Vulnerabilities of rural agricultural co-operatives in KwaZulu-Natal : a case study of Amajuba District, South Africa.
Date
2016
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Abstract
The use of cooperatives as a development tool is another strategy that is used by the South
African government in trying to make all people participate in country’s economic activities,
thereby reducing poverty and unemployment. Notwithstanding, there are many challenges
that constrain the development of cooperatives. This study is based on the attempt to
understand these challenges, as well as the interest to find lasting solutions. Using a case
study of Amajuba District in Northern KwaZulu Natal, the study sought to gain
understanding of how rural based cooperatives cope with internal and external vulnerabilities.
A total of ten cooperative representatives were interviewed to this end.
The research found that agricultural cooperatives in the district continue to experience
significant problems, which have hindered their development. The main identified reason for
the failure of cooperatives in the district has been the lack of interest from members. Other
internal challenges include conflict among members and poor management. The study also
identified external challenges such as lack of training and skills, lack of access to land, lack
of finance and lack of monitoring and evaluation of their initiatives. These challenges, the
study has argued, should motivate the government to provide the necessary support to rural
based cooperatives, through provision of training, facilitation of credit access inclusive of
financial grants, infrastructure and extension of quality services. This support will enable
small scale cooperatives to compete with larger economic players in a free market system.
The government should also introduce better ways to present the concept of cooperatives to
South African communities that will be adding value to the growth of a country.
Description
Master of Commerce in Leadership Studies. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville 2016.
Keywords
Agriculture, Cooperative--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Rural development--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Agriculture and state--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Agriculture, Cooperative--Economic aspects--South Africa--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Leadership and management., Rural agricultural co-operatives., Amajuba District.