Speakers

Biography

Born 06-04-1935. 1955 to 1961 studies of law. 1962-1963: Training as co-operative adviser for developing countries. 1963 to 1972: Research fellow and lecturer at Marburg University, Institute for Co-operation in Developing Countries (ICDC). Doctorate in Law 1970. From 1972: Professor for law of business organizations and co-operative theory, Marburg University. 1992-2000: Director of ICDC. Areas of research: Development of self-help organizations, co-operative legislation and land law.

Since 1992 patron / fellow of Plunkett Foundation, Oxford, 1990-1995 member of reference groups of the ICA on co-operative values and co-operative principles. 2000, retired from active service at Marburg University.

Consultant of ILO, FAO, UNIDO, UNDAD, USAID, GTZ etc. on revision of co-operative development policy and co-operative legislation in Europe, Africa, Asia and South Pacific.

Author of numerous books and articles on development, policy and law of co-operatives, land law, poverty alleviation and alternative forms of economy, e.g. Legal Framework for Enterprises with Social Objectives in Germany, Marburg 2001; How to form a co-operative self-help organization? Marburg 2005.

As editor and contributor: 100 Years Co-operative Credit Societies Act, India 1904 A worldwide applied model of co-operative legislation, Papers of a Colloquium in Marburg, September 2004, full documentation published by ICA Asia Pacific, New Delhi 2005; textbook and self-study book “Our Co-op, idea – mission – achievements”. Marburg 2009.