Introduction
The fishing industry contributes significantly to global and national food production and economies. Fishing accounts for a substantial portion of global aquatic production (FAO, 2022), highlighting the importance of effective fishing management. In Iran, Khuzestan province, with its extensive coastline and abundant water resources, is a key player in the national fishing sector (Geological Survey and Mineral Explorations of Iran, 2016; Iran Fishing Organization, 2021). Fishery cooperatives, as non-governmental organizations, aim to improve the livelihoods of fishermen by providing various services, including access to resources, financial assistance, and professional support (Islamic Republic of Iran, 1971). However, the performance of these cooperatives varies, and understanding the factors that influence their effectiveness is crucial for policy-making and sustainable development (Olquner et al., 2015; Sari and Rahmayanti, 2022).
Methodology
This research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The initial exploratory phase involved in-depth interviews with 15 experts in the fishing sector, including managers of cooperatives, government officials, and researchers (Hsu and Sandford., 2007). These interviews, lasting approximately 40 minutes each, aimed to identify key performance indicators of fishing cooperatives. The experts were selected using a systematic cluster sampling method, based on their experience in the fishing sector, fishing industry, or fishing cooperatives (Acharya et al., 2013). A single-round Delphi technique was used to refine the identified indicators.
Based on the interview data and a literature review, a five-point Likert scale questionnaire was developed to assess the importance and prioritization of the identified performance indicators among the fishing community (Boateng et al., 2018). The questionnaire’s validity was assessed using content validity, and its reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient exceeding 0.8 (Taber, 2018). The target population comprised over 100,000 active fishermen in Khuzestan's coastal fishing cooperatives. A sample size of 384 was determined using the Krejcie-Morgan table, and the questionnaires were distributed across various fishing areas and wharves in the coastal cities of Khuzestan (Cochran, 1977).
Results
The interviews identified over 45 items representing performance indicators, categorized into four main groups: economic, social, managerial, and legal. These items were then used to develop the questionnaire. Statistical analysis, including the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test (0.858) and Bartlett's test of sphericity (3591.90, p < 0.001), confirmed the suitability of the data for factor analysis. Seven main factors were extracted, explaining 62.2% of the total variance. These factors, ranked by their eigenvalue variance, were: (1) multi-dimensional and dynamic management (24.26%), (2) managerial executive and educational policies (9.94%), (3) economic impact on social performance (8%), (4) activity in providing facilities (5.4%), (5) activity in social interactions with members and investors (4.85%), (6) activity in providing infrastructure services (4.27%), and (7) monitoring fishing status (3.48%).
Discussion and conclusion
The study revealed that multi-dimensional management is the most influential factor determining the performance of fishery cooperatives in Khuzestan, significantly outweighing the other six identified factors. This emphasizes the critical role of comprehensive management in overseeing various aspects of cooperative performance, including economic outcomes, resource allocation, environmental considerations, educational and cultural activities, policy development, and support from government institutions (Unal et al., 2011; Olquner et al., 2015). The influence of management on other performance aspects, especially economic performance, prioritization of available resources, environmental considerations, educational and cultural performance, the level of facilitating laws for fishing cooperatives, and the level of support from institutions, all reflect the undeniable importance of management as the most important indicator in explaining the performance of a cooperative-based organization in the fishing industry (Mahazril’aini et al., 2012). Educational and cultural activities, along with the provision of economic benefits to members (to improve social indicators), were identified as other crucial performance indicators. Training and awareness programs for both cooperative members and managers are essential for improving the effectiveness of these organizations (Unal et al., 2011). Implementing mandatory training courses for cooperative managers and organizing awareness programs for cooperative members regarding laws, regulations, best fishing practices, and interaction with cooperative management can significantly enhance their performance (Mahazril’aini et al., 2012). The study also highlighted several shortcomings and inefficiencies in the fishery cooperatives of southern Iran. Previous studies have shown that these organizations lack a significant impact on economic, social, cultural, and infrastructural development (Samian et al., 2017). This necessitates a focus on improving their performance. Iranian constitutional principles and development plans emphasize the importance of economic participation through the expansion of the cooperative and private sectors (Islamic Consultative Assembly, 2023). Economic pressures from declining fish stocks and reduced income, due to various factors such as government policies and environmental issues, affect social interactions between cooperatives and their members (Ilsovay et al., 2024). These shortcomings can discourage membership and increase the desire for career change, especially among younger generations (Unal et al., 2011).
While the remaining four factors (providing facilities, social interactions, providing infrastructure, and monitoring fishing) were less influential than the top three, they are still important for overall performance. The level of welfare, economic, technical, and educational facilities provided by the cooperative, the influence of cooperative managers among investors, the cooperative's role in creating and maintaining fishing infrastructure, and the awareness of cooperative managers regarding catch volumes, income, and daily fishing challenges are all significant factors (Ghanbarzadeh et al., 2021). This study’s findings provide valuable guidance for understanding the functioning and priorities of fishery cooperatives in Khuzestan. They can be used for future research, performance evaluations, and policy-making. The fishermen participating in the study frequently expressed concerns about the management of their cooperatives, citing chronic infrastructure deficiencies and a lack of fundamental changes over the years. Periodic changes in the board of directors can promote management dynamism and introduce new ideas, which can help address these long-standing issues (Unal et al., 2011). Cooperative management should also balance economic interests and social objectives, avoiding becoming solely profit-oriented or simply focused on basic member needs (Dogarawa, 2010). Increased monitoring of the fishing industry and the working conditions, technical resources, infrastructure, and welfare of fishermen is necessary. The identification of key performance indicators can guide improvements by the government and relevant agencies. The presence of fishermen in cooperatives is beneficial, as cooperatives act as intermediaries between fishermen and the government, potentially increasing the attention of responsible institutions to the occupational and economic status of those working in the fishing industry (Anggrainie and Mardhatillah, 2024). Finally, based on the research results, it is recommended that relevant authorities, such as the Iran Fishing Organization and the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor, and Social Welfare, take steps to address the challenges faced by fishermen, particularly by improving the management of Khuzestan's fishery cooperatives. These authorities should also focus on empowering these cooperatives to provide economic facilities, effective training, and awareness programs to the fishing community. By expanding executive and research programs in this area, the problems of coastal fishing communities in this important region of Iran can be alleviated.
Acknowledgements
This article is derived from project number 59314, dated 15 January 2024, conducted by Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology in collaboration with the Khuzestan Province Department of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare. The authors express their gratitude to the Department and the University for their support.