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<p>Farmer participation in agricultural cooperatives is essential for agricultural development and rural economic sustainability in developing economies where farmers struggle with production, market access, credit, and technical support. However, the dynamics of farmer participation and patronage in cooperative services remain a critical area of study. This study examined the cooperative and farmer factors influencing participation in five cooperative services, including farm input supply, marketing, training, and financial services (savings and lending). A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 433 members across 23 primary agricultural cooperative societies in Northern Uganda. Results indicate that only 18% of members participated across the five services. Comparative analysis shows that older and larger cooperatives with fewer women and youthful members attracted more participation in inputs, marketing, and training. Regression results indicate that cooperative charges, youth ratio, technical staffing, and membership with other groups negatively influenced participation, while shareholding, member satisfaction, and leadership roles positively influence it. Contrastingly, cooperatives’ union affiliation, age, size, female ratio, record keeping, and storage showed divergent effects on participation. We recommend that cooperatives adapt demand-driven services, review equity charges, and customize services for the inclusivity of diverse member profiles, particularly women and youth. Mitigating participation and patronage disparities requires tailored interventions that address the distinct needs rather than blanket interventions.</p>

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Drivers of member participation decision and intensity in cooperative services, and policy implications for agricultural cooperatives in Uganda

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月31日

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  • Mercyline Jerusa Ong’ayo,
  • Walter Odongo,
  • Stephen Wamala Kalule

摘要

Farmer participation in agricultural cooperatives is essential for agricultural development and rural economic sustainability in developing economies where farmers struggle with production, market access, credit, and technical support. However, the dynamics of farmer participation and patronage in cooperative services remain a critical area of study. This study examined the cooperative and farmer factors influencing participation in five cooperative services, including farm input supply, marketing, training, and financial services (savings and lending). A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 433 members across 23 primary agricultural cooperative societies in Northern Uganda. Results indicate that only 18% of members participated across the five services. Comparative analysis shows that older and larger cooperatives with fewer women and youthful members attracted more participation in inputs, marketing, and training. Regression results indicate that cooperative charges, youth ratio, technical staffing, and membership with other groups negatively influenced participation, while shareholding, member satisfaction, and leadership roles positively influence it. Contrastingly, cooperatives’ union affiliation, age, size, female ratio, record keeping, and storage showed divergent effects on participation. We recommend that cooperatives adapt demand-driven services, review equity charges, and customize services for the inclusivity of diverse member profiles, particularly women and youth. Mitigating participation and patronage disparities requires tailored interventions that address the distinct needs rather than blanket interventions.