Farmers’ Membership of Multipurpose Cooperative and Rural Poverty in Enugu State, Nigeria

Authors

  • Justina Chituru Ibe University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Ikenna Charles Ukwuaba University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Angela Obetta University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Chukwuma Otum Ume Institute for Agricultural Policy and Market Research, Justus-Liebig University, Senckenbergstraße 3, D-35390 Gießen, Germany
  • Ejiofor Emmanuel Omeje University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Rosemary Nnedinso Arua University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  • Kelvin Nnaemeka Nwangwu University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Keywords:

Farmers's cooperative membership, Poverty, Logistic Regression, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined farmers’ membership in cooperative societies and poverty in Enugu State, Nigeria. It specifically examined membership levels (in terms of years) and the effect of membership on poverty, and explored the factors driving poverty reduction among rural farmers. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 120 members of farmers’ cooperatives. Percentages and logistic regression were used for data analysis. There was a negative correlation (-0.616) between cooperative membership and poverty levels. Members had increased access to education ( 2.82), credit (= 2.77), markets (= 2.73), and farm income (= 2.65). Poverty was significantly reduced by years of cooperative membership (38.20%), education (33.30%), and farming experience (15.30%). Cooperative societies should be strengthened through support from the government and development agencies, including financial assistance, training, and favourable policies, to enhance their effectiveness.

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Published

2026-01-31

How to Cite

Ibe, J. C., Ukwuaba, . I. C. ., Obetta, A., Ume, C. O., Omeje, E. . E. ., Arua, . R. N., & Nwangwu, K. N. (2026). Farmers’ Membership of Multipurpose Cooperative and Rural Poverty in Enugu State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension, 30(1), 1–10. Retrieved from https://www.journal.aesonnigeria.org/index.php/jae/article/view/5862

Issue

Section

General Extension and Teaching Methods