A cooperative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly – owned and democratically controlled enterprise. Values, cooperatives are based on the values of self-help responsibility, democracy equality equity and solidarity. In the traditional of their founders, co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, societal responsibility and caring for others.

Principles:- he co-operative principles are guidelines by which co-operatives put their values into practice.

Voluntary and open membership:-  co-operatives are voluntary organizations, open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social racial, political or religious discrimination.

Democratic member control: co-operatives are democratic organizations controlled by their members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making, decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable  to the membership in primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights [one members, one vote] and co-operatives at other levels are organized in a democratic manner. 

          Member economic participation: members contribute equitable to and property of the co-operative. They usually receive limited compensation. If any, on capital subscribed as a condition of membership. Members allocated surpluses for  any of all the following purposes, developing the  co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves; part of which at least would be indivisible: benefiting members in proportion to their transactions with the co-operative and supporting other activities approved by the membership.

          Autonomy and independence:- co-operatives are autonomous, self help or organizations controlled by their members. If they enter into agreement with other organizations, including, governments or raise capital for external sources, they do so on terms that ensures democratic control by their members and maintain their co-operative autonomy.

Education, training and information:- co-operatives provide education and training for the members, elected representatives, managers, and employees, so they can contribute effectively to the development of their  co-operatives. They inform the general public- particularly young people and opinion leaders – about the nature and benefits of co-operation.

Co-operation among co-operatives:- co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operatives movement by working together through local, national, regional, and international structures.

Concerning for community:- while focusing on members needs. Co-operatives work for the sustainable development of their  communities through policies accepted by their members. Adopted in manchester ( uk) by the general assembly of the international co-operative alliance (ica) 23 september on the occasion of the alliance centenary. The statement was the product of length process of consultation involving thousands of co-operatives around the world. 

Purpose/objectives of the study

The international co-operatives alliance 9ica) is an  umbrella organization that promotes co-operatives all over the world.

The ica was founded in london on  23rd august, 1895. It is an association of national union of co-operatives societies which seek to promote a non-profit system of production and trade organized in the interest of the whole community and based upon voluntary and mutual self help.

 Importance/significance of the study

With reference to this study, it could be adviced that without ica co-operative development will not be positive.

Due to the nature of co-operative, especially in the rural areas. It is relevant to lag-emphasis on co-operatives alliance as the only means of enlightening the rural dwellers on the only needs and benefits derived from co-operatives.

This study will obviously state of ica on co-operatives development. This study will help to find out the best means of carrying out ica for rapid co-operatives development.

In conclusion, this research material for further investigation into the ica on co-operative development.

 Definition of term

Co-operative: is an autonomous associating of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly – owned and democracy controlled enterprises.

Values:  are self help, self responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity.

Principles: are voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training and information, cooperation among co-operatives concern for community.

 Organization of the study

The study is clearly organized in four chapters. Chapters one deals with the introduction, background of the study. Purpose/objectives of study. Importance/significance of the study. Definition of the terms organization of the study.

Chapter two: literature review, characteristics of cooperatives as owner customers business enterprise and co-operative enterprises. The ica identify statement, the meaning of ica, evolution of ica principles. Membership of ica strength and weakness of ica.

Chapter three: mission statement. Ica in london. Ica and it’s development  role. Aims of ica methods of ica , the un secretary- general wrote in may 1992. Ica’s organizational structure. Ica president.

Chapter four