Factors influencing the decision to join a cooperative: the case of maize producers in the Plateaux region of Togo

Abstract

The cooperative organization form is being promoted around the world and its evidence of success is encouraging policy makers in this direction. Despite this, cooperative development has always faced various challenges in Africa and more so in sub-Saharan countries such as Togo. This study analyzes the issue by identifying factors that influence a producer's decision to join a cooperative. 176 maize producers in the Plateaux region of Togo were surveyed using a questionnaire developed for this purpose. A binomial Probit model was estimated. The analyses revealed that the following variables had a positive effect on the producer's decision to join a cooperative: level of education, number of years of experience in maize production, land area under maize production, yield, and contact with extension services. However, household size negatively influences the producer's decision to join a cooperative. The results highlight the applicability of some cooperative principles in the Plateaux region of Togo.