Internal struggles of cooperatives: Lessons from Graaff-Reinet (Sarah Baartman District Municipality) community, South Africa

Fundiswa Nxesi, Stephen Mago and Shadreck Matindike ()
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Shadreck Matindike: Nelson Mandela University

Development Finance Agenda, 2025, vol. 10, issue 5, 18-19

Abstract: Cooperatives are viewed as important organisational tools in responding to social and economic challenges in many countries. However, globally, cooperatives are facing challenges in community development, internal factors being central. The objective of this study was to understand the challenges and operations of cooperatives in community development using a qualitative methodology. A qualitative methodology was adopted to investigate internal challenges facing cooperatives in Graaff-Reinet. Individual, face–to–face, semi-structured interviews with 12 participants were conducted on ten cooperative members, and two government officials. These participants were purposively selected because of their involvement in cooperative support programmes. Through thematic analysis of qualitative data collected, internal challenges or struggles were identified. Internal challenges identified include inadequate knowledge of cooperatives principles and expectations, limited technical skills and marketing outreach, and undeveloped networks and value chains. Possible remedies are proffered.

Date: 2025
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