Abstract
This chapter undertakes a review of the evolution of cooperatives in Africa . The review notes that the cooperative form of organisation in Africa has its link to pre-colonial Africa although the modern form of internationally recognised cooperative organisations were introduced by the colonial powers. The chapter also notes that although the rationale that underpins the adoption of cooperatives in Africa is similar to those recognised internationally; this has not been the case in the implementation of cooperatives on the continent. The review provides critical insights into factors that affect cooperatives and note how these can be adopted to enhance the success of cooperatives in contemporary Africa. The chapter concludes by noting that despite challenges faced by cooperatives, they could be instrumental in addressing multiple challenges including poverty , unemployment and hopelessness experienced by many across Africa.
Adapted from chapter two of unpublished doctoral thesis “The Implementation of Cooperative Policy: Perceptions from Cooperatives in the uMgungundlovu District Municipality (Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa)” (Okem 2016).
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- 1.
In the development field, a theory of change refers to the methodology used to bring about change. The theory, which often emphasises the value of participation, links the causal pathways that must be followed in order to achieve certain predetermined outcomes. According to Vogel (2012: 9), theory of change is underpinned by “evaluation and informed social action”.
- 2.
In countries such as South Africa and Nigeria, government grants continues to be the main source of revenue for cooperatives despite the prevalent view that this approach is detrimental to the success of cooperatives.
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Okem, A.E., Stanton, A. (2016). Contextualising the Cooperative Movement in Africa. In: Okem, A. (eds) Theoretical and Empirical Studies on Cooperatives. SpringerBriefs in Geography. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-34216-0_2
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