Adeniran Ibitayo Esther, as a representative of the group, together with the head of the group, Jiri Hejkrlik, had the privilege of attending the ICA CCR European Research Conference 2025 in Finland, Helsinki, widely regarded as one of the most cooperative countries in the world. The event brought together researchers and practitioners to examine the evolving role of cooperatives in building sustainable and inclusive economies. As part of the conference programme, Ibitayo presented her and Magdalena Holmanova's research titled “The Willingness of Farmers to Join Agricultural Cooperatives in Moldova,” which investigates the socio-economic and institutional factors influencing farmers’ decisions to participate in cooperatives, using insights drawn from field data in Moldova.
Organised by the International Cooperative Alliance’s Committee on Cooperative Research (ICA CCR), the conference is a critical platform for advancing cooperative studies across Europe and beyond. This year’s discussions highlighted the transformative potential of cooperative models in addressing global challenges like food security, rural development, and climate resilience.
