Abstract

This study examined the perceived effects of membership in co-operative societies on the socioeconomic status of co-operators in Kwara State, Nigeria. Specifically, the socioeconomic characteristics of co-operators were described and members? extent of participation and benefit derived in co-operative societies were determined. Multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 select respondents for the study. Primary data were collected using interview schedule and described using frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation while correlation analysis was used for inferential deduction. Results showed that majority (80.0%) of respondents were male and engaged in farming (75%) as major occupation. Majority (93.3%) always attended general meeting of their various co-operative societies, while 90% always contributed society monthly dues. Benefits enjoyed most by co-operators included credit service delivery to members (mean score = 2.78), market access for members? produce (2.52), skills acquisition program (2.07), capital formation for joint purchasing of input (2.04) and collective processing of farm produce (2.00). The least services enjoyed by cooperators were joint ownership of resources as collaterals in bank (0.98) and access to tractor use (1.18). Results of correlation analysis showed there was significant and positive relationship between socioeconomic status of co-operators and participation in co-operative activities (r=0.57) and benefits derived by members in cooperative societies (r=0.9). In conclusion, co-operators perceived that membership in cooperative societies could lead to high socioeconomic status. It is recommended that co-operative societies should leverage on co-operative resources as collateral to access bank loan so as to increase the benefits derived by co-operators and better enhance their socioeconomic status.

PDF