Abstract

This study assesses the effects of member participation, credit access, management practices, and extension services on the performance of agricultural cooperatives in Ethiopia. Using survey data from 384 cooperative members and an ordered logistic regression model, it was found that member participation, management practices, extension services, and household income significantly improve cooperative performance. Higher member participation dramatically increases the likelihood of superior cooperative performance, while better management and greater credit access also have positive effects. These findings underscore the importance of empowering members, strengthening management, and facilitating credit access to improve cooperative outcomes. The implications for cooperative policy and strategies are discussed.

Key words: Agricultural cooperatives, performance determinants, member participation, access to credit, extension services, ordinal logistic regression.