ABSTRACT
Across Africa, cooperatives have long served as vehicles for collective action, socioeconomic empowerment, and community development. However, there is limited knowledge on their potential as structured, equitable, and locally grounded institutions for natural resources. This chapter examines the evolving interface between cooperative organisations and the governance of natural resources. By synthesising evidence from contributions to this book and drawing on the broader literature on cooperatives and the solidarity economy, the chapter situates cooperatives within broader debates on sustainability, decentralisation, and community rights, arguing that they are uniquely positioned to address Africa’s pressing environmental challenges when supported by appropriate institutional and policy frameworks. The chapter begins by mapping the historical trajectory of cooperatives in Africa, highlighting how their mandates have largely centred on agriculture, marketing, finance, and service delivery. It then examines emerging trends in community-based and participatory natural resource governance, which increasingly require inclusive, accountable, and socially embedded institutions. Through a synthesis of case studies, the chapter demonstrates that cooperatives, by harnessing the principles and values of the cooperative movement, are crucial in ensuring their relevance in strengthening environmental stewardship, improving compliance with management regulations, and enhancing the equitable distribution of benefits derived from natural resources. The chapter argues that strengthening the roles of cooperatives in natural resource management can advance Africa’s transition towards more resilient ecosystems, empowered communities, and just resource governance systems. The chapter identifies a framework for understanding the role of cooperatives in natural resource management and concludes with directions for future research.
