Role of Co-Operatives in Rural Trade and Business Activitiees: A Case study of Sidingma Saving and Loan Co-operatives Sidingwa Rural Municipality-6 of Taplejung District

Abstract

Cooperative means working together. It is a form of economic as well as social organization based on certain values. Cooperative's effort is ultimately the group instinct in man, which enables him to live together, work together and help each other in times of stress. Cooperatives are voluntary, people-oriented and self-help organization. The study entitled ROLE OF CO-OPERATIVES IN RURAL TRADE AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIEES: A Case study of Sidingma Saving and Loan Co- operatives Sidingwa Rural Municipality- 6 of Taplejung District The main objectives of this study are; i. to find out the socio-economic status of rural women, ii. to analyze the saving and credit activities of rural women, iii. to ascertain prospects and challenges of saving and credit cooperative for the empowerment of rural women and iv. to make relevant recommendation to policy maker. Different methodologies were used for meeting the different objectives of the study. Nature and sources of data, rational for selection of the study area, research design, sampling procedure are methodologies for the study. The universe of this study is A Study Of Sidigma Saving and Loan Co-operatives Ltd. Sidingwa Rural Municipality-6 of Taplejung District. Out of 200 members 40 have been selected as respondents. The techniques and tools are household questionnaire survey, field observation, key informant interviews, informal interview, focus group discussion, PRA and field note used in the study area. On the basis of the findings of the study "role of cooperative in rural women empowerment" sector are financial and non-financial activities, focuses on enterprise support activities, social development activities such as literacy classes and health care training for the women(members). Among other findings and lessons learned from the study identifies that the major concerns of women members of that includes: education for self and for children; having own and own income and savings from that livelihood; improved security/reduced vulnerability; improved access to institutions/ individuals with resources, and freedom to make own choices or decisions. The study and my analysis and recommendations for future activities to strengthen the cooperatives with both financial and social interventions will be useful to all those who are interested in strengthening the and co-operative movement in Nepal.