Evaluating the governance structure of dairy cooperatives in Central Malawi

Dairy cooperatives play a critical role in improving smallholder farmers’ access to markets, inputs, and collective decision-making. However, the effectiveness of these cooperatives largely depends on governance quality, which influences member participation, transparency, accountability, and sustainability. In Malawi, empirical evidence on socioeconomic and institutional determinants of governance participation in dairy cooperatives remains limited. This study examined these determinants in Central Malawi, focusing on board membership, bylaw awareness, and member involvement. A convergent mixed-methods design was adopted, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were collected from 358 to 387 members across 10 cooperatives using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, multivariate probit models, marginal effects, cross-equation correlations, fixed effects, and multilevel logit models within the Structure–Conduct–Performance framework. Qualitative data from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, document review, and observations were analysed thematically to complement statistical results. Findings show that cooperative membership is dominated by middle-aged, married, and moderately educated farmers with small herd sizes and low-to-middle incomes. Education significantly increases bylaw awareness and governance participation, while age influences board membership and awareness. Income increases likelihood of board membership but reduces active participation, while household size and herd ownership enhance involvement. Access to credit is associated with lower governance participation. Cooperative age and size significantly shape governance outcomes, with older cooperatives showing stronger awareness and participation but weaker leadership dynamism. Qualitative results confirm that although governance structures such as bylaws, elected boards, and democratic procedures exist, implementation is constrained by weak enforcement, limited governance literacy, inadequate transparency, inconsistent accountability, and gender inequality in leadership. The study concludes that governance participation is shaped by the interaction of socioeconomic and institutional factors. Strengthening enforcement, governance education, inclusive leadership, and gender equity is essential for improving accountability and sustainability in dairy cooperatives in Central Malawi.