Journal of Co-operative and Business Studies (JCBS)

The Impact of Training on Organisational Performance: Empirical Evidence from Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOS) in Tanzania

Kelvin M Mwita Mwita — 2024-08-08

Organizations strive to achieve superior performance in the competitive business environment they operate in. Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOS), like many other organisations, have been using various strategies and practices to make sure they meet their stakeholders’ expectations by attaining desirable performance. Unexpectedly, there are SACCOS in Tanzania have not been well performing despite various inputs invested in these organizations. Empirical evidence shows that training is one of human resource management functions that influences organizational performance. However, there is no sufficient empirical evidence to validate this claim in SACCOS in the Tanzania’s context. This study was conducted to fill this research gap. Three sub-variables of training namely training needs assessment, training methods and training content were examined to detect how they relate with SACCOS performance. Resource based theory was used to guide the study. The study adopted a quantitative approach through a simple random sampling technique. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from 321 HR Managers (or their equivalent) in Tanzania SACCOS with specific focus in Dares Salaam region. Descriptive (mean, standard deviations and frequencies) and inferential statistics (correlation & regression) were used. The study found a significant positive relationship between training needs assessment and SACCOS performance. A positive and significant relationship between training methods and SACCOS performance was also detected. Moreover, the study found a positive significant relationship between training content and SACCOS performance (. It is thus generally concluded that training is an effective determinant of SACCOS performance in Tanzania. The study recommends provision of training among SACCOS employees that considers training needs assessment and uses appropriate training methods with relevant training content to be provided to enhance organizational performance.

Effects of Cotton Market Instability on Primary Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies: A Case of Meatu District, Simiyu Region, Tanzania

Kitala Christian Malamsha — 2024-08-08

This paper assesses the effects of cotton market instability on Agriculture Marketing Co-operative Society (AMCOS) in Tanzania. Specific objectives of the study were to examine the effect of instability of cotton farmers' revenue in AMCOS, evaluate the effect of decline in cotton farmers’ income in AMCOS, investigates the effect of cotton market instability in AMCOS, and analysing the factors contributing to cotton market instability. To gather data for the study, 207 respondents from ten AMCOS in Meatu District were interviewed. Questionnaires and interviews were the methods of data collection used. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. The findings of the study reveal that market instability is directly related to fluctuations in crop prices, a decline in cotton production, and a poor input supply system, which in turn leads to poor crop quality. These factors significantly impact the prices and hence revenue that cotton farmers receive. Therefore concluded that, the existing cotton market leads to instability in AMCOS. The instability in revenue and decline in income lead to cotton market instability. Six factors have been concluded to contribute significantly to market instability and they include competition with other crops, low demand in the world market, low price levels, poor climatic conditions, poor input supply, and low production levels. This study recommends that AMCOS should provide up-to-date educational support to its members to enhance their understanding of the activities required to produce high-quality crops. There should be an emphasis on increasing cotton production through the effective use of extension services and the adoption of improved quality inputs. Finally, the government should continue to revise agricultural policies to address the issue of inadequate input supply, thus mitigating the risk of low production. This paper provides insights into cotton market instability ending interventions.