Research on World Agricultural Economy

Cooperative Participation and the Perception Gap in Livestock Farmers’ Quality of Life: Evidence from a Small African Economy

Daniela Lopes

Coimbra Agriculture School, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, 3045‑093 Coimbra, Portugal

Isabel Dinis

Coimbra Agriculture School, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, 3045‑093 Coimbra, Portugal; Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society (CERNAS), Polytechnic University of Coimbra, 3045‑601 Coimbra, Portugal

Paula Simões

School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria Campus 2, 2411‑901 Leiria, Portugal; Faculty of Economics, Univ Coimbra, CeBER, 3004‑512 Coimbra, Portugal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v7i2.2648

Received: 18 August 2025 | Revised: 24 October 2025 | Accepted: 28 October 2025 | Published Online: 19 May 2026

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Abstract

Cooperatives in the primary sector have played an important role in increasing income, strengthening capacities, and empowering citizens, especially in less developed countries, where strong public institutions to promote quality of life are lacking. This research, applied to São Tomé and Príncipe, studies the reasons for joining livestock cooperatives and the benefits that members report receiving, and relates them to their perceived quality of life. Data from a sample of 106 breeders, who are currently active members of livestock cooperatives was used. A logit model relates the perception of change in quality of live to socio-demographic variables and cooperative action. Additionally, a multinomial logit was used to assess the alignment between perception in change in quality of life and tangible changes. The logit model shows that participating in cooperative decision-making has the strongest effect on the perception that a cooperative positively impacts members’ quality of life. Access to credit, technical support, and provision of market information are the cooperative services that have a significant impact, being positive for all. The multinomial logit revealed the presence of two groups in the sample, the aligned and the optimists. For the aligned group, perceptions and tangible gains match, while for the optimists there is a perceived improvement in the quality of life, but without tangible gains. It seems that optimists value other dimensions such as knowledge, empowerment, and participation, resultant from engagement. To foster inclusive and lasting development, cooperative leaders and policy makers must consider both the tangible and intangible dimensions of quality of life, ensuring members feel not only materially supported, but also socially recognized and empowered.

Keywords: Africa; Livestock Cooperatives; Rural Development; Quality of Life; Subjective Well‑Being

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