A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise. In agriculture, cooperatives play a crucial role in enabling farmers to pool resources, access markets, and improve their bargaining power.
In Kenya, agricultural cooperatives are fundamental in empowering farmers, especially smallholders, by providing access to inputs, credit, information, and markets. They also facilitate collective action for improved productivity, better income distribution, and sustainable farming practices.
Examples:
- Farmers in a cooperative might jointly purchase inputs like seeds and fertilizers at discounted rates, share machinery and resources, or collectively market their produce to secure better prices.
- Dairy cooperatives in Kenya play a significant role in the dairy industry, providing services such as milk collection, cooling, and processing, and ensuring members receive fair payments for their products.
Participating in cooperatives allows farmers to enhance their economic opportunities, improve product quality, access financial services, and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable agricultural sector.
Related Terms: Agricultural union, Collective marketing, Farming association, Rural development, Member-owned enterprise
