Effect of Cooperative Extension Education on the Performance of Members of Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Societies in Enugu State

Okonkwo; Chukwudi Joseph; Ezema; Festus Sunday; Otaokpukpu; Justina Njideka

Effect of Cooperative Extension Education on the Performance of Members of Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Societies in Enugu State

Okonkwo, Chukwudi Joseph & Ezema, Festus Sunday and Otaokpukpu, Justina Njideka

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of cooperative extension education on the performance of farmers’ multipurpose cooperative societies (FMCS) in Enugu State. The objectives of the study are: to evaluate the level of participation in cooperative extension education among FMCS, to identify the factors influencing participation in cooperative extension education programmes among FMCS, to identify the level of profitability of FMCS, to evaluate non- financial cooperative effects on members of FMCS and to examine the effects of cooperative extension on cooperative profitability in Enugu State. Exploratory and descriptive designs were used in the study. The sample size of 400 was determined using Taro Yamani formula and Bowler’s proportional allocation formula used to distribute questionnaires to the selected cooperative societies from a total population of 325,142 cooperative members in 13,636 registered cooperatives societies in Enugu State. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools like frequency distribution, (percentages and tables), multiple regressions. Findings revealed that 47.5% of the respondents have not participated in cooperative extension education programme. Cooperative performance analysis indicated that majority of cooperative societies studied had an Extra value index (EVI) that is positive, meaning that cooperatives are generating value for their members. Among the non-financial value added to their members, shared risks, marketing functions, supply of input and increased accessibility to funds ranked highest. However, among the variables analyzed, cooperative extension training had no statistical significant effect on the performance of cooperative societies.

Keywords

Cooperative ExtensionCooperative EducationPerformanceFarmers Multipurpose Cooperative Societies.

References

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Effect of Cooperative Extension Education on the Performance of Members of Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Societies in Enugu State

Abstract

Keywords

References

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