Akshata Thavai, S. D. Argade, P. S. Ananthan, Neha Qureshi, Chandani Dave

Fisheries Cooperative Governance Quality Index: A novel methodology for assessing primary fisheries cooperative societies

Introduction

Fisheries cooperative governance quality index: a novel methodology for assessing primary fisheries cooperative societies. Assess fisheries cooperative governance quality in Pune, Maharashtra using the novel FCGQI. Discover insights on leadership, women empowerment, and strategies to strengthen co-ops and livelihoods.

Abstract

The governance of cooperative societies is an important facet as it indicates success or failure for any cooperative society. The present study was conducted in the purposively selected Pune District of Maharashtra State with randomly selected 41 Primary Inland Fisheries Cooperative Societies (PIFCSs) for assessing quality of governance using novel Fisheries Cooperative Governance Quality Index (FCGQI). The study found that the majority (51.22%) of PIFCSs had medium governance quality scores (0.56-0.70), followed by 34.15% of PIFCSs showing low (<0.55) level of governance quality. The governance quality in PIFCSs perceived by the executive body (0.57) and the general body (0.55) members was found closely aligned. There were significant opinion differences among the executive body (0.47) and the general body (0.40) members about the quality of leadership in IPFCSs. The quality of governance in selected fisheries cooperatives positively correlated with younger leadership, trained executive body members, availability of basic infrastructure, greater interactions with other organizations and higher levels of women empowerment. The regression model with selected independent factors found best fit (R2=0.78). Ensuring regular staff, basic infrastructure, diversified income generating activities, enhancing women and youth participation, along with building leadership capacity and stronger collaborations with research and development institutions would strengthen fisheries cooperatives and sustain member’s livelihoods. Keywords: Inland fisheries, Leadership, Livelihood, Teaming, Women empowerment

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