Nigerian Journal of Cooperative Economics and Management
An annual Journal of the Department of Cooperative Economics and Management Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. E-mail: cem@dept.unizik.edu.ng
Department of Cooperative Economics and Management Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
Entrepreneurial Activities in Cassava Flour Processing and Their Effect on Cooperatives Performance in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria
This study examines entrepreneurial activities of cassava flour process among agricultural cooperative members in Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State. It assesses the benefits of entrepreneurial activities of cooperative members on business environment, to examine the influence of entrepreneurial activities of cooperative members on the profitability of members business in Oyi Local Government Area, Anambra State. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaire from respondents using simple random sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the study. The hypotheses formulated were tested using Chi-Square statistical test. The Probability value = P < 0.024 shows that the result of the chi-square statistics is significant. We therefore reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternate by concluding that entrepreneurial activities of cassava flour processing have significant effect on the cooperative members business environment in Oyi local government area, Anambra state. Cooperative business managers should develop a blueprint that will sensitize and drive membership, diversify their product mix and consequent expansion of their business volume to compete favourably with investor oriented-firms for economic sustainability and Cooperative businesses should uphold the cultural norms of their location of business and engage in activities that promote concern for their host community to avoid effects of restiveness which has the capacity of closing down cooperative shops.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Service Speed, Staff Courtesy, and Customer Satisfaction in Supermarkets in Awka Metropolis: The Mediating Role of Perceived Service Quality
This study examined the relationship between service speed, staff courtesy, and customer satisfaction among supermarket customers in Awka Metropolis, with perceived service quality serving as a mediating variable. A correlational survey design was adopted. Data were collected from 357 customers drawn from selected supermarkets in Awka Metropolis. Four types of structured questionnaires were employed in the data gathering process; namely Service Speed Questionnaire (SSQ), Staff Courtesy Questionnaire (SCQ), Perceived Service Quality Questionnaire (PSQQ) and Customer Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ). All the instruments used were validated through the marketing lecturers, while reliability was established through Cronbach’s alpha. Data were gathered from the customers in the supermarkets in Awka Metropolis. Out of 384 copies of the questionnaire distributed, 357 were correctly filled and used for data analysis. The analysis of the research questions one and two involved Pearson product-moment correlation, while multiple regression analysis was used for research question three. The findings revealed that there was a positive and significant relationship between service speed and customer satisfaction. There was also a positive and significant relationship between staff courtesy and customer satisfaction. Further to this, perceived service quality was found to mediate the aforementioned relationships. Service speed (r = 0.612, p < 0.05) and staff courtesy (r = 0.674, p < 0.05) significantly influenced customer satisfaction. The study concludes that customers would be more satisfied when services at supermarkets were fast, employees were polite, and the entire service process was reliable and satisfactory. It was proposed that the managers of supermarkets should enhance checkout speed, educate employees on how to be polite towards customers, supervise the service delivery process, and develop proper feedback mechanisms for customers.
Rural Development and Informal Sector: Challenges, Issues and Prospects in Nigeria
This study assessed the impact of the Informal Sector on rural development, challenges, issues and prospects in Nigeria. The informal Sector is the economic activity that is not subject to government regulation or taxation and supports some of the most vulnerable in society. They are viewed as the driving force in the job creation process since it typically includes many small and micro-enterprises. This sector is therefore the fastest thriving and adds to employment and investment through its crucial characteristic of thriving anywhere. Despite these efforts of the informal sector, they are faced with challenges such as formalization which is also one of the causes of poverty because of the low level of the productivity and the absence of linkages with the market: as a result, this production comes down to a basic subsistence agriculture generating very poor incomes. Despite the wide range of informal sector of economic processes and activities, current knowledge of the size, causes, characteristics, and dynamics of the informal sector remains very scanty and inadequate. Key recommendations include; Government needs to create an enabling environment for the Informal Sector to thrive by removing multiple levies often imposed on them and provision of soft loan to them to cushion the effect of Covid-19 which ravaged the world last year.
