WOMEN SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS ON AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES AND AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The Nigerian agricultural system has not been living up to expectations, despite the wide range of programs, policies, and approaches that have been formulated for its enhancement and sustenance. Socio-economic factors affecting women's use of agricultural extension services in Anambra state cannot be over-emphasized. This study dwelt on examining the effect of Socioeconomic characteristics on women's agricultural cooperatives and agricultural extension services in Anambra State, Nigeria. A multistage
random sampling technique was employed in the selection of 399 women agricultural cooperative members. Data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS version 23. The descriptive statistics used included frequency,
percentage, weighted mean, and a five-point Likert scale while ANOVA was used for the test of the hypothesis formulated. The result of the hypothesis revealed that the socioeconomic factors of the women cooperative members have a significant effect on the use
of extension services. Findings also revealed that women cooperative members were faced with various challenges in the use of agricultural extension services such as low educational background, Insufficient funds, and lack of professionalism and competence
among extension agents. The following recommendations were made; women farmers need education and training for a better understanding of extension services and financial inclusion so that they can use all available sources of credit for the enhancement of
agricultural activities.