Objective: This study aimed to analyze the sustainability of fish propagation and breeding cooperatives, identifying the key factors influencing their sustainability. The goal was to provide solutions to enhance the effectiveness and longevity of these cooperatives.
Methods: This research was applied in nature and used a survey-based approach. A structured, researcher-made questionnaire was employed for data collection. The questionnaire’s validity was confirmed through content analysis by a panel of experts, while its reliability was assessed via a pilot study, yielding a Cronbach's alpha coefficient between 0.59 and 0.94. The study’s statistical population consisted of 454 members from 61 active fish propagation and breeding cooperatives in the central district of Ahvaz County. Using Morgan's table, a sample of 150 cooperative members was selected via simple random sampling. To explore the challenges faced by cooperatives, content analysis was conducted, focusing on 20 members from successful cooperatives, continuing until theoretical saturation was reached.
Results: The study found that the sustainability of fish propagation and breeding cooperatives was influenced by three main stages:
- Feasibility and Design
- Establishment and Exploitation
- Cooperative Development
Key factors affecting sustainability in these stages included organizational identity, identical commitment, and the legal framework. The cooperatives were found to be vulnerable in several dimensions, particularly in terms of education, infrastructure, social dynamics, and economic conditions.
Conclusion: This study used a concurrent parallel design, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive view of sustainability in fish breeding cooperatives. The quantitative analysis identified the primary predictors of sustainability, while the qualitative insights offered a deeper understanding of the contextual factors, such as the role of organizational identity and the emotional connections among members.
The findings highlighted the importance of education and social dynamics, revealing that sustainability extends beyond quantitative measures. This mixed-methods approach enriched the understanding of cooperative sustainability and emphasized the need for a holistic view of the factors that influence their long-term success.
