ASSESSEMENT OF BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION OF RURAL WOMEN IN COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN SHIRORO AREA OF NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Despite the significant role of cooperative societies in the economic development of rural areas, many cooperative societies still face several challenges which hinder full participation of individuals and enjoy the benefits of its forma tion. With this problem one may be in doubt as to whether the objectives of the cooperative societies are achieved or not. It is the light of this the study was conducted to analyze the benefits of participation of rural women in cooperative societies in Shiroro area of Niger state, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty respondents were randomly selected and interviewed in line with the objective of the study. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tools were used for data analysis. The findings indicate that younger people (58.7%) within the age range of 21-40 years participate more in cooperative societies in the study area and have taken combination of farming and trading (5Z3%) as their major occupation. The study revealed that majority of the respondents belongs to rri arke ti ng co operative societies (76.7%) and acquisi tion of credit [acili ties (68.0%) was the highest benefit derived by members participating in cooperative societies in the study area. The findings of the study also revealed that major problems encountered by respondents participating in cooperative societies in the study area include bad leadership style (69.33%), inadequate working capital (6533%) and inadequate benefit accrued to participating members. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) that was used test the formulated hypothesis revealed that there is no significant relationship between selected socio-economic (age, educational level and household) characteristics and benefits derived by respondents participating in cooperative societies in the study area. Women should be given more access to education, especially by going beyond secondary school level. The government and nongovernmental organization should create more avenues for cooperative societies to access funds either inform of grants or loans to boost the cooperative activities.