Socio-Economic Determinants of Women Participation in Agricultural Cooperatives in Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Agriculture is the bedrock of national development; its exploration broadened employment opportunities as well as food security however its potentials seem not to have been fully explored. This study examines economic and social factors of women participation in agricultural cooperatives in Kogi State, Nigeria. The study adopts descriptive research survey design. The population of this study is six thousand and forty-four (6044) registered women in agricultural cooperatives in Kogi State but considering the large size the study reached a handful of 210 respondents determine using Godden sample size statistical formula. Structured questionnaire was the research instrument used in reaching respondents. The instrument was subjected to reliability test using Cronbach’s alpha consistency method. Data were analyzed using descriptive tools such as frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, while hypotheses were tested using linear regression analysis. The findings revealed that economic and social factors do have significant effects on women participation in agricultural cooperatives in Kogi State. This study therefore, recommends that Cooperative societies should strive to source for funds and ensure provision of credit to members when needed. Again, women farmers in Nigeria should be encouraged and supported to acquire higher education through adult-education model. This will help address the economic factors that are restraining women participation in cooperatives.