COOPERATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL DWELLERS IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study investigated cooperative entrepreneurship and the social empowerment of rural dwellers in Anambra state, Nigeria. The objectives are to determine the nature of the relationship that exists between entrepreneurial orientation and self-actualization of rural dwellers and to ascertain the nature of the relationship between risk-taking and autonomy of rural dwellers in Anambra state. A descriptive survey research design was employed and data were analyzed with frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test hypotheses at a 5 per cent level of significance. Findings revealed that there is a statistically significant relationship between entrepreneurial orientation as well as risk-taking and autonomy, the results of the findings showed that exploitation of new business opportunities by cooperative entrepreneurs contributes to the realization of their abilities. It was recommended among others that Cooperative Entrepreneurship should be encouraged at all levels (local, regional and national levels) because it remains a viable strategy in achieving self-actualization and reducing unemployment. Keywords: Cooperative Entrepreneurship, Social Empowerment, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Anambra State.