Farmers Perceptions of the Role of Social Capital on the Performance of Agricultural Cooperatives in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan, Gauteng Province, South Africa

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing the development of cooperatives in Ekurhuleni Municipality, South Africa, emphasising the importance of cooperatives in local economic development and community empowerment. The study highlights the critical role of social capital (networks, trust, and cooperation among members) and human capital (skills, knowledge, and leadership capacity) in enhancing the sustainability of cooperative projects. A sample of 65 individuals from agricultural cooperatives across four regions of Ekurhuleni (Thokoza, Vosloorus, Tembisa, and Katlehong) was randomly selected for data collection. The findings highlight several challenges hindering the sustainability of agricultural cooperatives, including inadequate agricultural knowledge, limited market access, insufficient equipment, poor cooperation, and a lack of managerial skills. To address these issues, the study proposes recommendations to foster an environment conducive to cooperative growth. It suggests a comprehensive needs assessment involving local communities, stakeholders, and cooperative members to tailor solutions to the specific challenges and opportunities in the local context, thereby ensuring the sustainable development of agricultural cooperatives in Ekurhuleni Municipality.