The first successful Co-operative Society was founded in Rochdale, England as early as 1844 by a group of weavers.

This society which was called The Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers, a consumer co-operative store. The Society practiced a voluntary membership policy, democratic control, members education and return of profits to members. Ever since co-operatives have operated this way, under the guidance of these basic principles.

The purpose and status of Co-operatives are further guarded and supported by Co-operative Legislation and Regulations, Societal rules/Bye-Laws and policies which govern and direct the conduct of affairs of the organisation an its enterprise.

Co-operative activities today continue to touch the lives of various groups of persons who are of different background of social and economic pursuits. Their relevant and most significant areas of operation are in agricultural and fish production, marketing, processing, input supplies, consumer and production, lending through Credit Unions which collect funds from members and in return grant loans to them; transport and handling supplies and services to producers of Arts and Crafts; and consumer retail trade.

As time passed on however, co-operatives have had to face, and still continue to face, new challenges. They have become more complex organisations by adopting modern management techniques such as data processing, marketing and improved technologies in an attempt to better satisfy the needs of their members.