Cooperative Principles and the SDGs: An Analytical Framework and Evidence from Regional Development in India

This paper examines whether, how, and to what extent cooperative principles can support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It develops a conceptual framework linking the seven cooperative principles to selected SDG targets, providing an analytical tool to assess cooperatives’ contribution to inclusive and sustainable regional development. The framework is applied to village dairy cooperative societies in Gujarat, India—a region widely associated with the “Anand pattern” of dairy cooperation. Drawing on qualitative evidence from 40 structured interviews and eight focus group discussions with cooperative stakeholders, the study analyses how cooperative values, governance structures, and organisational practices translate into SDG-oriented outcomes. The findings reveal that dairy cooperatives contribute to poverty reduction, economic empowerment, social inclusion, technological upgrading, and community welfare. However, challenges persist, including limited participation of women and youth, informal leadership selection, unequal influence among members, rising input costs, and the need for stronger sustainable transitions through renewable energy and resource innovation.