The politics of organising the countryside: rural cooperatives in Cote d'Ivoire

This article first explores the manner in which the colonial and postcoloni al state in Cote d'Ivoire has sought to develop and animate rural cooperati ves as a means of effecting change in the countryside. It then examines the local realities that the state has encountered in its attempt to organise and control rural cooperatives. In particular, the article shows how ethnic ity, age, and contrasting economic interests have undermined state efforts to create sustainable and effective rural cooperatives at the village level . Finally, the article looks at how structural adjustment has led to the re treat of the state and the emergence of a more pluralistic environment in w hich different rural associations are now competing to represent the intere sts of rural producers.