Fatemeh Allahdadi & Kobra Aref. Agricultural Production Cooperatives in Iran: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract: Agricultural production cooperatives are certainly a major contributor to agricultural development in many countries. But, there are a number of barriers to effectively using agricultural production cooperatives as a tool for agricultural development in Iran. The results obtained from qualitative research, indicated that there are some barriers at the national, local and organizational levels towards agricultural production cooperatives. Dependency of cooperatives to government and lack of cultural capacity for group collaboration, lack of resources, lack of cooperatives leaders' knowledge, were an important element contributing to limited production cooperatives in agricultural development and rural development as well. The findings of this study can assist agricultural developers in the implementation of educational strategies towards develop the production cooperatives in rural areas of Iran. This paper also will serve as a catalyst for further thought and discussion on how agricultural production cooperatives can enhance income and quality of life for their members