However, the PCNS regrets that nearly 20% of cooperatives become inactive in the first years of their creation. At the origin, obstacles linked in particular to governance, management, marketing, legislation, supervision and financing.
In this sense, the publication argues that the sustainability and success of the agricultural cooperative sector are closely linked to its adherence to the principles of sustainable development. This requires taking economic, social and environmental factors into account in decision-making and operations, being responsive to changes in the external environment and adopting sustainable practices.
The Moroccan think tank thus highlighted the impact of the “Mourafaka” program on the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives in Morocco, stressing that this system improves the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives by strengthening their management, governance and access to market.
Referring to the determinants of survival of agricultural cooperatives, the policy paper notes that the ability to adapt to external changes in the environment is crucial, adding that reducing the high rate of inactivity and mortality of cooperatives depends on the ability to anticipate and to meet the challenges of competition, changing consumer needs, economic fluctuations and changes in government policy.
And to note that cooperatives are particularly facing a significant change following the fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0, an era that is characterized by the integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, blockchain, robotization and artificial intelligence.
The study thus calls for capacity building for cooperative leaders, access to finance, marketing and practical training to ensure the sustainability of cooperatives.