Assessment of Agricultural Cooperative Societies on Farm Input Supply in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research investigated how Agricultural Cooperative Societies in Ekiti State, Nigeria, influenced the supply of farm inputs. The results indicate that most cooperative society members were male, in their working-age years, and had received formal education. These individuals were typically engaged in farming or held civil service jobs and accessed various benefits like employment opportunities, credit, dividends, agricultural inputs, and access to the output market through their cooperative society. The study revealed that 71.1% of farmers belonged to a cooperative society, with 51.1% having a membership duration of 1-5 years. The largest portion of farmers inherited their land (35.6%). Cooperative societies typically consisted of 6 to 10 members, and a substantial 60% of farmers had received formal education. Moreover, 64.4% had access to the output market through their cooperative society. Overall, the research demonstrates that agricultural cooperative societies in Ekiti State play a significant role in enhancing the supply of farm inputs, offering crucial resources and assistance to local farmers.