Type of Cooperative and Cooperation Among Cooperatives in Fostering Sustainable Development in Kenya

Abstract

The International Cooperative Alliance Cooperative principles number six of 1965 have significantly emphasized cooperation among cooperatives. Cooperative societies cooperate differently depending on the requirements of social, economic, and production processes. The type of cooperative determines the level of cooperation when creating cooperation with others due to operations, management levels, and economic setups. Cooperativism involves blending capital solicitation, labor mobility, technological empowerment, processing, production, and expertise exchange. This study examined how the type of cooperative influences cooperation among cooperatives for sustainable development in Kiambu County, Kenya. The scope entailed producer cooperatives registered in Kiambu County. The study used descriptive quantitative methods to examine the influence of the cooperative and its cooperation with other cooperatives on sustainable development. The independent variable was measured by establishing the value of cooperation, while the independent variable was attained by demonstrating changes in member incomes through dividends and price changes. The correlational research design was adopted to establish contributory properties of an independent variable, while a simple random sampling was adopted. A pilot study was done to measure the validity and reliability of the data collection instruments. Data collection was done using a data sheet distributed to all Cooperatives. The research was pegged on relational theory. Data obtained was extracted from audited published business reports of all registered Cooperatives by the end of 2023. It was put in SPSS version 27 and analyzed quantitatively using correlation, regression, and analysis of variance. Results showed that the type of cooperative society had a moderate correlation explaining the variance in sustainable development. This research finding recommends the adoption of more combined aspects of cooperation that will influence the working and results of cooperatives. Research findings called for the government to become more instrumental in integrating cooperation policies among cooperatives’ regulatory framework to intensify cooperation among cooperatives for sustainable development.