Farmers’ Membership of Multipurpose Cooperative and Rural Poverty in Enugu State, Nigeria

This study examined farmers’ membership in cooperative societies and poverty in Enugu State, Nigeria. It specifically examined membership levels (in terms of years) and the effect of membership on poverty, and explored the factors driving poverty reduction among rural farmers. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select 120 members of farmers’ cooperatives. Percentages and logistic regression were used for data analysis. There was a negative correlation (-0.616) between cooperative membership and poverty levels. Members had increased access to education ( 2.82), credit (= 2.77), markets (= 2.73), and farm income (= 2.65). Poverty was significantly reduced by years of cooperative membership (38.20%), education (33.30%), and farming experience (15.30%). Cooperative societies should be strengthened through support from the government and development agencies, including financial assistance, training, and favourable policies, to enhance their effectiveness.