Analysis of factors affecting the success of agricultural cooperatives in Afghanistan: The case of Belh province

Agricultural cooperatives are one of the most important institutions that can contribute to rural development. Approximately 80 percent of the population in Afghanistan lives in rural areas and a large part is employed in agriculture. Therefore, the existence of an active and dynamic agricultural sector makes a significant contribution to the economic situation of poor people in the villages. Agricultural cooperatives are one of the most important organisations that will contribute to reducing poverty in rural areas. The factors required for an agricultural cooperative to work successfully were examined in the study. For this purpose, the factors that play a role in the success of agricultural cooperatives in Balkh, Afghanistan, have been determined through a survey and interviews conducted with 34 managers of 10 cooperatives. Factors affecting the success of agricultural cooperatives in Balkh, Afghanistan; human factor, management, economic factors, external organizational relations and structural factors are examined in 5 main categories. According to the results of the research, member loyalty, participation of members and management skills are rather weak in the studied cooperatives. The general economic situation of the country and difficulties to access financial resources adversely affect the success of the cooperatives. Cooperatives have marketing problems and have a very limited relationship with external organizations. In order to provide to continue the activities of cooperatives in Afghanistan successfully, it is necessary to ensure their access to financing resources, the government should implement incentive policies and work to increase the loyalty of members to their cooperatives.