Measuring Level of Success in Agricultural Production Cooperatives in Ilam Province

The purpose of this survey research was to identify the level of success in Agricultural Production Cooperatives (APC)in Ilam Province. The research instrument was a questionnaire that its validity was established by a panel of experts and reliability was confirmed by filling out 30 questionnaires. Cronbach alpha analysis established a minimum alpha coefficient of 0.84 and a maximum of 0.93 as the reliability of the subsections of the questionnaire. The population for this study included all members and managers of APC in Ilam province (N=782). Cochran’s formula was used in determining the sample size. Stratified sampling technique was chosen (n=254). The result of research indicated that the majority of respondents (77.5%) believed that the generallevel of success in agricultural production cooperatives was appropriate. In assessing the success of cooperatives in different functions findings showed that most respondents, had evaluated the success of cooperativesin preparing agricultural inputs and delivering advisory services functions at high and very high levels (respectively 56.69% and 66.93 % of members) and 74.83% have evaluated the success of cooperativesin delivering educational programs relatively high. Approximately (43%) of the members estimated the success of cooperatives in marketing regulation and financial services at moderate level. However, despite appropriate level of success, public sector participation in creating the economic security for cooperatives such as; providing facilities, credits, insurancefor various cropsas well as guaranteed purchase price could increase success level of cooperatives and help them grow and develop even more.