Barriers to cooperative membership and participation in off-farm activities faced by couples and non-couples in selected states of Nigeria

Abstract

The study aimed at examining the barriers to cooperative membership and off-farm activities participation faced by couples and non-couples in selected states of Nigeria. The research question is that what are the barriers to cooperative membership and participation in off-farm activities faced by couples and non-couples in the study area. The research was conducted in six Nigerian states using structured questionnaires to collect data from 820 selected respondents, analytical techniques including descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and structural equation models were employed. On the basis of the socio-economic findings of the study, it was revealed that cooperative members, especially adult males, outnumber non-members across all states which suggest wide gender disparities. Regional variations in gender disparities in cooperative membership also exist stressing the need for inclusive policies and targeted programs for youth and elderly. Commitment, transparency, economic status, and employee efficiency are significant while inadequate infrastructure, poor communication, and limited education affecting participation are constraints. Robust cooperative institutions effectively linked to off-farm participation require improved infrastructure, access to education, corporate governance and sound financial management.