The document summarizes research findings from a study of smallholder agriculture and cooperative associations (CA) in Ethiopia. The key findings are:
1) Formal cooperatives and informal savings groups are the main types of CA for smallholder farmers. Women make up only 10-20% of cooperative members but play an important role in production.
2) Women benefit the most from membership in informal savings groups which allow them to access loans and resources. External agents are important in supporting both cooperatives and savings groups.
3) The research recommends focusing future phases on sub-sectors like honey and milk where CA is common and exploring how membership in multiple groups can better benefit women.