نشریه تعاون و کشاورزی
سال سوم شماره 11 (پاییز 1393)

This study was conducted to investigate the role of agricultural cooperatives on social empowerment of rural women in Tehran Province. Population consisted of all women members of agricultural cooperatives in Tehran Province (N=150). The sample size was estimated by Krejcie and Morgan’s Table (n=108) which finally 118 questionnaires were collected and analyzed. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire. Validity was confirmed by a panel of experts consisting of faculty members at Tarbiat Modares University and specialists of Ministry of Labor, Welfare and Cooperative. A pilot test was implemented and the reliability gained was (α= 0.78). The results showed that there was a significant difference between social ability of women, before and after membership in cooperatives. Also, result of regression analysis indicated that four variables consisted of the number of years served as a member of cooperatives, income, education and ownership of land could explain 34.2 percent of social empowerment.

This research investigated social factors affecting level of participation by members of production cooperatives in Tehran Province. The target population for the study were all members (N=1690) of production cooperatives. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used to determine and select sample (n=400) size. Survey methodology was used in this research to conduct the research. A self-constructed questionnaire was developed by the researchers to elicit responses. Both the validity as well as the reliability of the instrument was gained. Findings indicated that the mean participation level for all respondents was 46 on a scale from zero to hundred. Obviously, the score showed an insufficient level of participation by the members. Results of examining various variables showed that the social capital, shared beliefs of members of cooperatives, amount of dividends received from cooperatives, level of awareness from cooperative principles, degree of independence from the state union, social status and gender have significant correlation with participation of all members of production cooperatives. Furthermore, participation by females in production cooperatives appeared to be more than that of males. Also, regression analysis showed that all independent variables had a significant effect on the variance of member`s participation in production cooperatives with 44% coefficient of determination.

The purpose of this study was to investigate associated factors toward the tendency of senior students of agricultural majors in Ilam province toward employment in cooperative sector. A descriptive correlational research design was used to conduct this research..The target population (N=1100) included senior students of agricultural majors in Ilam universities (Ilam university, Islamic Azad University, Ilam Branch, and Payame - e Noor University).A stratified sampling technique was used to select the samples (n=285)for this research.The required data was collected through a questionnaire in which its face validity confirmed by a panel of experts. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was also confirmed by implementing a pilot-test. Cronbach's alpha coefficient calculated to establish the internal consistency of the attitudinal scale was between 0.76- 0.90. To achieve the objectives, researchers asked seniors whether or not they were interested in employment at cooperative sector. About 65 percent of the respondents showed tendency toward employment in the cooperative sector. The results of correlational analysis showed that there was a negative relationship between variables of age and obstacles hampering the development of specialized agricultural cooperatives with the variable of respondent's tendency to employment in cooperative sector. On the other hand, there was positive relationship between the variables of the amount of granting essential incentives for formation specialized agricultural cooperatives and the level of respondent's knowledge about cooperatives. In addition, the results of multiple regression analysis showed that in developing specialized agricultural cooperatives, the level of respondent's knowledge about cooperatives and the amount of granting essential incentives for formation of mentioned cooperatives, explained 54 percent of obtained changes on dependent variable of tendency to employment in cooperative sector.

The primary objective of this research was to identifyobstacles hampering implementation of re-engineering agricultural production cooperatives of Ahwaz Township. The statistical population wasmembers of agricultural production cooperatives in Ahwaz Township (N=920). Based on Cochran formula the sample size has been determined (n=120). Sampling method was stratified random sampling method. The validity has been estimated by panel of experts. Also the reliability has been determined by using the Cronbach's alpha formula. Based on results lack of financial resources, lack of correct training and understanding of reengineering and lack of management supports were important variables that affected implementation of re-engineering in agricultural production cooperatives. Also barriers regarding re-engineering were identified by factor analysis. These factors included: lack of supportive activities, lack of educational and motivational activities, administrative barriers, lack of planning-oriented and customer-oriented, financial barriers and lack of membership-oriented. The first factor with eigenvalues ​​2.095 alone explained the 13.093% of the total variance. These six barriers explained 65.466% of factors that hampered implementation of re-engineeringAgricultural Production Cooperatives in Ahwaz Township.

The major purpose of this study was to investigate social capital among members and non- member farmers of agricultural associations in Garmsar Township. Population included 300 farmers (150 members and 150 non- members) Cochran’s formula was used to select samples for the study. Survey technique and questionnaire were used forgathering data. Face validity of the instrument was confirmed by a panel of experts at Shiraz University. Questionnaires Reliability was gained by implementing a pilot study. Internal consistency analysis calculated from the pilot test produced Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.65 to 0.9. The results revealed that member farmers have a higher education level and knowledge than non-members. The member farmers had higher income and received the more loans than the non-member farmers. Also the results showed that the member farmers have more social participation in social activities, network of social relations, social solidarity, social trust, participating in extension programs than the other farmers. Finally, based on the results, some recommendations are presented.

The main objective of this survey research was to investigate the performance of agricultural production cooperatives in Ardabil Township. The population for this study included all agricultural production cooperatives’ members. A random sampling technique was used to select 130 farmers to participate in this study. A panel of experts who were familiar with cooperatives performance reviewed the instrument for clarity and content validity. A pilot study was conducted with 30 farmers. Cronbach's alpha coefficient obtained 0.8. Results showed that despite highly training needs of farmers, the cooperatives lacked adequate performance to meet their needs. Also, most cooperatives had their highest performances in the planting stage,i.e. agrochemicals and improved seed preparation. However, farmer's highest training need was related to pre-planting services, such as land consolidation, canal repairmen, and improvement in irrigation systems. Based on the results, there was not a significant relationship between farmer's needs and cooperatives performance.

The study analyzed the effects of some environmental factors (internal or external), had on the performance and tasks of rural cooperatives and unions of Guilan Province. A SWOT approach was used to facilitate the analysis. In the same path, a Delphi technique was used to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing the cooperatives. In addition, appropriate strategies were presented to improve their performance. The population of the study included 174 rural cooperatives and unions, with 1080 employees. Bartlett et al (2001). Table was used to determine sample size. Two hundred twenty- three researcher-made questionnaires were randomly distributed among the board members and network of rural cooperatives. Results indicated that the rural cooperatives and unions had more weaknesses than strengths, and suffered from lack of long term and short term plans. Respondents indicated that a routine repetitive daily task was an obstacle hampering cooperatives performance. Lack of liquidity and working capital, lack of knowledge and awareness regarding laws and regulations among board members were found extensively in this study. Implementing appropriate strategies could reduce the negative factors in cooperatives performance.