Critical Study of Agricultural Cooperative in Lao PDR: A Study Report

Abstract

In Asia-Pacific region, agriculture is the mainstay of national economies. Cooperatives have been recognized as important institutional system for enhancing productivity of agriculture and promoting food security in the country. In some of the countries, co-operatives have completed a century of their fruitful contribution to agricultural development, particularly in the areas of input distribution, finance, marketing, processing, development of infrastructure development etc. The Government has adopted these cooperatives as its principal agency to implement the programmes of agricultural development. Although Government support resulted into noticeable growth and diversification of such cooperatives, it also adversely affected the democratic and autonomous character of cooperative enterprises and thereby blunting their competitive advantage. Effects of globalization and entry of multinationals in the agribusiness combined with lack of professionalism and member participation have further compounded the problems of agricultural cooperatives.