Impact of Agricultural Cooperative in Promoting Food Security in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract:

The state of food insecurity in this country is quite alarming despite the various steps taken by the federal government to prevent it. It is one of the major reasons why we are still finding it hard to project this country as one of the leading economies in Africa. This research paper aims at explaining the impact of agricultural cooperative societies in promoting food security in Kwara State, Nigeria. It acquires its results from the data collated from farmers in the vicinity who are members of the cooperative societies and those who are not. The research study was carried out in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State. Data for this study was derived from a survey of 100 farmers in the local government area. Food insecurity, a major problem of the 21st century, is being battled in almost every part of the world. Nigeria as a country is not left out in the action of this primary factor of economic setback. Both governmental and non-governmental organizations are taking various measures to put a stop to this challenge. This paper is looking into the significance and impacts of the agricultural cooperative societies—both governmental and non-governmental ones—on the enhancement and promotion of food security. It identifies and praises the effectiveness of the societies on the challenges faced by farmers even though cumbered with some setbacks. The result indicates that the majority of the farmers (60% of the respondents) belong to one of the agricultural cooperatives which has in turn boosted their productivity. Also, the result indicated that men are more engaged in farming of one crop or the other in the area under study more than women i.e., 83% male participants compared to women with 17% participants. The study therefore recommended that the government should assist the agricultural cooperatives at all levels in order to improve their productivity and this will in turn reduce the problem of food security in the country.