FARMERS' SATISFACTION WITH AGRICULTURAL COOPERATIVES AS A PATHWAY TO ZERO HUNGER IN SOUTH-SOUTH STATES, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the role of agricultural cooperative societies in achieving zero hunger amongst households in South-South States, Nigeria. A total of 144 farmers were selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure, and data were collected through a validated questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data obtained. Results revealed that the average age, farming experience, household size, farm size, and annual farm income were 46 years, 11 years, 6 persons, 3 hectares, and N282,638.89, respectively. The level of participation of the respondents in their cooperative groups was highest in the payment of monthly dues and other necessary contributions, and the most significant benefit derived was increased human capacity development in farming. Furthermore, most of the cooperators indicated their high level of satisfaction with the groups they belong to. Regression results showed that respondents derived significant benefits from their belonging to cooperative groups. The study concludes that farmers are satisfied with patronizing cooperative societies as a strategy to attain zero hunger amongst households. The study recommends that awareness creation should be carried out to encourage new entrants to join cooperative societies to accomplish zero hunger.