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Cooperation Among Ugandan Farmers: Cultivating Social Capital

Published 12/09/2017 by Global Communities

Cooperation Among Ugandan Farmers: Cultivating Social Capital
RESEARCH ARTICLE:

J.L. Morrow, Jr., Richard Patrick Joyce III, William J. McMahon, Antonio M. DeMaia,
S. Caleb McVicker, Ashley E. Parsons, and Kristin Wilcox

Abstract
A survey was administered to 183 Ugandan farmers in August 2014 to assess the factors that influence their willingness to become members of a proposed new agricultural cooperative. In particular, we were interested in a better understanding of how farmers viewed the social benefits associated with cooperation. These social benefits have the potential to become valuable sources of social capital. Four valid and reliable measures of social benefits were identified. Social benefits that farmers may use to get by (bonding networks) had two dimensions: emotional support and social support. Social benefits that farmers may use to get ahead (bridging networks) also had two dimensions: tangible and intangible resource sharing. The desire to gain these social benefits from cooperation (except for emotional support) emerged as strong predictors of farmers’ willingness to cooperate in a proposed new agricultural cooperative. Surprisingly, the expected economic benefits of cooperation did not have a significant effect on willingness to cooperate. Implications and suggestions for future research and cooperative development and management are also discussed.
Read the full publication here.

Published 12/09/2017 by Global Communities in Blog, Africa, Uganda

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Cooperation Among Ugandan Farmers: Cultivating Social Capital

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Global Communities.

News > Blog

Cooperation Among Ugandan Farmers: Cultivating Social Capital

Want to read more? Explore related content.

Cultivating New Leaders, Healthier Futures through Family Gardens

School Meals Expand the Right to Food for a Better Life and Future

Women Forward: Closing the Gender Gap in Agricultural Productivity

Strengthening Partnerships and Governance for Sustainable WASH Solutions in Indigenous Communities: Deepening Our Understanding of Local Needs and Challenges

Celebrating 10 Years of Positive Impact in Brazil

Humanitarian Photographer Steven Wade Adams on Preserving the African Pastoralist’s Way of Life

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