Viabilização da criação de uma cooperativa de consumo para estudantes do IFPI CAMPUS COCAL

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the feasibility of establishing a consumer cooperative targeting university students living in student houses or rented accommodations in the municipality of Cocal, in the state of Piauí. Using an exploratory and descriptive mixed-methods approach, a census survey was conducted with 37 students enrolled in the Chemistry and Mathematics Teaching programs, the Agroecology Technology program, and the Agronomical Engineering program offered by the Federal Institute of Piauí (IFPI), Cocal Campus. Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, addressing aspects such as socioeconomic profile, consumption habits, and perceptions of the cooperative model. The results indicated substantial financial constraints among students and strong acceptance of the cooperative initiative, emphasizing their demand for more affordable prices, enhanced autonomy, and involvement in decision-making processes. It was concluded that establishing a consumer cooperative represents a viable and promising strategy to enhance student support, lower costs, and improve university students’ quality of life, as long as it is coupled with educational initiatives and mechanisms that ensure members’ engagement and commitment.