Factors affecting the process of capital accumulation in Peruvian sheep producer cooperatives : a case study of Cap El Diezmo Palcan

This case study of a sheep-raising Agrarian Production Cooperative (CAP) at Diezmo Palcan examines the ability of CAP"s to accumulate capital and increase productivity per unit of labor. It was hypothesized that four variables affect this ability: source and levels of members" income; the production base; members" participation in cooperative activities; and members" identification with the cooperative. It was found that wages were the main source of member income, while the production base was the most important factor supporting total income per cooperative member. For example, the production base of the Palcan CAP comprises 327 sheep units per family (20 more than the minimum needed for the subsistence requirements of a family of five). The CAP has decided to invest most of its profits in additional production units rather than distribute them as profits or social funds. A 23-item bibliography (1969-83) is appended. (Author abstract, modified)