Recycling Waste into Wealth: The Role of Green Entrepreneurship in Promoting Sustainable Economic Development in Anambra State
This study examined the role of green entrepreneurship in transforming waste into wealth and promoting sustainable economic development in Anambra State. The increasing rate of environmental pollution, unemployment, and poor waste management practices has become a major challenge to sustainable development in Nigeria. The study investigated how recycling activities and environmentally friendly entrepreneurial practices contribute to job creation, income generation, and environmental sustainability in Anambra State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and and data were collected from a sample of 210 respondents using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the hypothesis at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that green entrepreneurship significantly contributes to employmentgeneration , poverty reduction, environmental protection, and efficient resource utilization. The study also identified inadequate funding, low public awareness, weak government support, and poor recycling infrastructure as major constraints affecting the growth of recycling enterprises. The study concluded that effective investment in waste recycling and green entreprleneurial initiatives can enhance sustainable economic growth and support environmental sustainability. It therefore recommended increased government incentives, environmental education, public-private partnerships, and access to finance to strengthen recycling activities and sustainable wealth creation in the state. Recent studies have emphasized that green entrepreneurship remains a viable strategy for achieving sustainable development and circular economy objectives in developing economies.
Digital Transformation in Cooperative Enterprises: A Strategy for Nigeria’s Socioeconomic Development
This study examined digital transformation in cooperative enterprises as a strategy for enhancing Nigeria’s socioeconomic development. Specifically, the study sought to examine the extent of digital transformation adoption among cooperative enterprises, identify the digital technologies utilized in improving operational efficiency and service delivery, and assess the effect of digital transformation on the financial performance and productivity of cooperative enterprises in Nigeria. Cooperative enterprises remain critical instruments for grassroots development, financial inclusion, employment generation, and poverty reduction; however, their effectiveness has been constrained by limited technological adoption, inefficient management systems, and poor data management practices. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design using a mixed-method approach. Data were collected from 360 cooperative societies selected across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The study was anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, were used to analyze the data, while regression analysis was employed to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that digital transformation significantly enhances cooperative governance, financial management, communication, and record-keeping systems. Approximately 72% of respondents reported increased operational efficiency following the adoption of digital technologies. The regression results indicated a strong positive relationship between digital transformation and cooperative performance (R = 0.79, p < 0.05), with digital financial management, communication technologies, and electronic record-keeping contributing significantly to improved productivity and organizational effectiveness. However, major challenges affecting digital transformation include inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited technical skills, high implementation costs, and insufficient funding. The study concluded that digital transformation is a viable and strategic tool for improving the sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness of cooperative enterprises, thereby contributing significantly to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development. The study recommends the establishment of government-private sector partnerships to support cooperative digitalization, provision of digital literacy and capacity-building programs, improvement of ICT infrastructure, and formulation of supportive policies that facilitate the integration of digital technologies into cooperative operations nationwide.
Digital Literacy among Cooperative Trustees in Southwest Nigeria: A DigComp 3.0 Assessment and Smart-Cooperative Readiness Analysis
Nigeria’s move towards digital economy and the quest for cooperative digitalisation in the country have made the digital literacy of cooperative trustees critical. In Nigeria, over four million cooperatives depend on elected trustees whose digital competencies are critical to their participation in the evolving digital economy. A review of extant cooperative literature, revealed a dearth of empirical information on the subject matter. Against this backdrop, this study utilised the DigComp 3.0 framework to assess the digital literacy of trustees in Southwest Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed the level of digital literacy of the trustees across the five DigComp 3.0 competence domains. It employed a descriptive cross-sectional survey research design and multistage random sampling technique. Data were collected from 400 respondents through a structured questionnaire adapted from the DigComp 3.0 items. Of the 400 questionnaires distributed, 337 valid responses (84.3%) were analysed. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, Pearson correlation, and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression. Findings revealed that the overall digital literacy index (DLI: Mean=2.6454, SD=0.9868) was significantly below the midpoint [t(336)=−6.593, p<.001, 95% CI (−0.460, −0.251), Cohen's d=−0.36] indicating low digital literacy level. Nevertheless, the trustees exhibited the highest digital literacy competencies (above the 3.0 threshold) in Information and Data Literacy (IDL) domain (IDL; M=3.1088) but the least competencies in the Digital Content Creation domain (DCC; M=2.2404; d=−0.73). DLI correlated positively with smart-cooperative readiness (r=0.47, p<.01). OLS regression results confirmed DLI is significantly associated with readiness (β=.47, R²=.22, F(1,335)=94.7, p<.001). The study concludes that trustees in southwest Nigeria, on a balance, are not digitally literate enough for smart cooperative adoption and recommends DigComp-aligned governance training to improve their digital literacy level.
