Work

Agricultural Cooperatives: Roadblocks to Achieving Sustainability

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Agricultural cooperatives are essential in mitigating climate change and food insecurity through the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and the conservation of biodiversity. However, weaknesses in governance, economic restrictions, market pressures, and regulatory obstacles frequently hinder their efficacy. This study investigates the main factors leading to cooperative failures through qualitative analysis of twenty-three (23) expert interviews. Research demonstrates that strong governance, efficient communication, financial stability, and supportive policies are crucial for the viability of cooperatives. Leadership issues, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and market competition were seen as significant roadblocks. It is essential to tackle these difficulties via governance adjustments, economic resilience approaches, and policy advocacy to strengthen the role of cooperatives in climate change mitigation and food security.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17178012

Authors: Myrto Paraschou, Panagiota Sergaki, Nikos Kalogeras, Stefanos A. Nastis, Christos Staboulis

Institutions: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen University & Research

Language: English

Topic: Cooperative Studies and Economics

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Life on land, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896