ارائه مدل پارادایمی رکود تعاونی‏ های تولیدی کشاورزی در استان کرمانشاه

Extended Abstract

Introduction

Nowadays, the development of agricultural production cooperatives is considered a crucial strategy for advancement in rural and agricultural sectors across various nations. However, in our country, although these cooperatives In recent years, there has been an increase in competition, especially in the food products industry. This, combined with a lack of proper implementation of the Cooperative Sector Law and general policies outlined in Article 44 regarding the transfer of state enterprises to cooperatives, as well as economic difficulties, has led to a significant number of production cooperatives in the agricultural sector stagnating or becoming inactive. Some have even reached the point of liquidation, posing a serious threat. Despite this, agricultural production cooperatives have the potential to make positive contributions to improving the structure of agricultural production through efficient management and reorganization in the sector. Despite this pressing issue, there has been a lack of comprehensive studies to identify the root causes behind the stagnation of production cooperatives in Kermanshah province. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative research was to present the Paradigm Model of Stagnant Agricultural Production Cooperatives in Kermanshah Province.



Methodology

This study utilizes a qualitative approach with a descriptive-analytical purpose. The data collection focuses on grounded theory research method within the realm of qualitative methods. The study population included the managers of stagnant agricultural production Cooperatives in Kermanshah province. The grounded theory method incorporates both purposive sampling and theoretical sampling simultaneously (n=22). In theoretical sampling, the process involves collecting data to develop a theory. The researcher collects, codes, and analyzes data simultaneously, determining which data to collect in the next step and where to find it, allowing the theory to gradually emerge. Data was collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews until saturation was achieved. The analysis of the gathered data involved three key stages: open, axial, and selective coding. In the current research, after completing open coding, the study transitioned to the focal coding stage. During this stage, categories obtained in open coding were compared and their characteristics were analyzed. An attempt was made to create these categories as conditional conditions, and the messages within the categories were adjusted accordingly.



Results and discussion

The result of the application of grounded theory in this study was a conceptual model that showed the increasing cost of required inputs and lack of timely access, financial problems of producers, lack of economic efficiency of production in the agricultural sector, lack of cooperative culture and conflict of interests, lack of sufficient experience and expertise of some producers and the weakness of marketing and sales of agricultural products for production cooperatives have caused the stagnation of the studied cooperatives (causal conditions). The lack of infrastructure for the maintenance and processing of agricultural products, natural hazards and the difficulty of providing the equipment and facilities needed by production units as contextual conditions and the difficult conditions of obtaining credits and bank facilities, the difficulty of exporting agricultural products for production cooperatives, the ineffectiveness of programs The training of the cooperative administration and the existence of brokerage and mediation in the agricultural sector were raised as intervening conditions. As evident from the actions and reactions observed, there are significant consequences for the stagnant cooperatives being studied. The results of the interviews indicate that these consequences include: changes in the use of production units, increased indebtedness to banks and bankruptcy, perception of the cooperative as useless, reduction in production of certain agricultural products in the province, rise in brokering and mediation practices, higher unemployment rates in the province.





Conclusion

Given the numerous challenges and obstacles faced by agricultural production cooperatives which often lead to stagnation and failures, there is a pressing need for strategic planning and policy-making to facilitate necessary reforms in these companies. This will help steer them towards achieving their cooperative goals. A key observation made in a recent study was that lack of transparency and price fluctuations in agricultural products serve as the underlying issues affecting these cooperatives. Such unpredictable price hikes are detrimental not only to the producers but also to the consumers, with the intermediaries being the sole beneficiaries. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to formulate and implement effective policies that guarantee the purchase of products from these cooperatives to mitigate the impact of price fluctuations.

The inefficiency of processing and conversion industries, inadequate cold storage facilities, improper storage practices, and the challenge of acquiring necessary equipment have contributed to the current predicament faced by these cooperatives. Consequently, producers are compelled to sell their products at a significantly lower price in an attempt to avoid wastage. This unfavorable cycle ultimately results in the closure and stagnation of cooperatives. To address this issue, it is crucial to attract investments in the province that focus on developing processing industries, cold storage facilities, and warehouses that meet the standards required for storing cooperative products. By doing so, the revival and prosperity of production cooperatives can be facilitated. Furthermore, the hindrances faced in exporting products, the lack of a coherent export strategy, and insufficient support for exporting manufactured goods have been identified as additional challenges. To address this, the government should create an enabling environment that supports exports by providing exemptions or reductions in customs tariffs for production cooperatives. The Department of Cooperation, Labor, and Social Welfare can play a significant role in providing the necessary assistance in this regard.



Funding

There is no funding support.



Authors’ Contribution

Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved the content of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.



Conflict of Interest

Authors declared no conflict of interest..



Acknowledgments

We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.