Copyright (c) 2026 C. U. Onugu, S. O. Obasanya https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effect of Tax Planning on the Firm Growth of Listed Deposit Money Banks (DMBS) in Nigeria
The study examined how tax planning affects firm growth in Nigerian Deposit Money Banks that were publicly listed on the Nigeria Exchange Group (NGX). Ex-post facto design was employed in this investigation. The population for this study is drawn from Nigerian Deposit Money Banks over ten years (2015-2025). Seven Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria were selected using simple and stratified sampling approaches. With the help of E-View 10.0 version, the hypothesis was tested using Ordinary Least Square. The findings revealed that effective tax rate has no sequential impact on the performance of Nigerian Deposit Money Banks, while firm size has a positive significant effect on the performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. The following recommendation is based on the findings: Nigeria businesses should hire tax experts/advisers to manage their tax computations and remittances. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for all the businesses in Nigeria to explore the services of tax auditor, to assist in auditing their financial activities more especially where it concerns taxation.
Effect of Tax Reform on Government Revenues in Nigeria
The study investigated the effect of Tax Reform on government revenue in Nigeria. The broad objective of the study is to determine the effect of tax reform on government revenue in Nigeria. The study explored how: Company Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and Custom Duties as proxies for tax reform’s effect on government revenue in Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was chosen for the study and formulated hypotheses were tested with Ordinary Least Square regression technique (OLS) at 5% level of significant, Augmented Dickey Fuller (unit root test) was used to ascertain the stationary state of the time series variables. Secondary data were collected from the CBN bulletin and National Bureau of statistics (NBS) reports spanning from 2014-2023 a period of ten years. The results from the analysis of the study revealed that almost all the variables have a joint significant influence on the government revenue in Nigeria. Company Income Tax (CIT) have significant positive effect on total tax revenue with a P –value of 0.0000: Value Added Tax (VAT) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) have a positive but non-significant effect on government revenue with a P-value of 0.5564 and 0.4857 respectively. Customs and Excise duty has no significant positive effect on government revenue in Nigeria with a P-value of 0.0380. The study concludes that tax reform affects government revenue and therefore, recommends that government through the assistance of FIRS should gears towards sustaining appreciable level of government revenue through company income tax by ensuring strict adherence to the provisions of tax reform on Company Income Tax Act.
Digital Banking and Operational Efficiency of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria
The study examined the effect of Digital Banking on the operational efficiency of deposit money banks (DMBs) in Nigeria over the period 2018 to 2024. Seven deposit money banks were purposively selected, and data obtained from their annual financial statements were analyzed using a Fixed Effects Panel Regression model with robust standard errors. The Hausman specification test confirmed the appropriateness of the Fixed Effects model (p < 0.05). Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Mobile Banking, Point of Sale (POS), and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) were used as proxies for Digital Banking, while the Cost-to-Income Ratio (CIR) served as the proxy for operational efficiency. The empirical findings revealed that POS transactions have a negative and highly significant effect on CIR (p < 0.01), suggesting that POS infrastructure enhances operational efficiency by reducing relative operating costs. Conversely, ATM usage exhibited a positive and marginally significant effect on CIR (p < 0.10), indicating that ATM operations tend to increase operating costs and reduce efficiency. Mobile banking and USSD channels showed statistically insignificant effects on operational efficiency, which may reflect overlapping effects and shared variance among digital banking channels within the model. Consequently, the study recommends that Nigerian banks expand POS networks, optimize ATM infrastructure to reduce operational overheads, and strengthen the integration of mobile and USSD platforms to improve cost efficiency and achieve scale benefits.
Economic Profitability Analysis of Oil Palm Production among Cooperative Women Palm Oil Processors in Iwo Zone of Osun State, Nigeria
The study investigated the economic profitability analysis of oil palm processing among cooperative women palm oil processors in Iwo Zone, Osun State, Nigeria. Data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire administered to 120 cooperative women oil palm processors using a two-stage sampling technique. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The results showed that the majority (74.5%) of the oil palm cooperators were married, with an average age of 36 years. Findings further showed that 87.5% of the participants reported had enough experience on oil palm processing. Majority 83.3% of the respondents had joined cooperatives between 5 and 20 years or more. Majority of the respondents make use of their personal savings (41.7%), personal savings was the most source of finance used by the cooperators. The majority (63.3%) of the respondents engaged in manual processing. The study concludes that cooperative participation plays a vital role in improving the profitability of palm oil processing enterprises in the study area. The findings indicated that the oil palm processing is a viable, economical and profitable business. The study recommended that, government should provide financial support to cooperatives through soft loans and grants to improve palm oil processing activities. Palm oil processors should actively participate in cooperative activities such as meetings, savings programs, and etc. Modern palm oil processing equipment should be provided to oil palm processors to reduce wastage and improve processing efficiency.
