WP 41 | 12 Co-operation as a remedy in times of crisis: agricultural co-operatives in the world

Changing framework conditions and a changing environment result in challenges with which the better-off can cope more easily than the poor. In times of rapid change, the individual is often unable to adjust to the requirements of the changed surroundings. Old social and economic structures cease to be effective, old knowledge and skills are devalued. When facing new challenges, learning by experience is ruled out. For the individual, it is difficult to find access to new knowledge, new technologies, additional resources and new markets. In such times of change and crisis, cooperation with others facing similar problems may prove to be a remedy. However, pooling resources presupposes that the individuals who decide to co-operate dispose at least of small potentials and means which they can put together in order to build up united strength.