An Investigation of the Effects of Agricultural Production Cooperatives (APCs), Hamedan Province

The main objective of this study, conducted as a survey research is an evaluation of the effects of Agricultural Productions Cooperatives (APC) in Hamedan province. At present, 1050 APCs are active in Iran, of which 32 have been established in Hamedan Province. Research population includes all farmers who are members of APC in Hamedan province, i.e. 2253 farmers of whom 146 were selected through sampling method. The most important tool for collecting information in the research was questionnaire. Beside questionnaire, interview, observation and documentary studies were also employed. The precision of indices cited in the questionnaire or face validity has been confirmed by specialists. To confirm research reliability, questionnaires were distributed among a number of farmers to be filled. The results were studied, Cronbach's ? was calculated and found to be 79%- an acceptable figure. The results of the research show although, farmer's need level for APC service is high (2.5 out of 3), but APCs don’t present their required suitable function (0.89 out of 3). Results of Wilcoxon Test showed no significant relationship between farmers' needs and functioning of APCs. It has finally been suggested that, with regard to the standing of cooperatives in the Islamic Republic, the Process of establishment and expansion of Agricultural production cooperatives must be reviewed and reinstated