SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS AFFECTING WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVE IN SOME SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL OF ABUJA (FCT), NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examines the socio-economic factors affecting women participation in agricultural cooperative. The study was conducted in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria (Abuja). A multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistic tool and probit regression model. The result revealed that 27.3% of the respondents were within the age of 31-40 years, 76.7% were married; the household size was 5 while about 77.5% had formal education. The probit regression result revealed the age was negatively significant at 10%, farm size was positively significant (P<0.01), number of years in cooperative was significant (P<0.01), extension service (P<0.01), access to credit at 5% respectively. Access to marketing information was one of the major benefit women derived in participation while lack of awareness of cooperative activities was the major constraint with 73.3%. It can be concluded from the study that the decision of a cooperative member to belong to any cooperative organization was dependent on assurance of access to credit or loan, information, extension services; inputs supply, awareness and knowledge of the existence of the cooperative organization. Based on the findings of the study, it was therefore recommended that cooperative organization should strengthen moral relationship among member groups and other external social groups who may serve as agents of information dissemination to Cooperative organization.