Consumer cooperation as a tool for sustainable rural development

Abstract

The article is devoted to the most popular segment of the global cooperative sector – consumer cooperation. Based on the definition of specific features of this type of cooperation, a special dynamism and adaptability of consumer associations in solving vital social problems and implementing the UN sustainable development goals is shown. The author asserts that the significant growth rates of the world consumer cooperation are determined by the lack of conditionality of its development by the formation of material prerequisites and to a greater extent depend on the organization of information and propaganda work to promote cooperative "self-help". Analysis of world experience has shown that an important factor in the growth of the cooperative movement is the exchange of practices between cooperative organizations on the planet. Being a public organization by nature, consumer cooperation is an essential part of civil society. The analysis and dissemination of international experience in consumer cooperation play a significant role in the activation of civil initiative in self-organization.