Cooperative Model as Organizational Mechanism for Poverty Reduction and Economic Development

Abstract

Poverty reduction and economic development are the focus of both developed and developing countries. Internationally, cooperatives make an immense contribution to poverty reduction and economic development. However, in Namibia, agricultural cooperatives have not done much in this regard. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to identify and analyze the elements of the agricultural cooperative model as an organizational mechanism for poverty reduction and economic development. Adopting a qualitative approach with a cross-section case method as a research design, the study intends to address the research question: What are the strategies that can be implemented based on the best practices and elements of the cooperative advantage in the agricultural cooperative model as an organizational mechanism for poverty reduction for economic development? Findings reveal that cooperatives still face numerous challenges and recommendations include government and other stakeholders' support mechanisms for the provision of capital, training, and land acquisition.