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Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science

ISSN Print: 2576-0556 Downloads: 1380021 Total View: 9329570
Frequency: monthly ISSN Online: 2576-0548 CODEN: JHASAY
Email: jhass@hillpublisher.com Citations: 301
ArticleOpen Access http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.10.036

Economic, Social, and Political Impacts of Women’s Cooperatives in Morocco: A Case Study of the Fès-Meknès Region

El Houssain Bouichou1,*, Fatima Zahra Benbrahim2, Aziz Fadlaoui1

1Regional Agricultural Research Center, INRA CRRA, Meknes 50000, Morocco.

2Research in Management Sciences of Organizations Laboratory ENCG-Kenitra, Ibn Tofaïl University, Kénitra 14000, Morocco.

*Corresponding author: El Houssain Bouichou

Published: November 24,2025

Abstract

Women’s cooperatives, defined as member-based organizations led and managed by women to promote their collective socio-economic interests, represent a critical opportunity and a socio-economic and political challenge in the Fès-Meknès region of Morocco. This study aims to examine the multifaceted impacts of women’s cooperatives on local development, with a focus on their economic, social, and political contributions. It also seeks to provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance their effectiveness and sustainability. A mixed-methods research design was adopted to integrate both quantitative and qualitative perspectives. A total of 180 participants were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data collection tools included structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through AMOS software, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings reveal that women’s cooperatives have significant social, economic, and political impacts in the region. Socially, they contribute to women’s empowerment, improved self-esteem, and enhanced community participation. Economically, they generate income, improve livelihoods, and promote local entrepreneurship. Politically, they foster civic engagement and enhance women’s participation in local governance and decision-making processes. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening institutional support for women’s cooperatives, improving access to financial and technical resources, and promoting inclusive policies that facilitate their integration into local development strategies.

Keywords

Gender and development; mixed-methods research; political empowerment; rural women empowerment; women’s cooperatives

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How to cite this paper

Economic, Social, and Political Impacts of Women’s Cooperatives in Morocco: A Case Study of the Fès-Meknès Region

How to cite this paper: El Houssain Bouichou, Fatima Zahra Benbrahim, Aziz Fadlaoui. (2025) Economic, Social, and Political Impacts of Women’s Cooperatives in Morocco: A Case Study of the Fès-Meknès Region. Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Science9(10), 2066-2086.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/jhass.2025.10.036