Co-operative University of Kenya Journals
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Profiling Housing Co-operative Models in Addressing Shortage of Affordable Housing in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Full text linkHousing is a fundamental right and every person is entitled to this basic need. However, the biggest challenge facing Kenya is lack of affordable housing especially for low- and middle-income households in urban areas. We profile housing cooperative models and examine their suitability in addressing shortage of affordable housing in Nairobi City County. Specifically, we: (i) profile housing cooperative models adopted by housing cooperatives in Nairobi City County and (ii) examine the suitability of the models in provision of affordable housing. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was adopted to generate data on how the housing co-operative models formed, membership characteristics, management practices, financing models and ownership practices. The paper is anchored on transaction cost theory. The target population consists of all active housing cooperatives registered by the State Department of Cooperatives in Nairobi City County as of December 2017. The sample size selection for this exploratory study was based on data saturation criteria. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 key informants, based on their technical expertise and knowledge. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Findings revealed that the limited housing cooperative model is most used among the members of housing cooperatives in Nairobi City County. However, the model failed to take into consideration collective efforts of members in terms of collective housing construction which bring down the total cost of construction. The paper recommends restructuring of housing finance system to take into considerationissues of low- and middle-income households for adoption of a multiple mortgage housing cooperative model
Collaboration among Government Co-operative Supporting Organisations in Innovations Design and Dissemination to Primary Co-operative Societies in Tanzania
Full text linkMost primary co-operatives in Tanzania have experienced various challenges including resources deficit, mismanagement, inadequate co-operative education and global competition among others making them unable to design and utilise sound innovations. In realization of such challenges and recognition of their socio-economic potential, several government co-operative supporting organisations (GCSOs) have been established to facilitate co-operative growth and development. This study assessed the extent of collaboration among GCSOs in innovations design and dissemination to primary co-operative societies (PCSos) in Tanzania. Specifically, the study established the initiatives undertaken in each innovation chain of the studied GCSOs in terms of innovation ideas generation, conversion and dissemination to PCSos in the past fifteen years (2007-2022) period; determined the extent to which GCSOs have been collaborating in areas of innovations design and dissemination to PCSos and established the innovations designed and disseminated in collaboration among studied GCSOs to PCSos in the period under study (2007-2022). The study adopted the case study research design using multiple cases where five cases were picked. The study population included the selected GCSOs operating in Tanzania which formed the unit of analysis for this study. Primary data were collected from GCSOs executives and staff using focus groups-participant observation was also used. The findings show that, the innovation chains of most of the studied GCSOs were weak and disjointed. Equally, innovation collaboration was found to be lacking in most of the GCSOs. Moreover, limited traces of inter-organisational collaboration in innovations design and dissemination to PCSos were found. It is advised that GCSOs should work to ensure innovation value chain strengths through genuine allocation and prioritisation of resources. More efforts such as setting innovation units and or hubs, among others to enhance innovation activities and collaborations within GCSOs are advised. Such efforts may eventually graduate into inter-organisational collaborations which are currently missing
Strategic Thinking as a Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Resilience in Post Covid-19 Recovery: A case of LUKHU Fashion Digital Strategy
Full text linkCovid-19 has created new vulnerabilities alongside emerging opportunities for strategically thinking organizations. The pandemic has propelled value-chain partners, customers, and employees to increase use of technology, which has bridged barriers to digital disruption and paved the way for rapid technology-driven changes. Corporate recovery from the Covid-19 crisis demands a strong technology foundation with strategic thinkers who make bold investments in technology and capabilities to equip their businesses to outperform competitors and rivals in a rapidly evolving and dynamic industry landscape. Strategic thinking refers to the rational and intentional thought process that centers on the analysis of critical variables that may influence current and future success of a business. This paper assesses the potential of LUKHU Fashion Digital platform in the Kenyan Market. The research problem is centered on the fact that many business have been closing every time a pandemic like Covid 19 strikes. The digital platform, LUKHU, has