| dc.description.abstract | Cooperatives have largely been considered a community development tool by the international
community due to their efficient resource mobilization, utilization and enhanced economies of
scale. Cooperatives in Mbeere North Sub-County have a record of poor performancesuch as low
capital growth. The purpose of the study is to establish the factors that influence the performance
of cooperatives in Mbeere North Sub-County. Four objectives were formulated to guide the
study which bears delimitation to membership size, education level and training, level of income
and quality of management. The literature reviewed revealed that the variables under
investigation are relevant. These variables are consistent with the principles of cooperatives as a
vital basis on which cooperatives are built and designed to ensure success. Large membership
sizes in organizations like cooperatives lead to economies of scale while on the other hand it may
lead to interaction problems such as free-riding .The level of education and training is crucial on
issues of management of organizations since it depicts personal productivity. The level of
income for members has been found to have significant impact on performance of cooperatives
since it influences member participation especially contributions as required. The study
employed a descriptive research design. Systematic random sampling was used in data collection
to identify respondents for data collection from active cooperatives in the study area. The
population was 1526 members of the active cooperatives. The formula suggested by Mugenda
was used in sampling frame to identify 400 members as the representative sample. The DCO and
at least one leader in each cooperative were engaged in data collection purposively. Data
collection was carried out using semi-structured questionnaire and unstructured interview
schedule for DCO. Data analysis was mainly descriptive in nature. Descriptive statistics formed
the main basis of data analysis and presentation to enable easy interpretation. The study indicated
that membership size influence the performance of cooperatives and Membership size is
therefore a substantial consideration for cooperative development. Large membership size is
desirable for continuity of cooperatives; however policy framework should be put in place to
guide the limits on cooperative membership which may be expected to yield relatively higher
returns. Education level and training of cooperative leaders influence cooperative performance.
Cooperative leaders should be well educated as indicated by 381 respondents (97.2%).Members
level of income influence performance of cooperatives. Reliable income influences continuity of
cooperative, contribution ability, leads to higher resource base and member participation in
activities of cooperatives. The study indicated that source of income influences the performance
of cooperative as shown by 242 respondents (61.7%). Therefore, a reliable level of income for
members leads to improved support for the activities of cooperatives. Cooperative management
should be geared towards achieving members’ expectations and goals. Cooperative members
should be involved in election of their leaders since the results indicate that successful
cooperatives have higher extent of achieving set objectives, high level of member participation
and higher management capacity. It was recommended that membership size, education level
and training, level of income and quality of management be considered as vital factors to
improve the performance of cooperatives. | en_US |
