Identify the Role of Agricultural Cooperatives for Promotion of Entrepreneurial Spirit Farmers of Mahabad Township

The purpose of research was to identify the role of agricultural cooperatives for promotion of entrepreneurial spirit farmers of Mahabad township. This study was descriptive-correlation research and used survey method. The statistical population of the study consisted of all the 230 farmers participating in agricultural cooperatives in the Mahabad township. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s table and proportional stratified random sampling technique, 111 farmers were selected as research sample. Interview and questionnaire was the main tool for data gathering. Finally, 111 questionnaires were completed and used for data analyzing. The instrument for collecting data was a questionnaire which its validity was confirmed by a panel of experts. The reliability of the questionnaire in the pre-test phase was confirmed (α= 0.85 to 90). The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The results of one-sample t-test showed that the components of entrepreneurial spirit including risk taking, life control, creativity, independence and self-confidence were significant at 99% level. This reflects the impact of the agricultural cooperatives under study in fostering entrepreneurial spirit. Also, the results of the correlations showed that highly educated farmers consider the role and status of cooperatives in entrepreneurial activities. Correlation t-test showed that there was a significant difference between the mean score of the two components of the present and desirable status. The correlation showed that higher educated farmers find cooperatives more effective in entrepreneurship. Also, the results of data processing showed that there was no significant relationship between the role and position of cooperative in entrepreneurial activities and membership history. The results of paired T test showed that there is a significant difference between the two situation.