T-test analysis for income comparison between members and non-members of livunzu cooperative in chikwawa district, Malawi.

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the relationship between agricultural cooperatives and farmers’ income. Agricultural cooperatives have been a well-known avenue for improving small-scale farmers’ economic well-being by widening access to resources, markets and collective action. A simple random sample of 293 rice farming households was surveyed. The study employed the use of descriptive statistics to describe the characteristics of the respondents. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a household survey targeting cooperative and non-cooperative members. The study employed the use of SPSS package version 28 in data analysis. T-test analysis was used to establish the statistical differences in means of the cooperative and non-cooperative member farmers. It was established that being in a cooperative improves income in rice farming. The results suggested that policies aimed at improving farmer’s access to market power, and production modalities are important intervention avenues that can affect the income of rice farming in the area. The understanding of the relationship between cooperatives and farmers’ income is important for policy makers, development workers and the farmers in their effort to enhance the economic well-being of the farmers.