Patronizing Agricultural Cooperatives: The Journey towards Zero Hunger Attainment in South-South States, Nigeria

Abstract

The study focused on farmers patronizing agricultural cooperative societies as a journey towards zero hunger attainment in the South-South States, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select a sample size of 144. A validated questionnaire was used to obtain data from respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data obtained. Results showed that the average age, farming experience, household size, farm size, and annual farm income were 46 years, 11 years, 6 persons, 3 Ha, and N282,638.89 respectively. The level of participation of the respondents' activities in their groups was highest in payment of monthly dues and other necessary contributions (mean = 3.60) and the most perceived benefit derived was increased human capacity development in farming (mean = 3.48). Besides, most (59.03%) of the cooperators indicated their high level of satisfaction with the groups they belong to. Regression results showed that respondents derived significant (p<0.05) benefits from their belonging to cooperative groups. It was concluded that farmers were satisfied by patronizing cooperative societies as a strategy to attain zero hunger amongst households. The study recommends that there should be awareness creation for new entrants to join cooperative societies to accomplish zero hunger.