Agricultural cooperatives,entrepreneurship and food security in Malawi

Abstract

This Study investigates the role that agricultural cooperatives play in advancing entrepreneurship for increased food security and income, in the rural areas of developing countries. It examines cooperative member self-efficacy, entrepreneurship skills and attitudes, through self-evaluation of cooperative viability. Ergo, this article uncovers the challenges, local solutions and sources of resilience in the agricultural cooperatives of developing countries. Collected through a survey, primary and secondary data were analyzed using SPSS 23, and content analysis was performed on qualitative data. The results reveal a high self-efficacy for cooperative members and a high motivation for market development and profitability. Agricultural cooperatives lag behind in information and communication techniques (ICT), and have a limited capability to resolve challenges, yet they achieve income higher than the national average income per head per year. Despite its limitations, the study urges cooperatives to reject economic growth models that damage the environment and promote short-term economic growth against environmental susstainability. Future research directions and policymaking recommendations pertain to the need for innovation, self-coordination, and openning up and sharing to accompany economic, social, cultural and political self-development, in ways that respect, protect and adapt to nature, through resource conservation, restoration and protection.