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Cooperatives and Poverty Reduction: A Literature Review

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  • Afranaa Kwapong, Nana
  • Hanisch, Markus

Abstract

There is growing consensus among both practitioners and the academic community that the cooperative business model is a form of institution that meets most of the dimensions of poverty, providing opportunities, facilitating empowerment, and enhancing security. But what is the basis for the claim that the cooperative model has a potential to reduce poverty? This paper presents a literature review of empirical research on cooperatives’ potential to reduce poverty and finds substantial evidence to support this claim. Four different perspectives on this proposition are identified, all agreeing to this claim but emphasizing further the need to respect cooperative principles and values.

Suggested Citation

  • Afranaa Kwapong, Nana & Hanisch, Markus, 2013. "Cooperatives and Poverty Reduction: A Literature Review," Journal of Rural Cooperation, Hebrew University, Center for Agricultural Economic Research, vol. 41(2), pages 1-34.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:jlorco:249620
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.249620
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simmons, Richard & Birchall, Johnston, 2008. "The role of co-operatives in poverty reduction: Network perspectives," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 37(6), pages 2131-2140, December.
    2. Lele, Uma, 1981. "Co-operatives and the poor: A comparative perspective," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 9(1), pages 55-72, January.
    3. Hussi, P. & Murphy, J. & Lindberg, O. & Brenneman, L., 1993. "The Development of Cooperatives and Other Rural Organizations: The Role of the World Bank," Papers 199, World Bank - Technical Papers.
    4. repec:ilo:ilowps:445405 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Thorp, Rosemary & Stewart, Frances & Heyer, Amrik, 2005. "When and how far is group formation a route out of chronic poverty?," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 33(6), pages 907-920, June.
    6. Pollet, Ignace., 2009. "Cooperatives in Africa : the age of reconstruction: synthesis of a survey in nine African countries," ILO Working Papers 994454053402676, International Labour Organization.
    7. Pollet, Ignace., 2009. "Cooperatives in Africa the age of reconstruction: synthesis of a survey in nine African countries," ILO Working Papers 995016790602676, International Labour Organization.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alexander Borda-Rodriguez & Hazel Johnson, 2020. "Inclusive Development and Co-operatives," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 32(4), pages 976-997, September.
    2. Laurence Cannings & Craig Hutton & Kristine Nilsen & Alessandro Sorichetta, 2025. "“Where and Whom You Collect Weightings from Matters…” Capturing Wellbeing Priorities Within a Vulnerable Context: A Case Study of Volta Delta, Ghana," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 177(2), pages 863-908, March.
    3. Margitta Minah, 2022. "What is the influence of government programs on farmer organizations and their impacts? Evidence from Zambia," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 93(1), pages 29-53, March.
    4. Morrow, J.L., Jr. & Joyce, Richard Patrick, III & McMahon, William J. & DeMaia, Antonio M. & McVicker, S. Caleb & Parsons, Ashley E. & Wilcox, Kristin, 2017. "Cooperation among Ugandan farmers: cultivating social capital," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 20(5).

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