Assessment of Cooperatives in the Poultry Industry - 2013.pdf - Seda

Research Report: Addressing the Needs, Opportunities and Challenges of Cooperatives
and Collectively Owned Enterprises in the Poultry and Related Industries
Database of cooperatives supported by SEDA:
At present SEDA does not have a central database with information on cooperatives receiving
support. This makes it difficult to monitor cooperative support and also poses a challenge
concerning collaboration with other support organisations. Hence, it is recommended that a
single master database is created and kept up-to-date. This database should contain contact
information for the cooperatives as well as information about the support received and the
history of the cooperatives relationship with SEDA. This will improve the tracking of the impact
of support provided to cooperatives
Enhance working relationships and communication channels with other support
organisations:
Cooperatives are assisted by a number of different organisations, such as the Department of
Agriculture and the Dti, with duplication of assistance often occurring. For example, a number
of different organisations may assist a cooperative in completing a business plan. It is,
therefore, recommended that relationships with other support organisations be strengthened
and that the focus areas of intervention be clarified. In this way, cooperatives seeking
assistance can be directed towards the most appropriate support vehicle.
Through coordination with other support agencies SEDA will be able to provide information
beyond the scope of their support. For example, cooperatives could be informed and put in
contact with relevant agents from organisations offering different types of support. Building
relationships with organisations who offer financial assistance, etc. will also help in providing
cooperatives with information around the requirements to apply.
Duplication of effort and overlap in support could also be eliminated by introducing the
development of a comprehensive government database of cooperatives (this may be facilitated
through CIPC) and the keeping of records on the forms of assistance cooperatives have received
from various agencies (refer also Section 5.2.4). Additionally, individualised training and
development plans may be reflected on this database. If a centralised database is not possible,
agencies should aim to communicate with officers of various organisations in the area.
Improved communication amongst support agencies will improve the allocation of assistance
and the provision of complementary support; avoid duplication and ensure more productive
use of funds.
5.2.5.
Entrepreneurial Development
The survey analysis in the previous chapter revealed that many cooperatives start their businesses
due to a desire to create employment. In these cases, the business/ product type is generally
decided upon based on businesses that have already been established in in the area and that appear
to be successful. The decision, therefore, often does not involve much consideration about business
type based on development opportunities, gaps in the market or the competitive advantages of the
91 | P a g e U r b a n - E c o n : D e v e l o p m e n t E c o n o m i s t s