Strategic Analysis of Agricultural Entrepreneurial Cooperative Formation in Kermanshah Province

Abstract1
The purpose of this feasibility study was to determine potential of establishing
agricultural entrepreneurial cooperative using SWOT analysis. The population
comprised of entrepreneurs and specialist in the field of agriculture (N=28). Data
was collected using interview and structured questionnaire. The content analysis of
data revealed that opportunities for establishing agricultural entrepreneurial
cooperatives are: “the existence of annual entrepreneurship exhibitions and fairs”,
“using low interest loans”, and “a high rate of job seekers in agriculture”. The
threats included: “lack of effective management in related offices”, “Beurocracy in
agricultural production market”, and “weak national policies related to producers,
entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurship”. The strength included: “entrepreneurs’
demand for marketing”, “distribution, and exports of agricultural production,
promoting safe food by entrepreneurs”, and “diversity of entrepreneurial activities
in agriculture”. Finally, weaknesses included: “lack of cooperation from
management panel in the cooperative”, “lack of monitoring by responsible parties”,
and “negative attitude of entrepreneurs towards cooperatives”. The best strategy
recommended for cooperative formation lies in conservative area (WO). This
means that although there are weaknesses, there are appropriate opportunities in
establishing entrepreneurial cooperatives.