Restructured Agricultural Cooperative Marketing System in Uganda: A Study of the 'Tripartite Cooperative Model'

Abstract

The study focused on describing and analysing the integrated approach to agricultural cooperative marketing in Uganda: the tripartite cooperative model. It was found that structural changes and successful growth have been achieved within the agricultural cooperative marketing system. This model promoted complementarity of services by combining farmers’ access to financial services through Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs), and marketing services through Rural Producer Organisations (RPOs) and Area Cooperative Enterprises (ACEs). Results of the study showed that the tripartite cooperative model focused on measures to promote financially autonomous and viable cooperatives, member participation and empowerment. The model has achieved success by linking farmers to profitable markets and granting them access to financial services. The model did, however, face challenges in the form of members no fully participating in cooperative activities and members side-selling.