Rashmi ChaudharyRACHNA2024-07-222024-07-222024-07-24https://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/5810212338The present study aims to evaluate the role of agriculture cooperatives in improving the livelihoods of marginal and small farmers in Himachal Pradesh. The study employed multi-stage sampling technique to select 318 member respondents who were the decision-makers in agriculture cooperatives. The data collection was done using a well-designed pre-tested schedule through a survey method. The livelihood of the member respondents was determined using the livelihood assessment index, the role of cooperatives in improving the livelihood was determined by multiple linear regression and the factors influencing the performance of the agriculture cooperatives were identified using principal component analysis. The findings of the study revealed a moderate initial livelihood index of 0.30, which increased to 0.58 after cooperative engagement, with primary agricultural cooperatives showing the highest livelihood index (0.61), followed by marketing (0.54), milk (0.50), and weaver cooperatives (0.50). These findings underscore the positive influence of cooperative membership on livelihoods, highlighting the significance of cooperative involvement in bolstering livelihood outcomes. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed significant predictors influencing the dependent variable as education, income status, membership duration, cooperative savings, and various cooperative activities were positively associated. The overall model was highly significant (p < 0.001) with an R-squared of 62.2 per cent, indicating substantial explanatory power. The factor analysis results revealed that the performance of agricultural cooperative societies is significantly influenced by certain key factors especially; high levels of member engagement, transparency within the cooperative's operations, and the frequency of meetings held annually are strongly correlated with the primary which implies that these aspects play pivotal roles in determining the success of agricultural cooperatives. The study highlights the significance of voluntary participation and democratic decision-making in cooperatives, emphasizing inclusivity and member empowerment. However, it also stresses the necessity of enhancing education and training efforts to bridge knowledge gaps, thereby improving cooperative performance and ensuring the well-being of members and society at large. The findings of the study suggested that the importance of prioritizing social welfare programs, promoting community development projects, and strengthening regulatory frameworks are important for sustaining cooperatives' long-term success and active member engagement in policy development processes is crucial for ensuring viability and positive societal impact.EnglishThesis