Effect of Membership on Income of Members of Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Societies in Anambra State, Nigeria

This study assessed the effect of membership on income of members of farmers’ multipurpose cooperative societies in Anambra State. Specific objectives were to determine the effect of cooperative membership on members’ income, to determine if there is any difference in the farmers’ income before and after joining cooperative, and also to identify challenges faced by members of the agricultural cooperative in improving their income. Data used for the study were obtained using structured questionnaire administered to 324 respondents who were members of FMCS in the Anambra State. A multi-staged sampling technique was used to select the sample size and data was analyzed using mean rating, simple percentage, standard deviation and t-test. Findings revealed that the t-calculated value of 4.499 was significant at 0.000 significant level. Effects of cooperative membership were visible in that the credit needs of members were satisfied through agricultural cooperative; Processing of farm produce enhanced the income value of agricultural produce of their members. There was a significant difference in the members’ income before and after joining cooperative. The major challenges faced by members of the agricultural cooperative in improving their income as indicated by the respondents included shortage of skilled manpower, lack of cooperative education, financial problems, poor capitalization, and wrong notion of cooperatives. It was recommended that formation of cooperatives should be encouraged, especially among youths and educated people. Government should help out in the agricultural sector through the agricultural cooperative in order to encourage mechanized agricultural activities and makes farming attractive and lucrative