Profs. John Safari and Gervas Machimu (Supervisors); Dr. Victor Shirima (PI), Dr. Alphonce Mbuya, Mr. Marwa Kesanta, Ms. Grace Mori, Ms. Furaha Kowero and Mr. Joel Efraim.

The research is conducted by Moshi Co-operative University (MoCU) in collaboration with the President’s Office-Labour Economic Affairs and Investment (POLEAI) of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. The main aim is to devise strategies for transforming cooperatives into viable economic entities. Specifically, the research will, among other things: assess members’ ability to control their cooperatives; explore factors that affect the performance of cooperatives; assess the effectiveness of the regulatory bodies; examine the role of stakeholders in cooperative development; assess the existing legal and policy framework in supporting cooperative development; and examine the socio-economic contribution of cooperatives to the national economy. Data will be collected from cooperatives, members of cooperatives, cooperative development stakeholders, and relevant government institutions. The research findings will inform the development of a cooperative transformation strategy which will guide specific interventions for reforming the cooperative sector. These efforts are expected to contribute to sustainable transformation of cooperatives in order to enhance their capacity to meet their members’ needs and strengthen their role in the socio-economic development of Zanzibar. This is a one-year research project funded by POLEAI and MoCU.