Cooperative Societies and Poverty Alleviation among Cocoa Farmers in Idanre, Ondo State
Cooperative societies are widely recognised as key institutions for rural development; however, cocoa farmers in Idanre, Ondo State continue to experience low income levels, weak asset ownership, and persistent food insecurity despite their participation in cooperative systems. This study therefore examines the effect of cooperative societies on poverty alleviation among cocoa farmers in Idanre, Ondo State. The specific objectives are to: (i) determine the effect of agricultural marketing cooperatives on income level; (ii) assess the impact of credit and thrift cooperatives on asset ownership; and (iii) examine the influence of multipurpose cooperative societies on food security among cocoa farmers. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 250 registered cocoa farmers selected through stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed, while multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses with the aid of SPSS version 25. The findings revealed that agricultural marketing cooperatives significantly enhance income levels, agricultural credit and thrift cooperatives improve asset ownership and economic stability, while multipurpose cooperative societies significantly enhance food security among rural households. The study concludes that cooperative societies contribute to poverty alleviation among cocoa farmers and recommends strengthened cooperative structures, improved credit access, capacity building, and supportive government policies for sustainable rural development.
Copyright (c) 2026 O. O. Abbas, N. C. Ngene, B. I. Akinroluyo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
SUSTAINABILITY OF COOPERATIVES AND DONOR SUPPORT: THE ‘WAIT-AND-SEE” ATTITUDE OF MEMBERS
The recognition of Cooperatives as a crucial means of promoting sustainable livelihoods which is strongly linked with income-generation activities for individuals and the community has been widely acknowledged. Hence, cooperatives are exploring means to guarantee that their entities will last long to continually provide members need and create value consistent with the long-term preservation and enhancement of financial, environmental and social capital, even, in today's competitive environment. Trends such as climate change, globalization, demographic change and social inequity have created a significant challenge to the traditional business model with its focus on owners' value. Hitherto, the sustainability of cooperatives becomes imperative, especially in rural scenarios with shocking issues of dormancy, moribund, extinctions and mismanagement which are widespread. The sustainability of cooperatives connotes “keep the business” or “future-proofing” which involves equity between members and equity within members. But donor support (government paternalism) to cooperatives has extremely challenged the goals of economic and social development of these enterprises hence members attitude of “wait-and-see” syndrome not trying to tap into a fresh revenue stream. This attitude of members no doubt is mostly occasioned by lack of education and training, and effective membership participation. This research work finds its crux through genuine efforts to contribute knowledge to current discourse. The paper is a descriptive study which anchors on theoretical considerations.
Copyright (c) 2023 NIGERIAN JOURNALS OF COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
STABILITY OF TENURE AND EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY: A STUDY OF MICROFINANCE BANKS IN ANAMBRA STATE
The Research assessed the impact of Stability of Tenure and Employee Productivity within the context of Microfinance Banks in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study identified challenges such as limited startup capital, ineffective management strategies, inadequate personnel management approaches, and insufficient technical expertise as problems that have hindered the effects of stability of tenure on Employee Productivity in Microfinance Banks. In response, this research aimed to investigate the impact of Job Security on Employee Commitment and explore the relationship between Career Progression and Employee Loyalty within Microfinance Banks in Anambra State, Nigeria. This study was grounded in the internal theory of Labour Turnover by Alan Cumming (1980). A survey research design was adopted, utilizing Taro Yamane's formula to determine the sample size from a population of 370. Pearson’s Correlation was employed to test the hypotheses. The findings indicated a significant positive correlation between Job Security and Employee Commitment, as well as a significant positive correlation between Career Progression and Employee Loyalty within Microfinance Banks in Anambra State, Nigeria. In conclusion, the study underscored a strong positive link between Job Security and Employee Commitment, as well as a positive connection between Career Progression and Employee Loyalty in Microfinance Banks in Anambra State, Nigeria. The research recommended a consistent review of institutional policies to enhance job security for employees and the creation of supportive structures to encourage career advancement within Microfinance Banks in Anambra State, Nigeria.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF WOMEN COOPERATIVE ORGANIZATIONS AS DETERMINANTS OF THEIR USE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA
This study dwelt on socio-economic characteristics of women cooperative organizations as determinants of their use of Agricultural Extension Services in South East Nigeria, focusing on the socio-economic characteristics of the members of the women agricultural cooperative in Southeast, Nigeria and determining the influence of the socio-economic characteristics of the members of the women agricultural cooperatives on their use of Agricultural Extension Services (AES). To achieve the objective of the study, multistage random sampling technique was adopted to select 399 respondents of women agricultural cooperative members. Primary data was sourced through the use of structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of SPSS version 23 and strata 14 software. The descriptive statistics used include frequency distribution, percentages, and weighted mean. The result of hypothesis one revealed that the socio-economic characteristics of the members of the women agricultural cooperative have significant influence on the use of extension services. It is concluded that the socio-economic characteristics of the women had a significant effect on their use of the extension services. The study recommended that; women farmers should hold unto education and training for better understanding of extension services and programmes.
