Building cooperative resilience: lessons from an identity based decision support tool

Jane Amuge, Charity Okaba, Brenda Ogutu, David Muruaru

SECTOR

Governance

PROJECT TYPE

Mixed-methods study

DOI

Location

Uganda

BEHAVIORAL THEME

Cooperative learning || cooperative identity

OVERVIEW

The Coop Profiler and the Cooperative Resilience Measurement Index (CRMI) are identity-based digital tools designed to help cooperatives measure, track, and strengthen their resilience. Tested with 59 cooperatives over two years, the tools show that adherence to cooperative values and principles significantly improves performance, adaptability, and sustainability. The study demonstrates measurable gains in resilience when cooperatives receive targeted training, support, and data-driven insights.

Research Questions

Does upholding cooperative identity drive resilience?
Can CRMI and the Coop Profiler provide accurate, actionable resilience measurement?
How do cooperatives experience and benefit from data-driven tools?

Methods

A two-year mixed-methods study involving 109 resilience surveys, 218 end-user surveys, 7 expert interviews, and validation workshops with over 150 sector stakeholders. Cooperative leaders were trained and served as both participants and enumerators, using the Coop Profiler to submit resilience data across two phases.

THEMATIC AREAS

Key Findings

71% of low-resilience cooperatives improved, and resilient cooperatives increased by 48% within two years.
SACCOs and perennial-crop cooperatives showed the highest resilience due to stronger systems and compliance.
Training and continuous measurement led to major improvements in values such as social responsibility and voluntary membership.
User satisfaction with the Coop Profiler increased, with more leaders recommending the tool.
Digital tools exist but remain fragmented, highlighting the need for harmonized and standardized resilience measurement.

Policy & Development Implications

Standardized, interoperable data systems are essential for sector-wide resilience measurement.
Affordable connectivity and improved digital literacy will increase tool adoption and inclusion.
Aligning tools with cooperative identity strengthens governance, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
Coordinated national frameworks can enhance comparability, compliance, and performance across cooperatives.

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