Structuring of Farmers' Organizations and Development of Rural Micro-Enterprises: A Study of Their Correlation in the ITASY Region

This study provides an in- depth analysis of the relationship between the internal structuring of Farmers ' Organizations ( FOs ) and the development of Rural Micro- Enterprises ( RMEs ) in the Itasy region of Madagascar. In a context where agriculture remains one of the main pillars of rural livelihoods and local economic growth , FOs play a strategic role in community mobilization , agricultural development , and the promotion of entrepreneurial initiatives. However , their effectiveness in supporting RMEs largely depends on the quality of their internal organization , including participatory governance , financial transparency , leadership capacity , social cohesion , administrative management, and legal formalization . The research is grounded in two complementary theoretical frameworks : the theory of peasant organizational structuring (Diagne, 1995), which emphasizes internal governance mechanisms and collective coordination processes , and the theory of community embeddedness of rural micro- enterprises (Wilson, 2022), which highlights the importance of social networks, trust, and community capital in ensuring the sustainability of rural entrepreneurial activities . A mixed- methods approach was adopted , combining both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Data were collected from has stratified sample of 100 FOs located in the three districts of the Itasy region Arivonimamo , Miarinarivo , and Soavinandriana through questionnaires, semi- structured interviews, and institutional document reviews . The findings reveal a positive and statistically significant relationship between the level of organizational structuring of FOs and their ability to support the establishment, growth , and sustainability of RMEs . Well - structured organizations provide greater access to financial resources , capacity -building opportunities , market information, and business networks. Thesis results underscore the importance of strengthening the institutional capacities of FOs through targeted public policies and development programs. Ultimately , well - organized FOs emerge as key drivers of inclusive, resilient , and sustainable local development in rural Madagascar.