O presente estudo teve por objetivo identificar quais foram as melhorias competitivas, originárias da formação da Nova Aliança Ltda. Cooperativa que foi fruto da união política de cinco Cooperativas tradicionais da região, materializada e formalizada através da incorporação de quatro delas por uma das Cooperativas, todas do mesmo território, tendo como direcionador três grandes pilares: tecnologia, valor agregado e essência cooperativa. Para viabilizar a pesquisa foi utilizado o estudo de caso, realizado por meio das técnicas de levantamento de dados: entrevistas e documentos, sendo aplicados nos setores de contabilidade, administrativo, produção (produto e matéria-prima), qualidade e societário. Dos dados analisados, pode-se constatar apesar do curto espaço de tempo da implementação desta reestruturação da Cooperativa, melhorias em diversas áreas da organização e a construção de uma nova realidade para o sistema cooperativista gaúcho, retomando os princípios cooperativistas por meio da reorganização societária; o respeito ao meio ambiente através da produção de matéria prima orgânica e a reestruturação da infraestrutura otimizando os recursos naturais, bem como ofertando ao mercado produtos sem conservantes; e tendo na inovação o indutor para as mudanças que se traduzem em melhorias. Sendo estas: nos processos societários, industriais, administrativos, produtivos e comerciais, nos produtos, processos e no aprendizado de toda a equipe com os erros e acertos deste grande projeto. Os resultados poderão induzir novos movimentos intracooperativos que levem a um crescimento do Cooperativismo e do setor vitivinícola. Esta retomada induzirá o desenvolvimento sustentável e a perpetuidade do Cooperativismo por conseqüência dos agricultores familiares da região, bem como de outros territórios, pois o modelo Cooperativista vitivinícola gaúcho, representa atualmente, aproximadamente 25% da produção total de uvas e derivados do estado. O Rio Grande do Sul, por sua vez é responsável por mais de 90% da produção de vinhos e sucos de uva do Brasil. Passaram-se mais de oitenta anos e o cooperativismo continua sendo um instrumento imprescindível para a pequena propriedade da serra gaúcha, em virtude destas, serem formadas efetivamente por pequenas propriedades rurais que precisam inexoravelmente organizar-se de forma competente para competir no mercado e permanecer na área rural com dignidade. / This study aimed to identify what were the improvements originating in formation of the Cooperativa Vinícola Nova Aliança Ltda., that was the consequence of political union of the five traditional cooperatives in the region, embodied and formalized by incorporating four Cooperatives of the same territory. To make the research case study, carried out by the techniques of data collection were used: interviews and documents, among others, being applied in accounting, administrative, output (product and raw materials), quality and corporate sectors. About the analyzed data, it can be verified, despite the short time of implementation of the restructuring of the Cooperative, improvements in several areas of the organization and building a new reality for the Gaucho cooperative system, retaking the cooperative principles through reorganization. Respecting nature through the production of organic raw material and restructuring of infrastructure, optimizing natural resources, as well as offering the market products without preservatives, having on innovation the propellant to changes, that result into improvements into administrative, productive, and commercial products and processes. The results may induce new movements that will lead to a growth of Cooperatives and the wine industry. This resumption will induce sustainable development and the perpetuity of Cooperative Movement, as a consequence of the farmers in the region, as well as other territories, because the Gaucho cooperativist wine model now represents about 25% of total production of grapes and derivatives of the state Rio Grande do Sul, on the other hand is responsible for more than 90% of wine production and grape juice from Brazil. It's been more than eighty years and cooperatives remains an essential tool for the small property of the Serra Gaúcha, because they are formed from small farms that need inexorably organize themselves in a competent manner to stay in a rural area with dignity.

Thesis (M.Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / In 2010, the South African Department of Agriculture rolled out the Farm Together Agricultural Co-operative Training Programme (Farm Together Programme) to support the development and growth of selected agricultural co-operatives nationwide. This study is an impact assessment of the programme, focusing on the Capricorn District Municipality in the Limpopo Province. A survey of co-operative members whose co-operatives had participated in the programme and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders were conducted. The findings provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the programme. Overall, the programme was relevant and comprehensive. It provided the basic skills needed to run co-operatives. However, there has been minimum impact on growth and development. Gaps identified in the programme include lack of ongoing mentoring, monitoring and evaluation of progress being made in setting up structures to support growth and development. Women with low levels of literacy dominate the membership. Further research is required to explore why the youth and men do not participate in co-operatives.

