Determinants of Agricultural Cooperative Performance in Ethiopia: Evidence from Amhara National Regional State

This study delves into the intricate dynamics shaping the performance of agricultural cooperatives in Ethiopia's Amhara region. It explores the roles of member participation, access to credit, management practices, and extension services, offering a multifaceted view of their collective impact. By analyzing primary data from 384 households through an ordinal logistic regression model in STATA 17, the research reveals that these factors significantly influence cooperative outcomes. Notably, active member participation emerges as a key driver of performance, with enhanced engagement leading to superior results. Similarly, effective management and better access to credit are positively correlated with improved cooperative functioning. The socio-demographic lens also uncovers the influence of income, highlighting its role in boosting performance. These findings underscore the importance of fostering engagement, refining management strategies, and improving access to resources like credit and extension services to strengthen agricultural cooperatives. The study contributes valuable insights into the cooperative landscape of Ethiopia, particularly in Amhara, while calling for further research to expand the scope and depth of understanding across diverse regional contexts.