Evaluating Agricultural Production Cooperatives of Iran: A Case Study in Kaboudarahang County of Hamedan Province

The main objective of this research is to evaluate 8 agricultural production cooperatives (APC) in Kaboudarahang county, using rapid rural appraisal methodology. The results of SWOT analysis show that the most important strengths of APCs are increase in the level of technical and specialized awareness and access to inputs among members. In addition APCs can facilitate the relationship between rural people and GOs, and development of mechanization. On the other hand, the most important weaknesses of APCs are capital restriction, inadequate attention to the principles of cooperation, and continuity. They have the support of government, as well as people with socio-economic influence and traditional and indigenous organizations which is an opportunity for them. APCs threats include: lack of long term and holistic planning, lack of a clear legal status, lack of key referees to settle down the conflicts between APCs and GOs. Based on SWOT/TOWS matrix four strategies should be persuaded. The main principle of these is to benefit from opportunities, to strengthen the APCs, and to reduce the outside threats that can prevent APCs from achieving their goals.