MSCAGR / Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness / Agricultural cooperatives have been generally promoted as a vehicle for smallholder agricultural development in South Africa. As a result, agricultural co-operative registrations in South Africa are increasing. However, research suggests that South African co-operatives have generally not been effective, successful and functional. The study determined factors affecting proper functioning of smallholder agricultural cooperatives in Lepelle Nkumpi Municipality. Simple random sampling method was used to select a sample of 140 active cooperative members from 13 registered agricultural cooperatives. A list of agricultural cooperatives was obtained from the Department of Agriculture, Limpopo Province to facilitate the process. Primary data was collected using designed questionnaires and secondary data was collected from journal articles, internet and other recorded data. All questionnaires were handed out during face to face interviews held with participants. Discriminant analysis was used to analyse the data. The model was used to identify different factors which might have positive or negative effects on the functioning of agricultural cooperatives. The discriminant analysis results revealed that functional smallholder agricultural cooperatives were characterized by high level of training of members; interaction with other stakeholder and satisfaction with the training and assistance received. On the other hand Dysfunctional smallholder agricultural cooperative were characterized by high age group, low level of meeting attendance, large cooperative size, dissatisfaction of assistance and training received and high number of females. The weighting coefficients of the standardized canonical discriminant coefficients of the independent variables showed that variables that discriminated between functional and dysfunctional cooperatives were: cooperative size (-0.852), interaction vi    with stakeholders to improve the level of skill (0.579), satisfaction with assistance provided (0.516), number of females in cooperative (-0.455), years in existence of cooperative (0.452), members participation in decision making (0.407) and age group (0.446). The finding obtained in this study could be quite useful to policy makers. This study recommended that government should intensify effort on cooperative training, extension service and assistance to support functioning of agricultural cooperatives in the study area. Cooperative members should also participate in decision making and attend cooperative meetings to acquire more agricultural information

Thesis (M.Sc. (Agricultural Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020 / The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Information Communication Technology tools in facilitating development within Community-Based Farming Projects (CBFPs) served by Mankweng Service Centre (MSC). The objectives of the study were to identify various ICT tools through which farmers get agricultural information, to determine the types of ICT-based agricultural information preferred by farmers in Mankweng, to examine the factors influencing use of ICTs by farmers in Mankweng and also to identify the challenges encountered by Mankweng farmers in their use of ICT. The study was cross-sectional in design and included 102 farmers from the Community-Based Farming Projects in Mankweng Service Centre as participants. Participants were selected using multi-stage sampling of combined cluster and systematic random sampling. Quantitative data was collected from participants using a structured questionnaire under the supervision of the researcher. Descriptive and inferential methods of analysis were employed. Data was summarised using frequency distribution of variables followed by measures of central tendency, measures of variance, and relationship of variables. Summary of findings was presented in the form of tables, figures and frequencies. Univariate regression model was used to analyse factors influencing use of ICT amongst farmers. The findings of the study show that majority (64%) of the farmers were women and (36%) of the farmers were men. Majority of the farmers (56%) were less than 50 years of age with 79% of the farmers having no tertiary education. The results of this study also revealed that the demographics of the participants were not the critical determinant factors in ICT usage (p>0.2) amongst farmers. The level of education farmers acquired was rather a very important predictor of the utilization of the ICT tools available to the farmers. The study revealed cell phones to be the most commonly used ICT device followed by Radio and TV. The study revealed that the affordability of ICT devices is the main challenge which ultimately limits access. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the Limpopo Department of Agriculture (LDoA) should make a provision of informal education sessions for farmers on the use of ICT devices, and ICT infrastructure and smart phones. In addition, the study recommends advocacy for more agricultural programmes through affordable platforms like TV and community radio stations media. Keywords: ICT tools, Education, CBFPs, MSC, LDA, Farmers

Thesis (M.Dev. ( Planning and Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Cooperatives are recognised as an important instrument to reduce poverty, create employment, achieve economic growth and development. As a result, smallholder farmers with common interests have organised themselves and registered agricultural cooperatives. However, the operational performance of smallholder agricultural cooperatives for sustainable community development has remained poor. The purpose of the study is to explore the operational performance of smallholder agricultural cooperatives for sustainable community development in Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality in Limpopo Province. Mixed research design was used in this study. Data was collected from sixty participants, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect primary data for both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study found that smallholder agricultural cooperatives in the area of the study face challenges such as lack of managerial skills, poor governance, lack of adequate financial support and access to loans, lack of clarity on policy as well as lack of alternative strategies. The main findings of the study confirmed that there are challenges associated with the operational performance for sustainable community development. Inadequate financial support and lack of managerial skills were regarded as the main challenges that hinder the operational performance for sustainable community development. The study has suggested alternative strategies and recommendations that can assist smallholder agricultural cooperatives to improve their operational performance for sustainable community development.

