Analysis of the problems and barriers of the rural cooperatives in agricultural products marketing: Case study of rural cooperatives of Koushk Hezar Beyza village, Fars

The purpose of the present study is to examine the problems of agricultural marketing by rural cooperatives. The theoretical framework includes the debates about rural cooperatives and marketing of agricultural products. This study used qualitative method and depth interview of employees and members in rural cooperatives of Kooshk Hezar rural district and review of available documents. Results indicate that these cooperatives are only active in purchasing of guaranteed agricultural products. Lack of infrastructural facilities (refrigerator, processing and packing factories, etc), lack of financial resources and credit of cooperatives, weakness in human resources (knowledge, awareness, skills, etc), unclear communication between employees of rural cooperative and members and weaknesses in the bureaucratic structure of administration are among the factors that have brought about the failure of rural cooperatives in the marketing of agricultural products. In addition, other important factors are social and cultural factors, especially trust and active participation of villagers in rural cooperatives.