been established to create an interconnected fashion community that supports creativity, sustainability, economic and socialempowerment in Africa, through technology. The platform makes it simple, convenient, and affordable to buy, sell and discover fashion online. This study is anchored on the Resource Based View (RBV). A survey tool was used with a landing page website to organically gather data from online users in Kenya. Descriptive analysis was undertaken to assess the viability and usability potential. Results show that the majority (70%) of buyer respondents were skewed around price points and ease of access as themajor determinant of purchase dynamics. The key deliverables from the survey on sellers’ operational ecosystem were: product sourcing and stocking based on a fragmented supply chain. This affects price points. The study recommends that enterprises in the line of fashion, should monitor customer cycle and tailor product offerings uniquely to target set of customers in an efficient and effective manner and that online platforms should be fully embraced to attain Covid-19 resilience
Long-Term Debt Financing and Financial Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Bungoma County Kenya
No full textThe study sought to investigate the effect of long-term debt financing on financial performance of SMEs in Bungoma County Kenya. This was due to the high failure rate of SMEs in the county and country at large despite the significant contributions they make towards economic growth and job creation. SMEs were targeted as no study had been done on the topic focusing on small enterprises. The study was anchored on trade-off theory. Descriptive research design was then used. The study area was Bungoma County located in western Kenya with an approximate size of 2207KM2. A sample of 368 licensed SMEs retail shops were selected using simple random sampling method from the target population of 4721 licensed SMEs retail shops operating in the county. Structured Likert scale questionnaires were used to gather data from SMEs managers and owners. The pilot study was carried out to evaluate the validity and reliability of the data collection tools. Descriptive statistics including the mean and standard deviation and Inferential statistics including correlation and regression were used. Descriptive statistics revealed that most SMEs employ long-term debt financing in the county. Similarly, most SMEs had an increase in financial performance as shown by return on equity, return on assets, and return on capital employed. From inferential statistics, the correlation results demonstrated a positive relationship between long-term debt financing and financial performance (r=0.651). The overall regression model was also statistically significant (p=0.00<0.05). Similarly, long-term debt financing had a statistically positive and significant effect on the financial performance of SMEs (β1=0.265 p=0.000). The study then recommended the government to develop policies that will direct SMEs to boost their usage of long-term debt financing. The SMEs' managers and owners were also recommended to adopt strategies that increasethe usage of long-term debt financing in their businesses.
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Youth participation in cotton agricultural marketing cooperatives for sustainable rural employment creation in Tanzania
No full textCooperative organizations have important in improving employment opportunity creation and other socio-economic development in many nations. The paper examined youth participation in cotton Agricultural Marketing Cooperatives Societies (AMCOS) for rural employment creation; where youth as the majority of the population were found to be not interested. Specifically, the paper had two objectives which were; to assess the perception of youth towards participating in AMCOS and to assess the available strategies by AMCOS on youth participation in agriculture. The cross sectional design was adopted, five primary AMCOS was surveyed where members of the AMCOS formed unit of analysis. The findings indicate that; on perception of youth towards AMCOS cotton business, youth engagement was found to be determined by the profit earned after cost of production. Cotton was perceived to be costly among youth as compared to profits earned. Also, youth were had bad perception on agriculture they are interested in other business. On the available strategies by AMCOS on youth participation in agriculture; the possibility to engage youth as members of the AMCOS was among the strategy that had higher. Also, youth engagement with their parents who are members was found to have impact in bringing youth on board hence employment creation can be feasible. The paper concludes that; Youth membership needs deliberate efforts by different interventions to make them attractive to cotton business that are payable. Also, more interactive strategies are still needed that are participative and that are integrated with youth preference which can make youth to be inclusive in agriculture for leveraging the level unemployment in the sector. The paper recommends; Primary AMCOS are required to develop tangible strategies that are integrated to youth preference. Local government loans on youth should target youth groups which are doing agriculture. Also, programs on youth participation and engagement on cooperative farming business will enhance the breath and worthiness for youth engagement hence creates youth employment widening.