IMPACT OF RISK ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED INSURANCE FIRMS IN NIGERIA
This study examined risk and financial performance of listed insurance firms in Nigeria for the period of ten years from 2011-2020. The population of the study consists of 22 insurance firms listed on the floor of Nigerian Stock Exchange as at 31st December. Secondary data was extracted from the audited financial reports of the sampled insurance firms. The data was analyzed using the multiple regression mode. The study findings revealed that solvency risk is positively and significantly influencing the financial performance of listed insurance firms in Nigeria. Conversely, liquidity risk revealed a statistical negative and insignificantly impact on financial performance. The study concluded that risk has a strong association with the financial performance of the firms for the period. The study recommends that the National Insurance Commission (NICOM) should have recapitalization base policy for Nigerian insurance industries as this will enable he firms to underwrite bigger risk in the sector and help forestall flight.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF CATFISH MARKETING AMONG WOMEN IN OGBARU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE.
This study was conceptualized to analyze the socio-economic determinants of catfish marketing among women in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. A multistage sampling technique was employed in the selection of location and respondents. The data were collected from 100 catfish women marketers, the primary instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, gross margin and a 5-point likert scale. The farmers had an average total cost of N 410,750 and made average total revenue of N 568,300. The gross margin realized from the marketing activities were N 314,500. The constraints faced by catfish women marketers include; poor transportation, inadequate infrastructure, inadequate extension service, unsteady market prices and lack of finance. The study recommended that financial institutions and cooperative societies should make loans more available to women catfish marketers, catfish marketers should be encouraged to form and manage functional cooperatives as a way to pool their resources for individual development within the catfish marketing industry.
TOTAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY THROUGH CO-OPERATIVE SUSTAINABILITY
This paper evaluates total economic recovery through cooperative sustainability. The aim is to investigate the ways in which cooperatives can act as agents towards sustainable community development. The paper is a descriptive survey, which involves the collection of data for the purpose of describing the role of cooperative societies in economic development. The paper posits that for over 160 years now cooperatives have been an effective way for people to exert control over their economic livelihoods as they play an increasingly important role in facilitating job creation, economic growth and social development. The paper concludes that to be effective and successful, cooperatives must continuously achieve two inter-related goals: enhance viability and improve ability to service its members; and remain an economically viable, innovative and competitive enterprise. The study recommends that government should give maximum financial and non-financial supports to cooperative societies to enhance sustainability.
INFLUENCE OF INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION ON THE PROMOTION OF CONSUMPTION OF LOCALLY PRODUCED GOODS AMONGST UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA
This study is centered on the Influence of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) on the consumption of locally made goods in the South-South region of Nigeria. This aims at finding out if advertising has the influence of changing consumers' attitudes from foreign product to locally made ones. The research was carried out in three private universities all within the region; namely, Igbinedion University Okada, Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State, and Havillah University in Cross River State. In a survey method of research, 200 samples were randomly selected for the study hinged on media effect theory. Over sixty percent (60%) of respondents accepted the fact that the tools of Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) in consonance with the objectives of the research have greatly influenced Nigerians, especially undergraduates in the South-South region on the consumption of locally made goods. The chi=square (x2) statical instrument was used in the analysis of data collected. From the SPSS result as shown above in table 16, X2 calculated is 136.480. At 5% level of Significance and 95% Confidence level, X2 tabulated at a Degree of Freedom of 2 is given as 5.991. This result is the significant. The researcher therefore made the following recommendations, that all integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) tools should be engaged and used optimally to ensure that majority of Nigerians become aware of the effect of their continued patronage of foreign made goods and that Government should not relent on enlightenment programme through radio and television until every citizen becomes proud of home made goods.
