The study examines the direct and mediated roles of life centrality, market support, work engagement, and commitment to cooperatives in shaping participation in cooperatives that can strengthen the overall functioning of cooperatives. Dairy farmers in India form the poorer section of the rural society, owning less than two and a half acres of land and an average herd size of two animals only. Dairy cooperatives have played a central role in keeping these farmers out of poverty and destitution. Moreover, milk is a primary protein source for a large majority of the vegetarian population of India. Data from 1000 dairy farmers from 30 different dairy cooperative societies in Gujarat (India) was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Results suggested that life centrality of dairying significantly influences both work engagement (β = .624, p < 0.001) and commitment to the cooperative (β = .345, p < 0.001). Market support also has a positive effect on commitment (β = .263) and directly influences participation in the cooperative (β = .311, p < 0.001). Work engagement enhances commitment but does not directly affect participation. Participation is most strongly influenced by market support and commitment. Life centrality also showed indirect effects through work engagement and commitment. The findings indicate that life centrality and market support are critical factors influencing member participation in cooperatives. Strategies to expand membership should focus on individuals who strongly identify with the dairy business. A higher level of participation in cooperatives can improve the socio-economic conditions of dairy farmers and support sustainable rural livelihoods. The research has implications for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (No Hunger and Healthy Diet), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).