Rural cooperatives play a significant role in the economic and social development of rural areas. However, in practice, some cooperatives in Zanjan Province have faced stagnation. Identifying the factors contributing to this stagnation is essential for planning and implementing effective strategies. This study aimed to explain the factors influencing the stagnation of rural cooperatives from the perspective of experts in Zanjan Province.This qualitative research employed a grounded theory approach. The participants were experts and specialists in rural cooperatives in Zanjan Province, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using in-depth, open-ended interviews and continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, resulting in 15 interviews. The collected data were analyzed using MAXQDA software through the three stages of coding: open, axial, and selective. The analysis resulted in the identification of 58 concepts with 295 occurrences related to the stagnation of rural cooperatives in Zanjan. Through axial coding, these concepts were grouped into 21 subcategories and, subsequently, through selective coding, into nine main categories. The results indicated that the main factors contributing to the stagnation of rural cooperatives in the province include “insufficient governmental support (21.7%), lack of economic profitability (21.02%), weak human capital (15.93%), low member participation and collaboration (9.83%), lack of motivation among members and managers (9.49%), absence of competent CEOs and boards (6.78%), outdated statutes and regulations (6.44%), emergence of parallel organizations (6.44%), and low member trust and satisfaction (2.37%).