T24-Stage 4- Meso. Case studies examining the co-operative movements in Tanzania and Sri Lanka show that co-operatives both reach the poor and raise members’ incomes (Birchall & Simmons, 2009). Chambo, Mwangi, & Oloo (2007)... [ view full abstract ]
T24-Stage 4- Meso. Case studies examining the co-operative movements in Tanzania and Sri Lanka show that co-operatives both reach the poor and raise members’ incomes (Birchall & Simmons, 2009). Chambo, Mwangi, & Oloo (2007) found that co-operatives have contributed to the reduction of income poverty as well as directly and indirectly increasing employment levels. One of the recommendations of the study was that co-operatives should work towards vertical and horizontal integration to be more effective (Chambo et al, 2007).
The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) has been working with partners in Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda to support them in achieving sustainable livelihoods through owning and operating co-operative enterprises. One model that has emerged improves the livelihoods of rural farmers through the integration of three functions: agricultural production, marketing, and, access to financial services. Whereas much co-op development focuses on supporting a single co-operative or groups of co-operatives, this integrated model supports the joint development of three distinct but interconnected, networked co-operatives (production, marketing, and finance), for a holistic and integrated approach to rural development. CCA project results in Uganda, Rwanda, and Ghana have indicated notable benefits to both male and female farmers in areas where the Integrated Co-operative Model (ICM) is in place.
The Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA) and the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives at the University of Saskatchewan has collaborated with researchers in Uganda (Makerere University), Tanzania (Moshi Co-operative University), and Rwanda (Independent Institute of Lay Adventists of Kigali) to carry out this research. This paper presents the final results of in-depth quantitative and qualitative research examining the strengths and weaknesses of the ICM, assessing its ability to reduce poverty as compared to locations where only a single co-operative exists or a cluster of co-operatives that are integrated to a lesser extent.
Birchall, J. & Simmons, R. (2009). Co-operatives and poverty reduction: Evidence from Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Co-operative College. Retrieved September 19, 2012 from: http://www.co-op.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Co-operatives-and-Poverty-Reduction.pdf
Chambo, S.A., Mwangi, M., & Oloo, O.O. (2007). An analysis of the socio-economic impact of co-operatives in Africa and their institutional context. International Co-operative Alliance and Canadian Co-operative Association.
