INFLUENCE OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGER STATE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of cooperative societies on rural development in Niger State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to examine the influence of socio-economic characteristics of cooperative members on development of rural areas; to determine the influence of cooperative societies’ supplies of farm input on agricultural production; to evaluate the influence of cooperative societies on job creation; The sample of the study was 225 cooperators selected across the three agricultural zones of the state, using multi-stage sampling technique. Both primary and secondary data were utilized. Structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the cooperators, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression, and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at five per cent level of significance. Result showed that relationships exist between agricultural production and cooperative societies’ supply of farm input. Further, the correlation value of 0.930 indicated a positive relationship between cooperative societies and job creation. Furthermore, credit and cooperative marketing showed a positive relationship at a correlation value of 0.983. The study concluded that cooperative agricultural production; farm input supply; job creation; credit and cooperative marketing were indices of growth and development of cooperatives which can attract government support to enhance greater rural transformation and development of the rural areas in Niger State. It was recommended that cooperatives should engage in massive agricultural production and supply of farm input within the rural sector. Cooperatives need to create direct and indirect jobs through processing and value-added on their products. Cooperative marketing, with its less competition and high bargaining power was also recommended.