Farmers' assessment of social and economic benefits derived from cooperatives, private firms and other agricultural organizations in the Aegean region of Turkey

This study seeks to determine farmers preferences for firms, dealers or cooperatives in terms of economic and social benefits. The economic benefits criteria include the level of profit each enterprise type is able to generate for farmers, and the risk protection and marketing advantages each affords to farmers. The study also compared the social benefits that farmers derive from cooperatives and other agricultural organizations. Data were collected from 203 farmers, in six provinces: Tire, Odemis, Kemalpasa, Seferihisar, Foca and Urla in the Aegean region of Turkey, using face-to-face interviews. The study employed the following two different analytic hierarchy process AHP models to determine the enterprise preferences of farmers: Model 1 assessed farmer's enterprise preferences in terms of high profit, low risk and marketing advantages. Model 2 evaluated farmers' enterprise and organization preferences in terms of social benefits, human development and democratic participation. Model 1 indicates that farmers prefer cooperatives (score of 0.632) over firms and dealers. Firms and dealers were assigned preferences scores of 0.239 and 0.129, respectively. In Model 2, farmers prefer cooperatives (0.491). The chamber of farmers and extension were assigned preference scores of 0.273 and 0.236, respectively. In conclusion, farmers still have confidence in the ability of cooperatives to provide the market-related services they need and opportunities for social development and democratic expression. These results may also indicate farmers' satisfaction with their role and influence in determining cooperative governance and modus operandi. Additionally, farmers' positive attitudes and confidence in cooperatives may also be an expression of deeply held values rooted in cultural and institutional traditions of collaboration and group action at the village level over many decades.