THE INFLUENCE OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES ON AGRICULTURAL FARM PRODUCTIVITY IN EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The study was designed to examine the influence of agricultural cooperatives on agricultural farm productivity in Edo State. This study reviewed works of several authors. To guide the study, three research questions were raised which are: To what extent do agricultural cooperatives affect farm productivity in Edo State? To what extent do key factors within cooperatives influence agricultural outcome? To what extent do cooperative initiatives contributes to or hinder the development of agricultural sector in Edo State? The research work adopts descriptive survey research design and make use of frequency count and simple percentage, means and deviation to analyze the data collection through the use of a structured questionnaire which serves as the research instrument. The data collected were analyzed in chapter four of the research work according to the research questions raised in the chapter one of this research work. The findings from the study revealed that agricultural cooperative allow farmer’s to share resources and knowledge leading to increased farm productivity.it also revealed that cooperative farmers have better access to credit and resources, facilitating expansion and development of agricultural activity. Also agricultural cooperatives gives room for communication and collaboration, where the farmers share their knowledge and ideas thereby increasing farm yields and improving agricultural income .Agricultural cooperatives helps farmers to strengthen market linkages by collectively marketing members produce, negotiating better prices with buyers and adding value to products through processing and branding. The study also revealed that when there is internal conflict and disagreement within a cooperative, it can hinder progress and negatively impact the overall agricultural outcome.it was recommended that agricultural cooperatives should establish effective conflict resolution mechanism within cooperatives to address internal disagreement and ensure smooth operation progress. Agricultural cooperatives should collaborate with financial institutions to create a tailored credit facilities and financial services for cooperative members ensuring easier access to funding for agricultural activities, cooperatives should also encourage bulk purchasing of agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and equipment to reduce cost and improve productivity.