International Co-operative Research

The research team provides a focal point for enquiries regarding co-operative development and is able to respond to a range of requests for information or advice.

Co-operatives and International Development

In recent years, there has been an absence of major research into co-operatives and their role in international development. This gap has become more apparent with the current revival of co-operatives and increasing interest in them from both government and non-governmental agencies.

Our research focus is on the role of co-operatives, how they can help to tackle poverty and the ways in which they can promote development.

Key themes include: 

• The impact of co-operative development on local communities
• Co-operatives and Fairtrade
• Education for development
• Histories of co-operative development in East Africa
• Gender issues and women’s leadership
• Co-operatives and transport