Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
991897 World Development 2012 14 Pages PDF
Abstract

SummaryThis article investigates determinants and impacts of cooperative organization, using the example of smallholder banana farmers in Kenya. Farmer groups are inclusive of the poor, although wealthier households are more likely to join. Employing propensity score matching, we find positive income effects for active group members. Yet price advantages of collective marketing are small, and high-value market potentials have not yet been tapped. Beyond prices, farmer groups function as important catalysts for innovation adoption through promoting efficient information flows. We discuss the conditions under which collective action is useful, and through what mechanisms the potential benefits emerge.

Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities Economics, Econometrics and Finance Economics and Econometrics
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