Cooperativism in itaú/RN

the contribution of coapil to development based on the perception of associates and cooperactivated

Abstract

Cooperativism can play a relevant role in overcoming socioeconomic difficulties experienced by a wide population contingent in different geographic spaces, as an alternative to promote economic integration Socially vulnerable groups and for the occupation of market niches. Historical evidences indicate that the municipality of Itaú/RN has already counted on one of the most important cooperatives of the Upper West Potiguar. This research aims to "identify the contributions of COAPIL (Cooperativa Agropecuária de Itaú LTDA.) to the development of Itaú/RN, from the perception of the agents directly involved". For this work was based on bibliographic research and through a survey of what remained of the documentary collection of the cooperative, besides field research and conducting interviews with 17 members of the cooperative (partners and older workers and who still reside in the municipality of Itaú/RN). The data and information collected evidence the importance of COAPIL in the generation of jobs, constituting, for a long time, as the main generator of jobs in the municipality and adjacent areas. On the other hand, it proved incapable of promoting substantial changes in the socio-economic structure. n fact, it has become an instrument for the maintenance of political power and for the reaffirmation of social differentiations.