The document summarizes research on the evolution and impact of cooperative organizations in rural Africa. It outlines that cooperatives have transitioned from being community-based and defensive under colonialism to being state/donor-driven during nationalism to now being more market-driven. Research shows cooperatives have had a positive impact on productivity and technology adoption in countries like Ethiopia, Senegal, and Ghana. However, issues like elite capture, shirking of responsibilities by members, and low levels of collective commercialization persist in many cooperatives. The document discusses challenges in cooperative governance and proposes a framework to improve internal governance through training and targeting of external incentives. It outlines the EDC project's work in research, outreach and building