Effect of Agricultural Cooperatives on Cocoa Marketing among Farmers in Akure-North Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of agricultural cooperatives on cocoa marketing among farmers in Akure North Local Government Area, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 cocoa cooperative members. Data were collected using a well-structured and validated questionnaire. Findings from the study revealed that agricultural cooperatives provided essential services, including technical advice (95.0%), group marketing opportunities (93.3%), and access to buyers (92.5%). Key reasons for joining cooperatives included gaining better market access and collective bargaining power (99.2%). Consequently, the respondents perceived cooperatives positively, noting improvements in market access (x̅ ̅= 4.97) and income (x̅ =4.82). However, they express concerns about restrictions on marketing options and delays in payments. Additionally, significant constraints identified included a lack of transportation (97.5%) and poor road infrastructure (77.5%). Moreover, a significant relationship exists between the reasons for joining cooperatives and the farmers' perceived effect of agricultural cooperatives on cocoa marketing (r = 0.267, p = 0.003). Therefore, the study concluded that while cooperatives help in enhancing cocoa marketing, some of the identified constraints to the effectiveness of agricultural cooperative should be looked into by all necessary stakeholders.