Reversal of Gains: The State of Co-Operatives Movement in Eastern Province of Zamba After Liberalisation, 1992-2002

The study attempts to discuss the performance and effects of farming co-operatives after liberalisation in Eastern Province of Zambia, 1992-2002. The study also discusses the impact of liberalisation policy on farming co-operatives in Eastern Province. The data collection method was remark favorably on by information from written materials, which includes published and unpublished sources such as articles in journals, books, thesis and dissertations from University of Zambia Repository. Oral interviews were conducted from notable figures who once worked with the co-operatives. The liberalisation of agricultural co-operatives and marketing was expected to provide incentives for the participation of the private sector, with consequences of competitive marketing benefiting smallholder farmers through better marketing arrangements and higher prices. The study determines that liberalization of agriculture co-operatives in Eastern Province had been positive for consumer and private traders. However, there have been a deleterious experience for many farmers and this mistreated agricultural progress during a period 1991-2002, as compared to the UNIP government when co-operatives were fully funded and controlled by government. The findings also suggest that peasant, particularly, the poor were the main losers through unfair trading practices and influence of private traders, and lack of reliable markets for agricultural produce and inputs.