Effect of Cooperative Education and Training on the Performance of Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies in Ukerewe and Sengerema, Tanzania

Abstract

This study explored the impact of Cooperative Education and Training (CET) on the performance of Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) in Ukerewe and Sengerema districts, Tanzania, using the qualitative approach. The study sample consisted of 64 respondents who were selected using purposive sampling. Respondents were members of AMCOS in Ukerewe and Sengerema districts. Data was analyzed using qualitative thematic approach. The study revealed that CET has a positive impact toward effective implementation of set goals in cooperative organizations. The education helps leaders of the AMCOS to know the direction in which the organization should move. It is therefore concluded that without CET, cooperative organizations under investigation would have lost their direction. The study recommends that cooperative organizations should prioritize CET to help members understand their rights and responsibilities and improve the organization’s performance. Leaders of cooperative organizations should take CET seriously to ensure that the organizations move in the right direction. Cooperative societies should periodically evaluate the effectiveness of their education and training programs so as to identify areas that need improvement and to ensure that the programs meet the needs.