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Workers’ Cooperative Societies and Attainment of Host Institutions' Visions and Missions: A Case of Wazalendo SACCOS at Moshi Co-operative University, Tanzania
No full textWorker Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS) play a vital role in promoting the attainment of institutional goals. This study examines Wazalendo SACCOS LTD at Moshi Co-operative University (MoCU) in Tanzania, focusing on how it supports the university's vision of becoming an eminent institution committed to sustainable co-operative and business development through quality training, research, and advisory services. The problem addressed is the need to understand the extent to which Wazalendo SACCOS contributes to MoCU’s economic, social, and environmental goals. The study aims to evaluate the alignment of Wazalendo SACCOS with MoCU’s vision and mission by assessing its impact on financial empowerment, social cohesion, and environmental consciousness. The 30 members and management of Wazalendo SACCOS, utilising purposive sampling to select key informants and participants for focus group discussions. Data were collected through interviews, document analysis, and focus group discussions, and were processed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings demonstrate that Wazalendo SACCOS significantly enhances financial stability through savings mobilization and accessible credit, facilitating professional development. Socially, the cooperative fosters a sense of ownership, collaboration, and inclusive decision-making, creating a supportive community. Environmentally, Wazalendo SACCOS promotes eco-friendly practices and raises environmental consciousness among its members. The study concludes that worker SACCOS like Wazalendo SACCOS significantly contribute to institutional attainment by promoting economic empowerment, social cohesion, and environmental responsibility. Recommendations include continued close collaboration between the university and the cooperative and the integration of cooperative principles into university policies and practices.
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Determinants of Operational Sustainability of Agriculture Marketing Co- operatives in Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
No full textSustainability of Agriculture Marketing Co-operatives (AMCOS) has been an intricate issue that is debated day to day. This study assesses determinants of operational sustainability of AMCOS, specifically focused on operational model, member participation and the business environment. The theoretical framework of the paper was resource dependency theory. The sample size of the study was 400 owners (members and board members). Respondents selected from 8 primary AMCOS, 4 from poorly operational sustainably AMCOS and 4 from actively operational sustainably primary AMCOS. Questionnaires were administered to collect data. The questionnaire return rate were 288 (72%) respondents and since a response rate of 60 percent is good for data analysis and reporting and rate of 70 percent and overall is excellent, the 288 questionnaires were analyzed for this study. Quantitative approaches were deployed to analyze data involving descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 20th version. The test of multiple linear regression model assumptions shows fitting of model in all assumptions (linearity, normality, homoscedasticity, autocorrelation and Multicollinearity). Findings showed that operational model influenced operational sustainability by (0.120) while business environment changes influenced operational sustainability by (0.486) and lastly Members’ participations influence the operational sustainability by (0.196). Therefore, it is worthwhile saying that business environment had a higher contribution on AMCOS sustainability by 48.6% followed by member participations by 19.6% while business operation model had a 12% of the contribution. The study recommends more education on the use of entrepreneurial model of operations than traditional model. AMCOS members have to be provided with more education and knowledge on the usefulness of being involved in decisions of a co-operative. Business environment requires the bigger consideration than operational model and member participation in the interventions for enhancing effects on the co-operatives sustainability. The focus on coping strategies on climate change remains important to ensure sustainability of AMCOS.
