Abstract:
Sustainability remains a major challenge for Agricultural Marketing Co-operative
Societies (AMCOS) in Tanzania, where governance is key to growth. This study examined
how the regulatory framework mediates the relationship between board accountability
and the sustainable growth of AMCOS in Simiyu Region. Guided by agency and
institutional theories, the study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design.
Data were collected from 237 AMCOS managers using questionnaires and from 6
District Co-operative Officers via key informant interviews (KIIs). Quantitative data were
analysed with PLS-SEM, while qualitative data were thematically analysed. Findings
indicated that board accountability moderately enhanced AMCOS growth, with effective
monitoring, timely reporting, and transparent disclosure fostering trust and sustainability.
The regulatory framework exerted a significant direct effect and mediated the
accountability-growth relationship, highlighting its dual role. Among growth indicators,
membership growth was strongest, whereas asset growth and product innovation
remained weak due to limited resources, traditional business models, government
dependency, and limited board capacity. The study concludes that AMCOS growth,
mainly through membership expansion, is moderately driven by board accountability
and strongly shaped by regulatory frameworks, while innovation and asset growth
remain constrained. The study urges policymakers to balance enforcement with capacity
building to strengthen innovation and stability in co-operatives.
