ENHANCING MEMBERS LIVELIHOOD THROUGH COOPERATIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES IN AWKA SOUTH LGA OF ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study examined the enhancement of members livelihood through cooperative entrepreneurial activities in Awka South LGA of Anambra state. It was observed that lack of innovation has placed members of cooperatives in the same economic status quo and has resulted to the inability of the cooperative enterprise to add more value to members individual enterprise which would therefore lead to the enhancement of members livelihood. The objective of the study are to evaluate the various entrepreneurial activities carried out by cooperatives; to determine the effects of the entrepreneurial services on members livelihood enhancement and to identify the challenges that limits Cooperatives in enhancing members livelihood. The survey research design was adopted and the purposive sampling technique was employed to select 8 cooperative societies. The Taro Yamane formula to obtain a sample of 142 members. Data was obtained through the administration of a structured questionnaire and data obtained were analyzed using the simple percentage, mean and frequency table. The research findings by the researchers revealed that there is a positive effect of the entrepreneurial activities on members livelihood enhancement through increase in dividend and patronage rebate for members, expansion of members business etc. It was also observed that inadequate finance as well as bad management by cooperative leaders are some of the constraints in enhancing members livelihood. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Cooperatives should organize seminars and workshops for both members and non-members in order to attract new members and increase equity. The management committee should be well educated on cooperative principles as well as entrepreneurship to ensure effectiveness in carrying out entrepreneurial activities.