An evaluation of the structures, goals and planning procedures and practices of the organisation of collective co-operatives in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Although the development of Collective Co-operatives began in the 19601 s, especially around Cold Comfort Farm, it is only since Independence that a recognizable movement for the development of collective co-operatives emerged. While the Government at Independence explicitly (albeit in general terms) pronounced policies to promote collective co-operatives, the legal administrative machinery and other requisite state support systems were not developed by then and are still under continuous review and development.It was to complement this policy direction and promote the interest of collectives that the Organisation of Collective Co-operatives was formed in 1982. Already, however, a multiplicity of problems relating to the environment in which OCCZIM operates and, problems related to its own internal organisation have emerged in the last three years. Indeed OCCZIM has been the subject of a number of callous evaluations sponsored by foreign non- Governmental Organisations (NGO) and "experts" which have played some role in supporting collectives. OCCZIM itself, however, has recognized the need to scientifically evaluate its activities within the concrete environment it operates. It is to this end that OCCZIM requested the Zimbabwe Institute of Development Studies (ZIDS) to conduct a study of its Headquarters, as part of a wider assessment of the development of OCCZIM, with the following study objectives of reference.