THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF CO-OPERATIVES TO RURAL DEVELOPMENT (A CASE STUDY OF ORLU WEST L.G.A IN IMO STATE).

ABSTRACT

This project looked into The Contributions of co-Operatives to Rural Development (A case study of Orlu West L.G.A in Imo state).

A survey was conducted on the types of cooperative societies in Orlu West Local Government Area and the management and organization of Imo cooperative Federation to obtain relevant data on the view of the respondent towards Imo cooperative federation.

The information was collected from two categories of respondents viz staff of the organization and the divisional cooperation council of Orlu West L.G.A.

The major instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using the percentage system of data analysis.

The study found out that the societies in the area encourages the habit of savings among members. They also sell food at low prices and produced quality goods for the area.

However, the study showed that the growth of co-operative in the area is affected by problems such as frauds, ineffective management, lack of finance and non repayment of loans among others.

TABLE OF CONTENT

Title Page

Approval Page

Dedication

Acknowledgement

Table of content

CHAPTER ONE

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

1.2 Statement of Problems

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1.4 Research Questions

1.5 Significance of the Study

1.6 scope of the Study

1.7 Limitation of the Study

1.8 Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO

• LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1INTRODUCTION

2.2 History of Co-operative in Nigeria

2.3 Origin and Structure of Co-operative in Imo state

2.4 The Origin of Imo Co-operative Federation (ICOFED)

2.5 Function of ICOFED.

2.6 The Contribution of Co-operative in Rural Development.

2.7 Role of Co-operative in Rural Development

2.8 Problems of Co-operatives in Rural Development.

2.9 Solution to the Problems.

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION

3.2 Research Design

3.3 Population of Study and Sample Size

3.4 Sampling Technique

3.5 Source of Data

3.6 Method of Data Analysis

3.7 Validation and Reliability of Measuring.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction of Data

4.2 Presentation of Data

4.3 Analysis of Data

4.4 Design/ Interpretation of Result

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

5.1 Recommendations

5.2 Conclusions

5.3 Remarks of Findings

     Appendix

     Questionnaire

     Bibliography.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Co-operatives in Nigeria have their origin in the efforts of the colonial government that sought to create institutions for implementing policies. This use of cooperatives continued at independence, when the new government also embraced cooperatives as mechanisms for implementing policies and development plans.

The independent government viewed co-operative not as economic entities, but as institutions for producing substance needs of its members.

The subjected cooperative members to state control, which hampered the development of cooperatives as economic enterprises that meet members needs and interests.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Cooperative societies as a  form or type of business organization come into existence when people with common interest, joined themselves into a group financial and controlled by them for the purpose of achieving their goals. The researcher believed from many authors that cooperative societies started in Nigeria in the early 20^th century. It should be noted that life patterns of various communities in the century showed some traits of cooperative societies.

Most communities in Nigeria and Africans in (and others still have) series of associations, youth association etc, which made this to be understandable.

These organization among other things had the following objects of commercial farming through collective efforts, construction of rural roads, extension of credit facilities to members etc.

Many of the modern co-operative societies have the above objectives.

According to one of the officer in cooperative in Amaijeke in Orlu West L.G.A which were recently created from ISU. The recent increase in the formation of new cooperative societies in the country is clear indication that many people and institution alike have found cooperative societies a useful tool in moving ahead different interests.

In the fourth National Development plan, Government has pledged to give all necessary encouragement towards the growth and development of the cooperative sector in the rural areas. Towards this end, government policy would be aimed at;

i. Increasing the numbers and membership of cooperative societies.

ii Strengthening the movement in general through assistance in cash and kind, particularly in the area of provision of storage facilities and shops.

iii Strengthening the manpower support service, traditionally available to the cooperative societies.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

In spite of all the incentives given to villagers by the government to see the problems the researcher has in mind to identify and find solutions to their problems.

Some of these problems are:

Lack of effective management, uncooperative and un-united attitude of members, lack of adequate finance which have often been identified among the problems weakening the progress of cooperative societies. Illiteracy also contributed to these problems.