Title: Role of Agricultural Cooperatives in Strengthening Food Security Among Small-Scale Farmers in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Dickson, Gift Oke, Nkechi C.Ojiagu and Frank O. Nwankwo
Volume: 9
Issue: 12
Pages: 1-11
Publication Date: 2025/12/28
Abstract:
This study examined the role of agricultural cooperatives in sustaining food security among small-scale farmers in South-East, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are to identify the extent to which extension services affect sustainable food utilization and analyze the extent to which input supply affect sustainable food stability among small-scale farmers in the study area. The study employed a descriptive survey research approach, with a population of 4,888 agricultural cooperatives in South-East Nigeria, comprising a total membership of 60,860 members. A sample size of 398 was calculated utilizing Taro Yamane's (1964) formula. The study utilized primary data, employing a structured questionnaire as the data gathering instrument. The instrument underwent face and content validity assessments, as well as a reliability test with Cronbach's Alpha, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.977. The collected data were analyzed utilizing descriptive statistics (mean) and inferential statistics (Simple Linear Regression via the Ordinary Least Squares method). The hypotheses were tested at a 5% significance level. The findings showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between extension services and sustainable food utilization, and that input supply statistically and significantly affect sustainable food stability of small-scale farmers in the study area. Sequel to this, concluded that these findings collectively highlight the diverse significance of cooperative organizations as catalysts for agricultural enhancement and food system resilience. It was recommended that the ministry of Agriculture should deploy community-based extension officers who will provide routine, hands-on training on modern food preservation, post-harvest handling, and nutrient conservation to ensure better utilization of available food.