EFFECT OF RURAL FINANCE INSTITUTION (RUFIN) SERVICES ON RURAL HOUSEHOLD POVERTY REDUCTION IN ANAMBRA STATE
The study evaluated Effects of Rural Finance Institution services (RUFIN) in reducing rural household poverty. Multistage sampling technique was adopted to select 347 respondents (members of agricultural cooperative societies that are rural households’ heads). Primary data was sourced through the use of structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed with both descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of SPSS version 20. The descriptive statistics used include frequency tables, simple percentage, weighted mean and Likert scale measure, while the inferential statistics used include Correlation, T test statistics model and ANOVA were used to test the hypotheses formulated. The result revealed, that most of the Rural Finance Institution (RUFIN) services (educational; technical support services (health) and credit were accessible to rural households. The study also revealed that Rural Finance Institution (RUFIN) educational services have greatly impacted (grand mean(x) = 3.273) positively on the rural household literacy level. Similarly, the result of hypothesis one also affirmed the significant influence of educational services on the improved rural household literacy level. Evidence from the study also revealed that technical support of Rural Finance Institution (RUFIN) services have effectively enhanced the rural household health conditions (grand mean(x) = 3.418). This evidence was further strengthened with result of hypothesis two tested which affirmed the linear (positive) relationship between the Rural Finance Institution (RUFIN) technical support services and improved health conditions of rural households. Evidence from the field survey revealed that the rural household’s standard of living was highly okay after they have accessed the credit services of RUFIN. Since the RUFIN services were greatly accessible to many rural households, therefore the following recommendations are made; RUFIN should improve on monitoring and supervision of credit utilization among the rural households who are the beneficiaries of the services, this will enhance effective utilisation and by extension it will generally improve their standard of living.
EFFECTS OF WOMEN COOPERATIVE SOCIETY ON ENSURING FOOD SECURITY IN OGBARU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
The study investigated Effects of the Activities of Women Cooperative Society on Ensuring Food Security in Ogbaru Local Government Area. Data were obtained from 10 functional and active cooperatives in the study area, a total of one hundred thirty-seven (137) copies of questionnaire were distributed among the respondent representing 100% of the sample size, fifteen (15) copies of the questionnaires were improperly filled representing 11% and one hundred and twenty-two (122) copies of the questionnaire were properly filled representing 89%, the data collected were subjected to analysis with both descriptive and inferential statistics, using the frequency distribution and percentage table. The stated hypothesis was tested with Regression Analysis. Evidence from the study revealed that there is a significant effect of the activities of women cooperative and food security in the study area. There was strong evidence from the study that food availability will increase when agricultural input and supports are mobilized. Findings from the study also revealed that growth in food availability was proxy for the provision of credit facilities by women cooperative. It was also observed that women cooperative is faced with some constraints that hindered them from increasing their efficiency and effectiveness. Therefore, in order to strengthen their role in achieving food security, the following recommendations were made: That cooperative policy that favours the growth of these cooperatives by putting in place financial institutions that could increase the credit facilities to the women farmers in particular at low interest rates. There is need for re-orientation and more sensitization on leadership as it is paramount to the success of any organization and this explains the failure of many cooperatives since they lack proper coordination, administrative skills and managerial acumen.
