Examining Success Factors for Sustainable Rural Development through the Integrated Co-operative Model Final Research Report

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.