Agricultural development has long been the biggest challenge faced by governments or rulers of many countries and regions, be it in the past or at present. It affects the various political, social and economic development aspects of a country or region. Based on various long-term and short-term social needs, the authorities have attempted to find a suitable balance, searching constantly for feasible methods to manage agriculture, in the hope of harmonising the interests of peasant households, consumers and the ruling class through administrative measures. This has resulted in continuous adjustments in agricultural policies and effectively affected the development of agriculture as well as the well-being of farmers and the general public. / As an entrepot, Hong Kong had very little arable land. The number of people engaged in farming, either directly or indirectly, was dwarfed by the consumer population. How to provide the large population with sufficient food, enabling it to be a driver behind economic development? This question became an important political issue for the Hong Kong colonial government for more than 100 years. Sino-British relations fluctuated considerably after the Second World War and this made agricultural development a thorny problem for the colonial government. In the course of studying 60 years of agricultural development, the most striking impression is that the Hong Kong colonial government was totally involved in agricultural production in the New Territories through the systematic promotion of the cooperative movement involving production, transport and marketing. This had made contribution to Hong Kong's unique political and social environment. / This thesis reconstructs the agricultural history of Hong Kong in the post-war period. It explores the profound influence that the Agricultural Cooperative Movement has on the political ecosystem of the villages in the New Territories, economic efficiency and human relations in rural communities. / 陳煜禮. / 論文(哲學博士)--香港中文大學, 2007. / 參考文獻(p. 226-230). / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-02, Section: A, page: 0713. / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in Chinese and English. / School code: 1307. / Lun wen (zhe xue bo shi)--Xianggang Zhong wen da xue, 2007. / Can kao wen xian (p. 226-230). / Chen Yuli.

The study was undertaken to establish the role that should be played by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) to strengthen existing second-tier agricultural cooperatives in South Africa to ensure that they are able to provide support services to member cooperatives. Ten existing second-tier agricultural cooperatives in the Zululand district of the province of Kwazulu Natal took part in the study. The results indicate that although these cooperatives understand the services to provide, they lack capacity mainly due to lack of the necessary infrastructure, finance and skills. The study recommends that DAFF should recognise the significance of this tier of cooperatives and provide direct and focused support. DAFF should develop a Cooperative Development Strategy for the sector that clearly articulates how it is going to support this level of cooperatives. Among others DAFF should also provide initial infrastructure to these cooperatives and facilitate private-public-partnership initiatives. / Public Administration & Management / M. Tech. (Public Management)

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Against the backdrop of recent co-operative challenges, it may not be very pragmatic to paint a euphoric picture of things in the world of co-operatives. The distaste from co-operative scamp will continue for some time but, despite all that has happened in the recent past, co-operative activity particularly in the rural context will remain the answer to poverty in the rural areas. The spirit and principles that lead to the formation of co-operatives make sense and have a global appeal. If they are applied in properly structured and well managed environments, they can add value towards the improvement of the quality of lives in the rural communities. This work explains the failure, hopes and fears, potential and inadequacies of the co-operative effort in the Limpopo Province. The recommendations made by the researcher are linked to the data of the study and should not be read as bland generalisations. The new economic outlook in the province makes it all the more imperative that an understanding of the individual initiative should be reinforced by co-operative struggle in the rural areas where no other option seems to be more promising. The Limpopo Province will benefit from big irrigation projects to be implemented in the various districts. All well-wishers of co-operatives focus their attention on the future potential and try to forget the bitterness of the past. Any significant success in co-operatives in Limpopo Province will send good signals everywhere in South Africa. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Teen die agtergrond van die onlangse koöporasie uitdagings, kan dit dalk uiters pragmaties klink om 'n euforiese siening in die wêreld van koöporasies te skilder. Die teensin in koöporasie-ongerymdhede sal nog vir 'n geruime tyd voortduur, maar ten spyte van alles wat in die verlede gebeur het, bly samewerking, veral in die plaaslike konteks, die antwoord vir die armoede in die platteland. Die geesdrif en beginsels wat lei tot die ontstaan van koöperasies maak sin en het wel 'n algemene trefkrag. Indien hulle in behoorlike strukture, en goed bestuurde omgewings toegepas word, kan hulle waarde tot die verbetering in die lewensgehalte van gemeenskappe in die landelike gebiede voeg. Hierdie navorsing verteenwoordig die mislukking, hoop, vrese, potensiaal en ongelykhede van koöporasiepogings in die Limpopo Provinsie. Die aanbevelings wat deur die navorser gedoen word, is gekoppel aan die inligting van die studie en behoort nie as veralgemenings gesien te word nie. Weens die nuwe ekonomie uitkyk in die provinse is dit noodsaaklik dat die inisiatief van die individu versterk word, deur die samewerking stryd in die platteland gebiede. Die Limpopo Provinsie sal baat vind by groot besproeiingsprojekte in die verskillende distrikte. Alle voorstanders van koöporasie-aksie moet op die pontensiaal vir die toekoms fokus en die griewe van die verlede probeer vergeet. Enige noemenswaardige kooporasie aksie in Limpopo Provinsie sal goeie seine wyd en syd stuur.