DETERMINANT OF SAVING AND INVESTMENT BEHAVIOR OF SMALL SCALE POULTRY FARMERS IN UMUAHIA AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF ABIA STATE
The study investigated the determinant of saving and investment pattern among small-holder poultry farmers in Umuahia agricultural zone of Abia state. The poultry farmers save little amount, so they do not have enough for their investments. The specific objectives were to: describe the socio-economic attributes of smallholder poultry farmers; identify the prevailing investment patters among the poultry farmers; estimate the determinants of savings volume of smallholder poultry farmers and identify the major challenges facing the poultry farmers in accumulating savings and expanding investment in the study area. Multistage sampling technique was used to select well structure questionnaire. Descriptive and multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the data collected. Ten 10 farmers were randomly selected from the ten villages making it 100 poultry farmers. Results of analysis showed that majority of the respondents were married with a moderate household. Majority of them were literate. Results also show that most preferred savings outlets of small holder farmers were the informal savings outlets mainly the self-help groups. It was evident from the research that there were the propensities to save among farmers in the study area, inspite of low income. There were factors that have positive influence on savings behaviour of small holder poultry farmers surveyed, such as level of income, household size, education, age and access to credit. Meanwhile, the OLS results of the estimated determinants of investment pattern with doublelog functional form as the lead equation showed that age, flock size, farm income and expenditure influenced the inability to save. The study, therefore, recommended that given the significance of the income factor in terms of savings, incentives such as improved technology, appropriate farm support services; medium and long term loans should be provided by the government and other bodies to farmers in order to boost their income level. Only then can the savings being accumulated in the next economy be transformed into productive investment.
WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA.
The study examines working -capital management and performance of agricultural cooperative societies in Imo State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the need to determine the influence of working capital management on cooperative performance. The specific objectives are to: ascertain the extent to which accounts receivables influences cooperative members return on Investment (ROI) in Imo State and determine the extent to which accounts payable influence cooperative members return on Investment (ROI) in Imo State. The area of study is Imo State where samples of 139 cooperatives were selected from the population of 213 registered cooperatives in the study area. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The study employed regression technique, one sample T-test, mean, frequency and percentage in analyzing the data obtained. The study found out that the P-value of 0.031 is less than the alpha value 0.05 and is found to be significant. It was also found that account receivables affect cooperative profitability and size of dividend and welfare package. It was also revealed that accounts payable on cooperative performance ensures delivery of orders, increases credit worthiness, brings about sustainable stakeholder relations and increases inventory size. The study therefore recommends that proper management of various components of working capital need to be maintained to ensure adequate amountof working capital and liquidity. In order to successfully run the cooperative that control measures need to be taken on stock so as to help in preventing stock outs and also help in decision making in the procurement function. Proper training need to be organized by the cooperatives to ensure that the executives are well trained to execute working capital management practices which will in turn lead to improvement in the profitability of operations, managerial efficiency, minimize financial risk and ensure liquidity.
INFLUENCE OF COOPERATIVES ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION OF MEMBERS OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES IN ANAMBRA AND AWKA AGRICULTURAL ZONES, ANAMBRA STATE NIGERIA
The study examined the Influence of Cooperatives on Financial Inclusion of Members of Agricultural Cooperatives in Anambra and Awka Agricultural zones, Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was motivated by the need to deliver quality financial services at an affordable cost to the vast sections of disadvantaged and low-income groups at the various levels of government in Nigeria, particularly in Anambra State. The study was anchored on the public good theory of financial inclusion. The area of study is Anambra state where 383 members of agricultural cooperatives were selected from 865 registered agricultural cooperatives across Anambra and Awka agricultural zones. The instrument used for data collection was the questionnaire. The study employed regression technique, one sample t-test, mean, frequency, and percentage in analyzing the data obtained. The study found that the savings procedure and credit operations procedure of the cooperative had significant effects on the financial inclusion of members in Anambra State at 5% level of significance. Therefore, the study recommends, among others, that governments at all levels in the State should improve their cooperative promotion efforts, to attract more people into cooperative membership to enhance financial inclusion in rural areas.
EVALUATION OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
The failure of successive governments to bring development to the rural region of the country has resulted in the shift of focus from Government to community concern. In view of this, the study determined the effect of community participation in rural development in Anambra State. The essence of this study is to identify existing steps involved in community paticipation in rural development, ascertain the aproach adopted by community participation and challenges experience in adopting comunity participation in rural development. The study adopted Descriptive Survey Research Design and purposive Random Sampling Technique was used to select community organization from each of the selected towns. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire administered to 180 members of the selected community based organization. Findings revealed that there is significant effect of community participation in rural development in Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State by showing that community participation has adopted steps towards rural development; studies also revealed that there are approaches adopted by community participation towards rural development. The study concluded that the adoption of community participation towards rural development is an effective developmental approach as the community participants pull resources together towards establishing developmental projects to their taste and not depending on government for major projects in the community. The study recommended that rural communities should focus on reviewing its steps towards community projects as some of its steps are no longer effective due to recent changes.
