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This article analyzes the evolution of cooperativism in Colombia -the Cauca Valley- from a historical, institutional, and organizational perspective, highlighting its role as a response to market and state failures, especially in contexts of social and territorial exclusion. Cooperativism is presented as a form of social economy characterized by its hybrid nature, combining economic efficiency with social objectives, and based on principles of collective action, social capital, and democratic governance. Historically, Colombian cooperatives have gone through three major stages: an initial phase of institutionalization (1930–1960), focused on rural inclusion; a stage of expansion with strong state promotion (1960–1990), which strengthened their legitimacy but generated dependency; and a contemporary phase of adaptation to the market economy, marked by professionalization and the adoption of corporate governance practices. This process has been accompanied by a progressive regulatory evolution, from Law 134 of 1931 to more complex frameworks for supervision and control.
