CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF RURAL WOMEN'S VERMICULTURE COOPERATIVES IN GUATEMALA

abstract: This thesis seeks to provide insight into the challenges rural women in Latin America face in receiving socio-economic benefits from their participation in collective enterprises. The study draws upon research from the field of development, entrepreneurship, and cooperatives, focusing on rural women in Guatemala. The research questions explored are: 1) ‘What is known about entrepreneurial strategies to overcome poverty among rural women in Latin America, specifically cooperatives and specifically in Guatemala?; and 2) ‘What are the main conditions for the success of rural women’s vermiculture cooperatives in Guatemala from the perspectives of their members, in terms a) infrastructure and equipment; b) work arrangements; c) member’s learning; and d) member’s confidence in the financial success of the coop?’. The study was conducted in an exploratory manner using case study methodology to provide a richness to study findings. The study found that pre-conditions for a successful cooperative include a secure and easily accessible location, and highlights the importance of inclusive leadership, the mastery of basic skills, and opportunities for learning more advanced business skills