Abstract:
This report research is for the CCA-IDRC research project titled “Examining Success Factors
for Sustainable Rural Development through the Integrated Co-operative Model.” The research
was carried out between March of 2013 and March of 2016 in four partner countries: Uganda,
Rwanda, Tanzania, and Canada. The research applied quantitative and qualitative methods to
examine the potential of the Integrated Co-operative Model (ICM) in their particular contexts.
The report concludes that the ICM in Uganda has yet to meet its full potential, but that the
model is sound. In practice, the financial co-operatives (Savings and Credit Co-operative
Societies, or SACCOS) and marketing co-operatives (ACEs) are not fully performing their
expected roles within the integrated model in providing services to the farmers of producer co operatives (RPOs). The report provides recommendations for improvement. In Tanzania, the
model is not formally adopted, but many aspects of the model are taking place in practice
informally on the ground. The study concludes that there is great potential for the model in
Tanzania. It is recommended that the model be formally adopted into co-operative policy to
support the development of ICM in Tanzania. In Rwanda, similar to the case of Tanzania, the
model has not been formally adopted. However, upon close examination of the features of the
model and co-operative policy and practice in Rwanda, the study concludes that in Rwanda as
well, there is much potential for the model to contribute to rural sustainable development. In
Canada, the model also has much potential. Keywords: Co-operatives, integrated, rural
development, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda.