Thesis (MSc(Agric)) -- Stellenbosch University, 1966. / INLEIDING: Die ontstaan van kooperasiewese kan teruggevoer word na die jaar 1844 toe 28 wewers van Rochdale in Engeland 'n suksesvolle koöperatiewe verbruikswinkel geloods het. Die sogenaamde Rochdale-pioniers word veral onthou vanweë die feit dat hulle die beginsels van koöperasiewese duidelik geformuleer het. In Suid-Afrika speel landboukoöperasie vandag 'n belangrike rol in die bemarking van landbouprodukte, die verskaffing van boerderybenodighede en die lewering van dienste aan boere. Koöperasies is, veral in die beginjare, meesal gestig met die doel om gebreke in die bemarking en verwerking van landbouprodukte te oorbrug. In Suid-Afrika het koöperasiewese ontwikkel sedert die twintigste eeu toe 'n Ier, Mnr. P.J. Hannon na die land gebring is om te dien as superintendent van landboukoöperasies. Vandaar het dit ontwikkel tot feitlik al die sektore van die landboubedryf in Suid-Afrika.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-03T18:35:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Juraci_Aparecido_dos_Santos.pdf: 978135 bytes, checksum: 457e32b65b9c9718bcd0857eaab21654 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-26 / This paper was carried out to show the influence of provision on the fixation of the price of farm products in the operation capital of Cooperativa Agropecu??ria of Pedrinhas Paulista-SP, starting from the preparation, tabulation, and identification of the variations found out in the provisions of 2007 and 2008 in just one collection unit. The approach used comprised bibliographical and exploratory research in relevant documents, data collected in inventory reports and activity reports of the years at issue, besides the qualitative handling of data. In order to explain the current business scenario, one can find in this paper explanations about the cooperative system, the accounting features linked to provisions, and the management of risks in operations with farm commodities. The issue we broached here aimed at knowing the influence of provision on the fixation of price of farm products, of the Laranjeiras unit, on the operation capital of Cooperativa Agropecu??ria of Pedrinhas Paulista. The final results of the research we carried out allowed us to answer the following hypotheses: the cooperative which does not exert an adequate control of its own provision and the provision of others, may consequently endanger the operation capital in future years; the distribution of surplus of the cooperative may be influenced by the assessment of negative provisions. One could find out that, if the provisions of other cooperative members were sold in advance, the operation capital might undergo changes and, consequently, exert influence on the distribution of surplus. This research tried to make evident the risk taken in selling agricultural products in advance and proposes hedge operations to minimize that risk in forward and future markets. / Este trabalho teve como objetivo demonstrar a influ??ncia da provis??o para a fixa????o dos pre??os dos produtos agr??colas no capital de giro da Cooperativa Agropecu??ria de Pedrinhas Paulista-SP, a partir de levantamento, tabula????o e identifica????o das varia????es ocorridas nas provis??es dos anos de 2007 e 2008 de apenas uma unidade de recebimento. A metodologia utilizada contou com pesquisa bibliogr??fica e explorat??ria de car??ter documental, a partir de dados extra??dos dos informativos dos estoques e do relat??rio de atividades dos anos em estudo, al??m de tratamento qualitativo dos dados. Visando esclarecer ao leitor sobre o cen??rio atual do neg??cio, neste trabalho encontram-se explana????es sobre o sistema cooperativista, os aspectos cont??beis ligados aos estoques e ?? gest??o de risco nas opera????es com commodities. O problema estudado consistiu em saber qual a influ??ncia da provis??o para a fixa????o do pre??o dos produtos agr??colas, da unidade de Laranjeiras, no capital de giro da Cooperativa Agropecu??ria de Pedrinhas Paulista. Como resultados finais a pesquisa permitiu responder as seguintes hip??teses: a cooperativa que n??o possui um controle adequado dos estoques pr??prios e de terceiros, assim, poder?? ter seu capital de giro comprometido em exerc??cios futuros; a distribui????o de sobras da cooperativa poder?? ser influenciada pela avalia????o dos estoques negativos. Foi poss??vel constatar que, se os estoques de terceiros (cooperados) forem vendidos antecipadamente, o capital de giro poder?? sofrer altera????es e, consequentemente, haver?? reflexos na distribui????o de sobras. Este trabalho procurou evidenciar o risco na venda de produtos agr??colas antecipadamente e sugere as opera????es de hedge para minimizar este risco em mercados futuros ou a termo.