Impact of Inflation on Savings and Investments of Cooperative Societies in Awka South Local Government Area

Abstract

This study is to ascertain the impact of inflation on savings and investments of cooperative societies in Awka South local government area. The researcher set to determine the effect of inflation on member’s savings, member’s investment and roles of cooperatives in addressing issue of inflation in the study area. To guide this study, three research questions and two hypotheses were formulated in line with the objectives of the study. The study was anchored on International Fisher Effect Theory by Irving Fisher (1930). The study employed a descriptive survey design, the instrument for data collection was questionnaire constructed for the study and calibrated with the 5-point Likert ordinal measurement and rating scale. The population of the study was 268 selected cooperatives members in Awka South local Government Area of Anambra State. The sample size used was 161 cooperative members using Taro Yamane formular. Adopting a judgmental sampling technique, 161 questionnaires was distributed, and 127 copies of questionnaire were completed and returned and used for this study which represent 78.9% response rate. Research hypotheses were tested using Z-Test. The finding revealed that there is a significant effect of inflation on member’s savings in the study area, had a p-value 0.0107 (p < 0.05). With a p-value 0.0170 (p < 0.05) indicating there is a significant effect of inflation on member’s investment in the study area. In view of the findings, the study therefore, recommends that stakeholders and cooperative societies in the study area carefully consider and actively manage the impact of inflation on members’ savings. Implementing strategies such as diversified investments, inflation-adjusted interest rates, and financial education initiatives can help mitigate the adverse effects of inflation, ensuring the preservation and growth of members’ savings over time. Cooperative societies should adopt proactive measures to safeguard and enhance investment portfolios. Strategies may include diversifying investments across asset classes, regularly reviewing and adjusting investment policies in response to inflationary trends and providing members with financial literacy programs to empower them in making informed investment decisions resilient to the challenges posed by inflation and also, to sustain and enhance these initiatives.