IMPACT OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES ON MARKETING OF ARABLE CROPS IN RURAL-URBAN SETTINGS OF OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the impact of cooperative societies on the marketing of arable crops in the rural–urban areas of Ogun State, Nigeria. The research, conducted in 2025, employed a simple random sampling technique to select 228 members from 535 registered cooperative members. Data were collected using a validated and structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The respondents were predominantly male, around 50 years of age, educated, with an average monthly income of ₦150,000, 18 years of farming experience, and membership in producers’ cooperatives. The findings indicated that cooperative societies significantly enhanced members’ livelihoods by improving market access ( x ̅= 3.81), enabling better prices for produce (x ̅ = 3.85), and facilitating credit for farm inputs ( x ̅= 3.85). However, key challenges identified included inadequate storage facilities (x ̅= 1.86), poor transportation ( x ̅= 1.93), and delayed payments for produce ( x ̅= 1.66). Statistical analysis revealed significant relationships between educational level (p = 0.016), farming experience (p = 0.002), and the perceived impact of cooperatives on marketing. Overall, cooperative membership improved market access, secured better selling prices, and expanded credit opportunities as factors that collectively enhanced productivity and living standards. It is recommended that cooperatives, while leveraging their credit-access advantage, negotiate more flexible loan terms with financial institutions to stimulate greater investment in farming. Furthermore, cooperative leaders should collaborate with relevant government agencies to enhance awareness, eligibility, and documentation for agricultural grant access, thereby addressing structural challenges in arable crop marketing.