Cooperatives in Small Scale Amaranthus Production in Kwara State Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed cooperative in small scale amaranthus vegetable production in Kwara State, Nigeria with reference to cooperator and non-cooperator amaranthus vegetable farmers. Specifically, the study looked at the costs and returns to amaranthus vegetable farming for both groups and the effect of cooperative membership on the amaranthus vegetable farmers' output. A three stage sampling procedure was employed to collect data from 140 (70 cooperator and 70 non cooperator) vegetable farmers using a well structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression methods were the major analytical techniques employed. The result of the study showed a significantly higher gross margin for the co-operator vegetable farmers compared to the non-cooperator vegetable farmers. Family size, farm size, Labour and cooperative membership were the significant factors influencing vegetable farmers' output in the study area. The study recommends that the government should through appropriate ministries and agencies, organise periodic seminars and workshops for the farmers on the need to form viable cooperatives and ways to get the best out of the cooperative societies. Provision of machineries such as tractors to the farmers under the supervision of viable farmers' cooperative societies to help reduce the over dependence on human labour and consequently raise production is also recommended.

Involvement of Agro-Based Cooperatives in Agricultural Marketing and Development in Enugu State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Analysis

“…This is in line with studies by Agbonlahor et al [24] Agbo [25] which noted that most cooperative members in Nigeria indicated that their major reason for joining cooperatives was to access credit facilities and other farm-inputs thus affirming that access to funds remains the major economic benefit farmers expect from agro based cooperatives in Nigeria. Studies by Omotesho et al [3] Omoregbee and Okojie [26] also observed that over the years, there has been an increase in the formation of agro based cooperatives evident in the increasing number of registered agro based cooperatives in the various states in Nigeria. However they observed that most of these cooperatives were formed with the sole aim of obtaining funds with most of them disappearing on obtaining the expected funds.…”

“…Studies by Mai-Lafia and Obaka [19] pointed out that agricultural marketing cooperatives are involved with the joint marketing of agricultural products through the provision of value adding activities such as processing, sorting, grading, packaging, etc., necessary to transform agricultural produce in the form required by consumers. Omotesho et al [3] explained that most of these marketing efforts such as processing, grading, packaging, storage, etc., cannot be efficiently carried out by these individual small scale farmers, hence the need for them to form cooperatives to jointly carry out these functions to enjoy economies of scale and profit maximisation. Works by Adefila , [20] Chambo [21] also noted that agricultural marketing cooperatives help motivate small scale farmers to make entry into markets which they would not have ventured into as individual farmers, providing them with assured market for their produce, better production decisions and better prices for their agricultural produce.…”

“…Omotesho et al [3] also observed that lack of felt need to set up a business oriented venture which is essential for the survival of any marketing activities among cooperative members as one of the challenges of marketing of agricultural products by agricultural cooperatives in Nigeria. They also identified the deliberate gang up of very large businesses in a bid to frustrate these cooperatives and protect their own business as another challenge of agricultural cooperatives in the marketing of agricultural products in Nigeria.…”

“…al. [2] Omotesho et al [3] noted that in most developing economies such as Nigeria, small scale rural farmers form the bedrock of agricultural production accounting for over 90% of agricultural production. However, they stressed that they are faced with various marketing challenges such as inadequate storage, lack of processing and transportation facilities, high rate of produce deterioration, inadequate marketing information and facilities, lack of credit facilities; [4,5].…”

Assessment of the Operational Performance of Farmers' Cooperative Societies in South East Nigeria

“…In particular, Farmers' Cooperative Societies (FCSs) provide a veritable platform to improve the living conditions of farmers through increased agricultural production and productivity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). According to Omotesho (2008), cooperative societies are the most effective vehicles for efficiently mobilizing production resources for accelerated rural development. They allow for the harnessing and pooling of millions of smallholder farmers' resources to enable them to enjoy the advantages of economies of scale (Onugu & Abdulahi, 2012).…”