In a global context where collaborative and supportive structures are becoming increasingly important,
cooperatives are proving to be key players in sustainable development. They play a vital role in strengthening local economies and improving living conditions, both nationally and internationally.
An ambitious breakthrough for cooperatives
At the international level, born from an imperative need for mutual aid and solidarity, cooperatives took shape in an environment where small producers struggled to overcome economic inequalities and obstacles to access to markets. They not only enabled their members to overcome poverty but also promoted fairer working conditions, demonstrating
thus the potential of cooperatives to positively transform communities.
In addition to the successes observed in Europe, the importance of cooperatives in economic and social development also extends to Africa. In Morocco, cooperatives in the Oriental Region play a crucial role in the development of rural areas, particularly through the promotion of local products and job creation. These cooperatives saw their number increase significantly, from 1,215 in 2015 to 5,517 in 2020, which represents an impressive growth of 63.9% in five years (Amine ELQAITI and al, 2020).
The break in dependence announced
In Senegal, the evolution of the cooperative movement, particularly since the post-independence period,
is a crucial step in reducing farmers’ dependence on traders and
in the marketing of their crops. This national initiative initiated at the time by the president
Mamadou Dia, made it possible to improve the control of marketing circuits, thus increasing the
agricultural production through mechanization and the distribution of seeds and fertilizers (Fall and
al, 2008).
These cooperatives have benefited from significant support from the State, notably through the creation of
dedicated financing structures. At that time, cooperatives played a vital role in the local economy, significantly promoting the improvement of income and living conditions of rural populations.
The interference of the political crisis
With the advent of the political crisis of December 1962, socio-economic policies focused on
cooperatives were gradually abandoned, marking a significant turning point in the
Senegalese politics (Fall and al 2008). Since then, cooperatives have faced challenges
organizational and sustainability aspects to fully realize their potential within the economy
Senegalese.
These challenges raise a fundamental question: what strategies and approaches could be
implemented to overcome these obstacles?
Levers of endogenous development
Established on April 5, 2024, the new Senegalese government, which aims to be close, innovative and efficient, has set major pillars to address the pressing concerns of Senegalese men and women. Among these major pillars we can cite: youth, education, training, entrepreneurship and employment of young people and women, the fight against the high cost of living and the improvement of the living conditions of populations. To meet the challenges highlighted above, the primary sector remains an essential ecosystem in the development strategies that will be put in place by the team of the Prime Minister, Mr. Ousmane SONKO. Indeed, the relevant decision of the new government to create a State Secretariat for agricultural cooperatives and peasant supervision is also beneficial in view of the challenges of reorganization of rural producers. To ensure the success of policies aimed at placing cooperatives at the heart of rural development and food sovereignty, the new Senegalese government must adopt an integrated approach at several levels:
At the institutional level
For current public authorities to succeed in making cooperatives levers of endogenous development, it is crucial to adopt an adequate institutional approach to respond
to the needs of cooperatives. This will go through:
the development of a Sector Policy Letter (LPS) dedicated to cooperatives, which would formalize
the government’s commitment to this sector.
the creation of a public establishment specifically dedicated to cooperatives to supervise,
support and coordinate all activities related to the cooperative sector.
an incentive for cooperatives to adopt strategic plans and business plans contributing
directly to national development goals.
involvement of local authorities in the promotion and support of cooperatives.
At the organizational level
The organizational question must be at the heart of the performance and sustainability of cooperatives
with regard to their expected contribution in the process of empowerment of the rural world. For this, he
It will be necessary to initiate dynamics of support for the organization and supervision of cooperatives, including:
the creation of a regional house of cooperatives which supports them in terms of service offerings and supervision (Coaching, training, marketing, financing, solidarity investment, communication, digital, etc.);
the establishment of a digital hub for cooperatives would mark a step towards modernization and
the technological integration of their activities.
At the economic level:
To maximize the economic impact of cooperatives, special attention must be paid to
that they become a lever for job and wealth creation. For this you will need:
develop effective marketing strategies;
encourage job creation in all phases of the cooperative value chain,
production to marketing.
At the financial level:
It is crucial to develop financial products adapted to the ecosystem of cooperatives so that they can be a driving force in the process of empowering the rural world. Emphasis should be placed in particular on:
the creation of a territorial bank of cooperatives or a public bank for financing
cooperatives.
By way of conclusion and recommendations, the commitment of the new Senegalese government to place cooperatives at the heart of its rural development strategies is a promising initiative.
This option of the new Senegalese authorities promotes autonomous and effective management of grassroots development. In this spirit, it will be necessary for public authorities and cooperative actors to
set the following ambitions:
Promote a productive and diversified economy: Collaboration between the State and cooperatives is envisaged as a lever to create value and quality jobs, thus stimulating a more robust and diversified national economy.
Strengthen human capital: By integrating cooperatives into development efforts, the government will have to focus on education and continuing training to prepare a workforce
qualified ready to respond to future challenges, thus strengthening the human capital of the country.
Promote opportunities for inclusion for all: This approach contributes to a consolidated social bond, offering opportunities for economic and social inclusion to all segments of the population, and particularly to those who are traditionally marginalized.
Building sustainable and resilient territories: The political orientation focuses on cooperatives for the empowerment of the rural world also helps to promote the development of sustainable and resilient territories, making rural areas essential anchor points for the sustainable development of the country.
Correctly ensure risk management: the strategic and operational management of these cooperatives must be framed by risk mitigation actions, from a perspective of
sustainability.
* By Dr Mamouth DIOP
Economist
Expert in territorial development and social and solidarity economy
