and develop policies and programs that support urban households’ livelihoods, with a specific focus on promoting off-farm and non-farm endeavors.

The Factors that Influencing the Success of the Village Cooperative Unit (Kud) Madani Beach Fisheries in Bantan District Bengkalis Regency, Riau Province

This research was conducted in 2023 at the Pantai Madani Fisheries Cooperative, Bantan District, Bengkalis Regency with the aim of: 1) Analyzing the success of the financial performance of the Pantai Madani Fisheries Cooperative in terms of financial ratios; 2) Knowing the factors that influencing the success of the Madani Beach Fisheries Cooperative. The method used in this research is a survey method using purposive sampling as a sampling technique that will be used as respondents. The number of respondents in this research is 25 cooperative members. The research results show that the current ratio is very good because the cooperative is able to cover its short-term liabilities, the solvency ratio on DER and DAR is in good condition where the cooperative's ability to cover its debts does not affect the management of cooperative assets and capital, the profitability ratio on ROE and also ROA is not good because activity has not been maximized, NPM is not good because sales are high but cannot produce large profits, NPM is not good because sales are high but cannot produce large profits, total turnover of receivable assets is very good, meaning the utilization of the activity ratio in receivables turnover is quite good, meaning that the collection carried out on assets is optimal to generate sales. The factors that influence the success of the Pantai Madani Fisheries Cooperative are economic scale, market failure, service benefits, profit generation in the area of value obtained from these variables 479,203/month, the value obtained is the quantitative value of goods and services from fishing activities that have been executed.

Crop insurance, factor allocation, and farmers’ income: evidence from Chinese pear farmers

Crop insurance, as a crucial tool for agricultural risk management, holds significant importance in increasing farmers’ income. This study analyzed the intrinsic relationship and mechanism between crop insurance, factor allocation, and pear farmers’ income. Using field survey data from 1,337 pear farmers in Xixian and Weixian counties in China, we employed OLS regression models and mediation effect models to empirically investigate the direct and indirect impacts of crop insurance on pear farmers’ income. Additionally, we examined the moderating role of agricultural cooperatives and group heterogeneity. The research findings revealed the following: (1) Although crop insurance increases agricultural expenses, it mitigates income losses due to disasters, ultimately leading to a net increase in pear farmers’ income. (2) Crop insurance enhances agricultural labor and machinery inputs, and encourages pear farmers to adopt green production techniques, thereby boosting their income. (3) The beneficial impact of crop insurance on pear farmers’ income is even more pronounced when farmers are members of cooperatives. (4) Heterogeneity analysis showed that for pear farmers who make individual decisions and have smaller land areas, crop insurance can increase their income, while its impact on farmers who make group decisions or have larger land areas is not significant. In conclusion, this study proposes to promote the development of crop insurance, deepen factor market-oriented reforms, support and guide the development of cooperatives, and pay attention to the heterogeneity among different groups of farmers.

Assessment of Agricultural Cooperative Societies on Farm Input Supply in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This research investigated how Agricultural Cooperative Societies in Ekiti State, Nigeria, influenced the supply of farm inputs. The results indicate that most cooperative society members were male, in their working-age years, and had received formal education. These individuals were typically engaged in farming or held civil service jobs and accessed various benefits like employment opportunities, credit, dividends, agricultural inputs, and access to the output market through their cooperative society. The study revealed that 71.1% of farmers belonged to a cooperative society, with 51.1% having a membership duration of 1-5 years. The largest portion of farmers inherited their land (35.6%). Cooperative societies typically consisted of 6 to 10 members, and a substantial 60% of farmers had received formal education. Moreover, 64.4% had access to the output market through their cooperative society. Overall, the research demonstrates that agricultural cooperative societies in Ekiti State play a significant role in enhancing the supply of farm inputs, offering crucial resources and assistance to local farmers.

Peranan Koperasi dalam Mensejahterakan Anggota pada Koperasi Pegawai Kementerian Agama Kabupaten Langkat

This research examines the role of cooperatives in improving the welfare of members of the Langkat Regency Ministry of Religion employee cooperative. The purpose of this research is to find out what cooperatives are, types of cooperatives, basic principles and principles of cooperatives, functions and objectives of cooperatives. The research approach used in writing this article is a descriptive method, namely research that attempts to describe phenomena, events and occurrences that are occurring in the present. This approach is also supported by conducting interviews and direct observation and is also supported by library methods. The results of this research show that the Langkat Regency Ministry of Religion employee cooperative has a very influential role on cooperative members, including by providing income and providing loans to members. The obstacle faced by cooperatives is bad credit. Efforts made to improve employee cooperatives at the Ministry of Religion of Langkat Regency include collecting loans from members who experience bad credit, being more selective in providing loans and giving prizes to borrowers who repay loans on time.

Shocked into side-selling? Production shocks and organic coffee farmers’ marketing decisions

Peru is the world’s leading exporter of organic coffee. Peruvian organic coffee is largely marketed through farmers’ cooperatives which have helped small farmers transition to organic production, earn price premiums over conventional coffee, and access extension services and finance. However, rising temperatures, increasingly volatile rainfall patterns, and the proliferation of pests and diseases make organic production riskier, as organic farmers cannot rely on agrochemicals to protect their farms against production shocks. If members of organic coffee cooperatives respond to production shocks by increasing their sales to private buyers (‘side-selling’), then cooperatives’ financial health could be threatened through reduced bargaining power with buyers and a decrease in scale economies. This paper explores the theoretical incentives for members to side-sell in response to production shocks and gives empirical evidence of how production shocks influence side-selling using panel data from members of two Peruvian specialty coffee cooperatives in 2013 and 2015. The study period coincides with a widespread production shock – the Coffee Leaf Rust (CLR) epidemic of 2012/13 – that decimated coffee production in Peru. We find suggestive evidence that the incidence of CLR on farms is correlated with increased side-selling. Particularly, members with high risk tolerance and high levels of non-coffee income increase side-selling when affected by production shocks. This paper contributes to a growing literature on the determinants of side-selling in agricultural cooperatives by examining the role of production shocks, extending existing theoretical frameworks, and analyzing determinants using panel data methods.