NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT

EFFECT OF RURAL FINANCE INSTITUTION (RUFIN) SERVICES ON RURAL HOUSEHOLD POVERTY REDUCTION IN ANAMBRA STATE

Ifeoma Pethronila Okafor — 2023-11-29

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.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF WOMEN COOPERATIVE ORGANIZATIONS AS DETERMINANTS OF THEIR USE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA

Ifeoma Pethronila Okafor — 2023-12-01

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.

DETERMINANT OF SAVING AND INVESTMENT BEHAVIOR OF SMALL SCALE POULTRY FARMERS IN UMUAHIA AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF ABIA STATE

Aguaguiyi, F.N — 2023-11-29

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.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF CATFISH MARKETING AMONG WOMEN IN OGBARU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE.

Okonkwo-Emegha Kate — 2023-12-01

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.

INFLUENCE OF INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION ON THE PROMOTION OF CONSUMPTION OF LOCALLY PRODUCED GOODS AMONGST UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA

Nnaemeka Okika — 2023-11-29

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.

STABILITY OF TENURE AND EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY: A STUDY OF MICROFINANCE BANKS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Nma Okechukwu Okoroji — 2023-12-01

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.

EFFECTS OF WOMEN COOPERATIVE SOCIETY ON ENSURING FOOD SECURITY IN OGBARU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Ogochukwu Esther Okafor — 2023-11-29

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.

IMPACT OF RISK ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED INSURANCE FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Monday Duniya — 2023-12-01

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.

WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA.

Theresa Ukamaka Anigbogu — 2023-11-29

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.

TOTAL ECONOMIC RECOVERY THROUGH CO-OPERATIVE SUSTAINABILITY

Obianuju Emmanuela Agbasi — 2023-11-29

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.

SUSTAINABILITY OF COOPERATIVES AND DONOR SUPPORT: THE ‘WAIT-AND-SEE” ATTITUDE OF MEMBERS

Nkechi C. Ojiagu — 2023-12-01

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.