Global issues affecting co-operatives in Africa

Abstract

The world is today experiencing more rapid changes than probably any time before. These changes, mainly propelled by the globalization process, are bearing influence on almost every sphere of life at a non-uniform pace and with disparate effects. This paper briefly examines such effects on cooperative organizations in Africa. It seeks to stimulate sober deliberations on the challenges facing these socioeconomic organizations as a result of globalization. This is prompted by the realization of the uniqueness of these organizations, upon which this study centres, as well as that of the continent in which the specific co-operatives are based. Our discussion starts with a brief conceptual background to globalization. We then highlight the critical issues affecting co-operatives in Africa, mapping the current realities and the more direct effects. Thirdly, we discuss how the African cooperative movement is frying to cope up with or mitigate the challenges of globalization. Finally, we propose the way forward for the African co-operative movement.