A study conducted by the Latin American Foundation and authorities from the Centre for Cooperative Studies and Training (CENECOOP), determined that the cooperative model in Costa Rica is not just a production tool, but also an alternative to meet the needs of associates and their families.
Head of the research Roberto Artavia, former chancellor of INCAE Business School, explained that Zarcero is a community where all kids go to school and graduate, the health clinic and the center of the National Training Institute (INA) work very well and its public transport system and water service are great. It is considered one out of the 10 cantons with greater social progress in the country.
All this is thanks to cooperatives which have been creating housing and education projects, and working with the government to develop health platforms for years,”
explained Artavia
However, he stated that smaller cooperatives such as coffee growers in Bajura have serious problems, because they can neither increase the production nor develop the brand.
e a direct care plan must be made as soon as possible,
urged Artavia.
The structure of the movement is firstly based on the cooperatives, and then comes the Committee of Cooperatives of Self-management, which is the National Council of Cooperatives (CONACOOP) political arm. There is also the National Institute for Cooperative Development (INFOCCOP), a public institution in charge of the promotion and development of cooperation. in addition, CENECOOP works on training, education and research.
In relation with the cooperatives’ future, it needs to be mentioned that the Congress is currently discussing the Social Solidarity Economy Law.