The Humphrey PACT (Practitioner - Assistant - Collaborative - Training) Program pairs undergraduate students in Global Development with Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows to work on a research endeavor in the fields of agriculture, rural development, and natural resource management. In this bilateral exchange, each undergrad is assigned as a research assistant, contributing to the Humphrey Fellow’s work from their home countries. Humphrey Fellows, who are mid-career professionals from around the world, gain support from students, while students get direct experiences with real-world development projects.
In this field note, Aijun Yang (Humphrey Fellow from China) and Lauren Chuhta ‘26 (Global Development), reflect on their in-depth study on why agricultural cooperatives succeed in certain contexts, and how the growth of agricultural cooperatives could boost community vitality in low-income countries. Their PACT research partnership builds on Aijun’s ten-year career working with cooperatives in China, and Lauren’s commitment to empower community-based initiatives around the globe.
What big problems does your research aim to address?
Agricultural cooperatives are a proven way to empower farmers both financially and socially. This economic and community tool, however, is unequally accessible: only 6% of the world’s cooperatives are located in low-income countries. Our research investigated what makes agricultural co-ops successful in high-income nations like the U.S. and how these factors can be translated to alternative settings across the globe. By identifying principles of success, we aim to contribute to the growth of ag cooperatives in low-income countries as a means to empower international farmers.
How does your research address these problems?
Aijun: Over the past decade, I have been actively involved in supporting the development of cooperatives in China through research, capacity building, coaching, and exchanges. This period has seen significant growth in the number of cooperatives and the introduction of favorable government policies. However, our research—which includes an analysis of over 1,000 cooperatives in Southern China—reveals that only a handful of these cooperatives are truly successful. Many are struggling, with members feeling confused or lost.
Comparatively, the U.S. has a much longer history of modern cooperative development. American cooperatives generally outperform those in China and other developing countries in terms of membership, revenue, and management. Our research has conducted an in-depth study of the success factors of cooperatives in the U.S., providing insights into how the developing world might better develop this sector. The goal is to enhance the economic and social status of farmers by applying these insights.
Lauren: Our research project triangulated national and international data, academic literature, and a case study on Land O’ Lakes to identify keys to successfully growing and managing an agricultural cooperative as a community tool. We found that maintaining a focus on constituent producers, quality personnel, and savvy financial management are central challenges for agricultural cooperatives. We also found that emphasizing research and development, marketing, and experienced leadership aretraits of successful and long-living ag co-ops. These themes highlight several areas for future research on specific attributes of cooperative development. Additionally, these results illuminate the importance of educational campaigns and community capacity-building programs in low-income countries in creating room for the sustainable development of agricultural co-ops.
