Functions of Cooperatives in Food Security

The functions of cooperatives in food security are as follows:

To provide goods and services at a reasonable price

Be it in the form of affordable loans at reasonable interest rates from cheap goods at discounted rates to affordable housing from housing societies.

Aim at eliminating middlemen

 Societies do this by coming together with members to sell their products and members can even purchase these at discounted prices.  Middlemen are known to increase the prices of products and create artificial shortages at the market. For this, cooperative societies bring together various producers and suppliers of different products together and sell directly to consumers.

Prevent exploitation of the weaker members of society

Such societies are set up to protect the interests of producers and artisans, They aim to fight against big capitalists and enhance the bargaining power of self-employed workers and small to medium producers.

Protect the rights of people as both producers and consumers

The needs of their members are focused on, which includes both producers and consumers and also provide financial and technical support to members.

Contribute to the more sustainable food system

 Agricultural cooperatives mostly participate along the supply chain and help small-scale farmers access markets, inputs, credit, and technical support.

Empowering vulnerable and old people

Housing cooperation provides housing for its members who only pay a reasonable membership fee.

Protection of Environment

Cooperatives take measures to respond to environmental degradation as well as protect and sustainably manage the available natural resources.

A cooperative society is an organization owned and run by the people using its goods and services. They are a worldwide phenomenon with various definitions and diverse structures. They are an association of users or small firms, or sometimes households, aiming to serve the community as a whole. 

They aim for the replacement of capitalism with cooperation, are non-discriminatory, prioritize discussions, and follow the ideals of self-help and mutual understanding.