The disadvantages of co-operative farming

THE DISADVANTAGES OF CO-OPERATIVE FARMING

Definition of co-operative farming

Co-operative farming can be defined as an association of like minded farmers with the sole aim of pooling their resources together for agricultural production. Membership is voluntary and the idea is to help each other since they all individually have very limited resources to start with.

DISADVANTAGES

Limited capital

One of the problems of co-operative farming is the non availability of capital for investment. As the co-operative society grows so would the members want to expand their operations, however, to do so requires the injection of fresh capital. This may not be readily available. The commercial banks are also not too willing o extend credit facilities to them in the quantum they may want it.

Farmers’ aversion to new methods

In some countries where the level of illiteracy is very low, the farmers may not be willing to accept new methods of doing things to ensure increased yield. One example is the planting in lines and in predetermined spacing. Some farmers do not see the economic benefit of sticking such methods. This affects overall production levels.

Reluctance to repay loans on time

Some of the farmers fail to realize the importance of paying their facilities on time to the banks. This creates the situation where the banks are not willing to extend loans to them in the future.

Corruption of leaders

Some of the managers of the co-operative societies take advantage of the unique position and siphons money from the coffers of the society. Sometimes too the members are selfish and would not allow other to have their fair share of what is available. This mostly leads to the collapse of the co-operative society.

Sentimental attachment to their lands

There is also the problem of too much sentimental attachment to the land. The land belongs to the farmer’s family and they have owned it for ages so it is difficult to relinquish the land to another entity for whatever purpose. In other words, the farmers are not willing to release the land to the co-operative society for better management.

Envy and jealousy

Sometimes some members of the co-operative society may become envious of other members especially if they are doing better. It so happens that not all the members are able to adhere to the new methods that are taught. So if those apply the new methods become more successful, they may incur the envy and jealousy of the others. Some may even attribute the success of other members to the application of juju, which is believed to be widespread in West Africa.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. Highlight six problems associated with co-operative farming system.

2. What six problems do co-operative farmers face in your country?

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