An Investigation of Agricultural Production Cooperative Activities and their Member's Participation in Kherameh Township

This study was conducted to investigate the production cooperatives activities in terms of economic, social and environmental dimensions and their member's participation in cooperative activities. This study used a survey research method to conduct the research. Data were collectedby a questionnaire. Face validity of the instrument confirmed by a group of faculty members of agricultural extension and education at Shiraz University. Also, Chronbach Alpha (077-0.84) was gained for the reliability. The research sample consisted of 110 wheat farmers by using simple random sampling. Research hypothesis tested through SPSS software v.16. Also, cooperative problems and participation obstacles of the members identified through an open-ended questionnaire. Results of the study showed that respondents believed cooperative activities were weak. There was a significant difference between the mean cooperative activities with respect to the member's participation levels. However, economic and social status and environmental performance of the members were improved in comparison with one year before their membership. Finally, results revealed that problems such aseconomic, cultural-social, educational and managerial prevented members participation in production cooperatives