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Institutional Arrangements for Marketing Non-Coffee Produce by Primary AMCOS in Tanzania
No full textThe importance of cooperatives to engage into multiple crop marketing has attracted majority stakeholders on marking other crops alongside traditional crops. Marketing involves Supply as cooperative options for building resilience to future market shocks resulted by marketing single crop. This paper was based on marketing institutional arrangements in marketing none coffee produce by primary AMCOS in Tanzania, evidence from Karagwe, Muleba, Buhigwe and Kigoma districts. Specifically, the paper was to; examine the possible marketing arrangements in marketing none coffee produce and assess the available stakeholders in marketing of non-coffee produce as market opportunity. The study was based on Resource Based Theory (RBT); where, crops which is farmers resource that for long time, cooperatives has not been utilizing. A total of 19 primary cooperatives were sampled. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was used to interview members of the primary AMCOS. The findings of this study revealed that; in marketing arrangements on marketing none-coffee produce it revealed marketing strategies which were; Accommodation of Marketing conditions for optimal marketing requirements, the use of locally available materials for storage before selling of produce, controlling middlemen for sustainable marketing and marketing arrangement depending on crops types and requirements. Others were; seasonality marketing based on cropseasons, payment on delivery, marketing through contractual farming and business networks. Also, the study concluded that, each crops needs its own marketing arrangement to expand business markets so as to raise the farm gate price among farmers. The paper recommends to all primary traditional agricultural cooperatives to make assessments of the available crops that can be marketed by these primary cooperatives. Also, the paper recommends to TCDC, and Ministry responsible for cooperatives, to assist agricultural cooperative in business marketing arrangements to venture into multiple crop business.
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Influence of strategic financial resources on performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kiambu County, Kenya
No full textSavings and Credit Co-operatives (SACCOs) face challenges in keeping up with technological advancements and competition from larger financial institutions like commercial banks. The utilization of strategic resources defines their competitive advantage and performance. This study examined the impact of strategic financial resources on the performance of deposit-taking SACCOs in Kiambu County, based on the resource-based view theory. A descriptive survey research design was used, targeting 227 management staff in Kiambu County, including 26 top-level, 67 middle-level, and 134 lower-level managers. Stratified sampling selected a sample of 14 top-level, 36 middle-level, and 71 lower-level managers. Primary data was collected via a semi-structured questionnaire, administered using the drop and pick method. The instrument's face and content validity was verified, and reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha (α), with a coefficient of 0.7 or higher deemed adequate. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential techniques. R² assessed the model's predictive power, and the F-statistic evaluated model fitness. The significance of variables influencing SACCO performance was determined by P-values at a 0.05 significance level. Findings indicated a moderate deployment of strategic financial resources and a positive correlation with SACCO performance. These resources were statistically significant in predicting performance. The study concluded that strategic financial resources have a substantial impact on SACCO performance. It recommends that SACCO management focus on acquiring and optimally utilizing these resources to improve performance.
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Challenges and training needs to primary Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) in marketing of non-coffee produce in Tanzania
No full textMarketing challenges in agricultural cooperatives affects marketing advantages; in turn affects benefits to members. These challenges need solutions that were found to be addressed by education and training; that needs training assessments. Training on cooperative business can become a strategic for recovery planning building back better the cooperative societies. This research was done based on survey design based on a qualitative design. Data were collected using 19 focus group discussions and 5 key informant interviews. The findings on the challenges indicated that; production capacity was found not meting market requirement. The reliable markets for farmers were found not to be feasible. Middle men were found to be the controller of the markets. Marketing of none-coffee produce were found to require specified training requirements especially on meeting the market requirements. Also, the measurement in terms of selling the produce has become a stumbling block in developing a win-win situation among the producers and buyers. On the training needs the findings indicates that; the mixed crop marketing was found to be among the component that needs training. Training on the quality maintenance of produce from production to marketing and training on contract and business negotiation; the negotiation capacity among farmers were found to limit business performance. The study concludes that, the performance of cooperative in alleviating marketing challenges were found to be the stumbling block for agriculture cooperatives to meets the markets requirements. The study recommends that; Primary AMCOS to solicit training on production increase by farmers in primary AMCOS to curb marketing demands. Local government and the ministry responsible for trade and marketing to provide regulation on how middlemen can venture fare in agricultural business marketing to moderate business practices. The cooperative department and cooperative commission should empower primary cooperatives on marketing non-coffee by capacity building.
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