SURVEY OF THE PERFORMANCE OF AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study deals with the analysis of the performance of agricultural cooperative societies in kogi state of Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used in the selection of 28 Agricultural cooperative societies and 280 members. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on the membership and activities of the cooperative societies. The paper reveals that there are five major types of registered agricultural cooperative societies in the area. The study further reveals that cooperative societies in the area engaged in crop, livestock, processing and storage enterprises. The farm produce of the societies include: Rice, maize, yam, cassava, and livestock and farm inputs procured are: improved seeds, fertilizers, agro-chemicals and farm implements. The average capital accumulated per member was N6,556.71 while the average loan disbursement per member was N6,451.00. Only 67 percent of the total loan from the societies went to the agricultural sector. It is suggested in the paper that government should increase the supply of credit to cooperative farmers and embank on enlightenment campaign to increase the participation of rural farmers in cooperative activities.