This study examines the influence of agricultural cooperatives on the environmental sustainability of rural livelihoods in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The research aims to understand how these cooperatives contribute to sustainable environmental practices within rural communities. The study addresses the pressing problem of environmental degradation linked to agricultural activities, exploring how cooperative efforts can mitigate such issues. Utilising a qualitative approach, the research engaged 15 board members from various levels of agricultural cooperatives in the province through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data. The findings reveal that agricultural cooperatives significantly enhance environmental consciousness and promote conservation farming, organic practices, water harvesting, and pollution prevention. Cooperative members demonstrated strong commitment to eco-friendly farming, employing natural methods and fostering collaboration and innovation. However, challenges such as unpredictable rainfall and limited comprehensive environmental management programs were noted. The study recommends agricultural cooperatives can strengthen their role in promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring the long-term viability of rural livelihoods.