Enhancing small farmers' socioeconomic condition through agricultural cooperatives in Kavrepalanchowk

Abstract

The significance of cooperative institutions in rural areas is steadily increasing as they serve as the foundation for agricultural development. Specifically, the focus is on the Agriculture Cooperative Ltd of Kavrepalan chowk. The research design includes exploratory and descriptive methods to analyze the status of farmers in the study area.Both primary and secondary data are utilized, with primary data collected through household surveys, field visits, observations, and interviews with key informants There are 425 respondents selected from different 11 small farmers' agriculture cooperatives from different areas of the Kavre district. The study relies on comparative analysis before and after the establishment of the cooperative in the study areain corporating facts, events, records, and data. The findings reveal that the majority of respondents own land, are married, literate, and have access to medical treatment, and clean drinking water. Agriculture and livestock serve as the primary sources ofin come, with many farmers taking loans from the cooperative. Goat farming vegetable farming, and dairy are common income-generating activities, particularly among active-age males from the Brahmin/Kshetri community living in joint families and not practicing family planning. Participation in training programs, group and board meetings, community discussions, savings and credit activities, and income generating

activities has played a significant role in empowering farmers. The involvement of respondents in decision-making processes within their households,groups and board meetings, community discussions, and the selection of income generating activities has to an increase in their decision-making power The policy implications of a study on "Enhancing Small Farmers' Socioeconomic Condition through Agricultural Cooperatives in Kavrepalanchowk" would focus on how the findings can inform and guide governmental and organizational policies to support and strengthen agricultural cooperatives. These implications would aim to create a more enabling environment for small farmers, improve their socioeconomi cconditions, and promote rural development.