Cooperative Agriculture and Capacity Building for Young Adults - A Case Study on the Kole Wetland Model of Cooperative Agriculture in Kerala, India

Abstract

VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) in the agriculture sector calls for adaptation to rapid environmental changes through capacity building. There is little evidence in existing research on the role of agricultural cooperatives as knowledge transfer systems that effectively support capacity￾building through agricultural education among young adults. There is also a need to identify specific practical strategies for tackling capacity building in a VUCA environment. This thesis aims to study challenges and opportunities in capacity-building in the agricultural sector in a developing country using the Kole Wetland Cooperative as a case study. By using the case study methodology to further understand the role of agricultural cooperatives in capacity building as knowledge transfer systems, the researcher could identify practical solutions to improve capacity building in Kerala, India. Data for the study were collected through interviews and focus groups. The sample of 31 individuals, selected through snowballing, consisted of students, agriculture officials, farmers from the Kole Wetland Cooperative, and members of the managing committee of the cooperative. Thematic analysis of the data revealed challenges like societal stigma linked to jobs in agriculture and a gap between education and practice in agriculture. However, initiatives by the government, agricultural universities, and other allied research centres continue to contribute to capacity building. The study revealed that agricultural cooperatives had the trust of their members and the community. Capacity-building activities that utilise this trust to further improve the existing system would go a great way in enhancing the productivity and efficiency of the agriculture sector by preparing young adults to tackle a VUCA environment. This study provides practical solutions to improving capacity building in a VUCA environment, which, if implemented with better cohesion between all stakeholders, would lead to sustainable growth in the country.