Mobilizing Capital in Agricultural Service Cooperatives

Table of Contents

Original text
John G. Rouse
J.D. Von Pischke

Editing, illustrations and layout
Ester Bonitatibus
Jonathan F. Cook

FAO - FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Rome, 1997

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Table of Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1. The changing cooperative environment

Cooperative principles
Privileges, responsibilities and dependence
The new situation
The need for a revised strategy

2. How can cooperatives maintain their markets?

Serving members
Minimising costs, maximizing service

3. How can cooperative activities be financed?

A. Directly from members
B. From cooperative business surpluses
C. From outsiders
The gearing ratio
Which kind of funds are best?
Legal framework and support

4. How can mobilization of member funds be improved?

Improving member services and patronage
Consider use of outside funding
Improving operating efficiency
Promoting patronage
Giving priority to mobilizing member funds
Too much institutional capital?

5. Member financing builds the sense of member ownership

Conclusion

Annex. Views on the Meeting on Capital Formation in Agricultural Cooperatives