This study examines how smallholder organic cocoa farmers in São Tomé and Príncipe perceive the value of cooperative memberships (CM) and how this perception influences their understanding and management of agricultural risks. It addresses the farmers' dilemma between adopting high-yielding crops for short-term profit and preserving traditional organic cocoa systems underpinning the Global Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.
Perceived value scale (PERVAL) model was adapted to assess functional, emotional, social and monetary dimensions. Data were collected from 630 organic cocoa producers through questionnaires using Likert-type scales. Relationships between perceived CM value and risk dimensions – occurrence probability, impact severity, self-control and risk management tools – were analysed using PLS-SEM.
Functional value, related to access to resources, technical support and cooperative governance, exerts the strongest positive influence on the other value dimensions. Cooperative value enhances perceived access to risk mitigation tools but may reduce farmers' sense of autonomy in managing risks. Cooperatives are important in balancing collective sustainability and individual self-reliance.
The study is limited to an island country context and one commodity system.
This study extends the PERVAL model to a cooperative governance and agribusiness context in a small island developing state. It provides new insights into farmer-centred value creation and risk governance, informing policy and sustainability strategies for inclusive organic value chain development in emerging economies.
