Evaluation of Agricultural Cooperatives in Cabanatuan City Nueva Ecija, Philippines During Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The primary goal of cooperatives is to address the needs of their members and not for profit. The profit of a cooperation is distributed to its shareholders after deducting the cost. Agricultural cooperatives are becoming one of the most effective methods in the growth of countries with agriculture-based economy. The success of an agricultural cooperative depends on different factors. This includes competent managers, strategic plans, and proper execution of plans. These factors however were put to test by the spread of Covid-19 Virus all throughout the globe. Many sectors including agriculture were greatly affected. To further develop strategies in improving the performance of agricultural cooperatives even under the scare of a pandemic, it is important to start by analyzing the current situation of existing cooperatives. With that, this paper provides information and knowledge about the state and dynamics of cooperatives in the Philippines during the Covid-19 pandemic, which can be used to develop strategic programs and policies to enhance them. Its goal was to look at the effects of the pandemic on the performance of agricultural cooperatives in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. It also attempted to identify key organizational capacity indicators that cooperatives require to exist and fulfill their role as effective partners in increasing their members' well-being. In this study, the strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats of agricultural cooperatives operating in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines were tried to be determined by using the SWOT analysis.