Article Gold Open Access 2014

Collective learning in youth-focused co-operatives in Lesotho and Uganda

Journal of International Development
Journal · Vol. 26 · Issue 5 · pp. 713-730
Abstract

The co-operative revival in some African countries includes a focus on youth as the next generation of co-operators, where youth are increasingly establishing co-operatives and joining existing ones. Based on fieldwork with youth co-operatives in Lesotho and Uganda, the article shows how co-operatives promote collective learning, and how members learn 'from' and 'with' each other, leading to new ways of thinking and action. The dynamics are influenced by trust and power relations, the specificities of different co-operatives and access to co-operative networks. These findings reinforce the need for a youth policy in the African co-operative movement and supporting organisations. © 2014 The Authors.

Keywords

Author Keywords

youth Networks Learning Uganda power Lesotho Trust Co-operatives

Index Keywords

learning Uganda young population social network cooperative sector power relations social movement Lesotho
Author Affiliations
Development Policy and Practice, The Open University, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
References 10 References
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8 Social Research Methods, (2001)
9 An Analysis of the Socio Economic Impact of Co Operatives in Africa and their Institutional Context
10 Qualitative Research Practice, (2004)
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