COOPERATIVE MEMBERSHIP AND RECOVERY OF FLOOD VICTIMS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
This study examined the effect of cooperative membership on recovery of flood victims who have had their income, output and productivity levels altered and subsequently reduced. This study was propelled by the inconclusiveness of previous studies on the mechanisms for mitigating the impact of flooding and the need to justify the emphasis of cooperative membership as a better alternative for the recovery of flood victims. The objectives of the study were to analyze the effect of flooding on the economic activities in Anambra State and to determine the contributions of cooperatives to the recovery of flood victims. The area of study was Anambra state. Ogbaru LGA was purposively selected as it was observed to have had repeated event of flooding since 2012. Eight out of sixty five functional cooperatives in the LGA were selected as the sample. Questionnaires were randomly distributed to members of the cooperatives. The study adopted descriptive survey method and analysis was done using simple percentage and frequency distribution model to measure the demographic profile of respondents, specific objectives were analyzed using mean while the research hypothesis were tested using simple regression analysis. The study revealed that flooding has affected the income levels of victims as well as their savings behaviors and consumption pattern. Cooperatives contributed to recovery of flood victims by providing micro-credits, education and extension services, seminars and local level capacity building. This study therefor recommended among others that flood insurance knowledge and forecasting be made available, access to micro-credits by victims, increased capitalization of cooperatives, all necessary assistance to victims should pass through cooperatives, checks and balances and increased awareness of the relevance of cooperative membership to recovery of flood victims.
CAPACITY BUILDING AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN THE OLD AGUATA LGA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
The study investigated the relationship between capacity building and service delivery in the Old Aguata Local Government Area in Anambra State Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the relationship between staff training and staff competencies; and the relationship between staff competencies and service delivery. Data were collected from 283 randomly selected senior local government staff from Aguata, Orumba North and Orumba South local government areas. Mean, frequency counts and tables were used to present and describe collected data. Also two hypotheses were tested through the application of Pearson Product Moment Correlation at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there were significant relationships between staff training and staff competence; and between staff competence and service delivery. The study recommended among others, concerted efforts by local government authorities to ensure that sustainable regular training programs are put in place to ensure that all staff has access to training and re-training opportunities on regular basis
TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION AND COCONUT PRODUCTION AMONG FARMERS IN MKPAT-ENIN LGA IN AKWA-IBOM STATE, NIGERIA
This study assessed the relationship between technology adoption and coconut production among Farmers in Mkpat-Enin LGA in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. The study utilized primary data, which were collected through the use of copies of a structured questionnaire which was distributed to 384 small holder coconut farmers in the LGA. The study was anchored on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Descriptive statistics were used to present and discuss data, while a regression analysis model to test formulated hypotheses at the 5% level. The results of the study revealed that new positive relationships between adoption of new coconut seed varieties and coconut yield and between use of coconut extension services and coconut yield. The study recommends among others, that government should complement the efforts of the coconut growers in the procurement of not just high-yielding coconut seeds but also in the procurement of other coconut farm inputs such as organic manures and fertilizers, which literature has shown are also critical determinants of coconut output.
ECONOMIC EFFECT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THRIFT AND CREDIT COOPERATIVES DURING PERIODS OF CRISIS IN NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM FCC (OJI RIVER) THRIFT AND CREDIT COOPERATIVE SOCIETY LIMITED
The study focused on economic effect of covid-19 pandemic on thrift and credit cooperatives in Nigeria: Evidence from FCC (Oji River) Thrift and Credit Cooperative Society Limited. The objectives were to explore the economic effect of covid-19 on cooperative sector, to evaluate how the cooperative stakeholders’ addressed threat of the pandemic, and to assess the responses by the cooperative actors. Primary and secondary data were used for the study. The study was anchored on the theory of Epidemiologic Transition and Resource Dependence. Qualitative approaches were employed in describing the emerged economic effect of covid-19 pandemic on thrift and credit cooperative societies. Results showed that cooperative principles were compromised during the pandemic, where monthly meetings and AGMs were suspended. There was limited loan recovery, decrease in members’ savings and deposit, liquidity risk, impracticability of democratic member control, difficulty in loan acquisition from financial institutions, among other findings. The paper observed that the pandemic presented an opportunity for the innovation in techniques and digitalization in operations of the cooperative sector, and recommended that ICOPRON, CFN, and Apex organizations should strive to improve connectivity to revive the cooperative sector in post pandemic era.
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