Agricultural Cooperative Societies Research Articles

Sources of agricultural extension information and farmers’ willingness to pay for the information: Evidence from small-scale pineapple farmers in south-eastern Ghana

This paper examines sources, preferred format and language of agricultural extension information and the willingness of pineapple farmers to pay for the information. It is based on analysis of data collected using the structured interview schedule method administered on 132 small-scale pineapple farmers randomly selected from 14 communities in the Akuapem South District of south-eastern Ghana. Agricultural extension agents (96.7%), cooperative societies (83.3%), colleague farmers (70%) and platforms offered by workshops and training sessions (63.3%) were identified as predominant sources of agricultural extension information. Besides, the study showed that 40.9% of farmers were willing to pay for such services, with 28.8% expressing their unwillingness. The results of a chi-square analysis showed a significant relationship between pineapple farmers’ willingness to pay for agricultural extension information with respect to sex, age, educational level, household size, years of experience, farm size, and position in the society. However, marital status and membership of cooperative societies of pineapple farmers were not significant (at ρ ≤ 0.05) and therefore did not affect the pineapple farmers’ willingness to pay for such services. The paper makes a strong case for policy direction that deepens private sector participation and supports a more balanced public-private-partnership arrangement for extension delivery. This may stimulate pluralistic extension delivery, introduce a lot more diversity and enhance farmer acceptance of the need to invest in extension information. This study represents the first-ever study in Ghana on willingness to pay for extension information that focuses exclusively on producers of a horticultural commodity (small-scale pineapple farmers) with their distinguishing characteristic features.

Socio-economic and institutional determinants of membership in Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies in Mvomero and Kilombero districts, Tanzania

ABSTRACT Membership in Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies (AMCOS) benefits farmers through strengthened bargaining power in marketing and better access to other support services including access to agricultural inputs. Despite the benefits of AMCOS, many farmers have not joined AMCOS. Some farmers are reluctant to join AMCOS while others are dropping out. This study, therefore, specifically examined socio-economic and institutional determinants of farmers’ decision to join AMCOS in Mvomero and Kilombero districts. This study adopted a cross-sectional design whereby 340 farmer respondents were interviewed. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, comparative, and binary regression analysis. The findings showed that age, education, credit services, the amount of credit accessed, farm input, marketing, and price information were significant determinants of farmers’ decision to join AMCOS. The study recommends that AMCOS management should improve the services they offer and reduce the cost of membership to attract more farmers to access their services. Also, the District Co-operatives Officers and AMCOS managers should carry out public awareness campaigns and educate the farmers on the importance of co-operatives as the findings showed that some farmers were not informed about co-operative societies.

Survival and sustenance strategy of primary agricultural cooperative credit societies in India: a fuzzy interpretive structural modelling approach

PurposePrimary agricultural cooperative credit societies (PACSs) in India are considered to be the backbone of the last mile delivery of rural credit for landless and marginal farmers and the poorest sections of the society. Contribution of PACS in social welfare is well documented. However, in spite of being such important form of organization at the grass root level, the authors find a typical baffling phenomenon which is fluctuating growth of PACS. Given that PACS have not been able to establish a consistent growth rate, thus hindering its trajectory to become a strong and consolidated organizational form, it is natural to investigate and identify those success factors that are critical for a newly formed PACS to survive and sustain. Hence it is necessary to undertake a strategic assessment of the function of PACS and hence identify those critical success factors (CSFs). This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review the existing literature and conduct interview with experts and other stakeholders with the purpose to gain a view of the strategic situation of PACS in India, especially with respect to their birth and death processes and identify a set of factors that are critical to the survival and sustenance of PACS. Based on the inputs from the experts, we modelled the interrelationships amongst these CSFs using interpretive structural modelling (ISM). Further, fuzzy Matriced’ Impacts Croise's Multiplication Appliquée a UN Classement (MICMAC) analysis is performed to cluster these CSFs into four quadrants based on their influence and dependence in the system.FindingsThe findings point out that a hierarchical interconnected structure exists amongst the CSFs that influence the survival and sustenance of the PACSs. “Quality and Motivation of Management” was found to be driving all other factors so far the survival of any PACS is considered. Also the authors have found that “Loan Recovery” is the most sensitive factor that needs to be taken care of for the sustenance of PACS. These findings are in the expected line and commensurate with the conventional wisdom yet to be documented till date.Originality/valueIt is a forward-looking analysis that tries to find out the CSFs for the survival of PACS in order to face the changing economic scenario of India which is still agrarian in nature. Both in terms of research question as well as methodology, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is first of its kind so far PACS are concerned being one of the most important but neglected entities in India; so far the last mile rural agricultural credit delivery is concerned, this study will help the policy makers to develop a holistic viewpoint in relation to long term sustenance of PACS.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-05-2022-0331

Influence of Agricultural Cooperative in Promoting Food Security in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The study examined the influence of agricultural cooperative societies in enhancing food security in Ekiti state, Nigeria. The study became imperative because of the prevailing food scarcity that has continued to ravage the state despite the larger part of the population engaging in farming of food crops. The study specifically examined the relationship between agricultural cooperative and food security in Ekiti State, Nigeria and specifically to examine the effect of farm supply inputs and cooperative credit facility in enhancing food security. The study adopted field survey research design through a total population of 47, 594 cooperative members across two senatorial zones in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A total number of 397 questionnaires were distributed, and 381 copies were returned. Validity and reliability of the instrument were established and the data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-test with the aid of SPSS version 20. The perception of members of food security revealed that adequate storage facilities can help to eradicate food scarcity as revealed by the mean value of 4.39. The also agreed that food security cab be enhanced through improvement on agricultural productivity by agricultural cooperative as shown by mean value of 3.59. All the mean responses of the cooperative members were more than 3.0 on farm supply inputs and credit facilities. This implies that members agreed that cooperatives contributed greatly to their financial empowerment and as well provided them with adequate farm inputs to improve their agricultural productivity. The study thereby recommended that, since farm inputs have a positive effect on food availability, hence, government stakeholders and respective management should not hesitate to provide farm input supplies to cushion the effect of pesticides on farm crops and plants and also, make credit facilities available to members to boost their plantation.

Assessment of Credit Pattern of Small and Marginal Farmers in Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu, India

Finance is the lifeblood of any business same way credit is the lifeblood of agriculture. Without credit, farmers cannot do farming activities. Hence the Primary Agricultural Credit Co-operative Societies provide credit to farm and non-farm activities in rural areas to improve agriculture. The adequate and timely availability of credit at reasonable rates is crucial for agricultural development. The study is based on households’ survey conducted in six blocks from three districts viz., Ammapettai and Orathanadu blocks of Thanjavur district, Needamangalam and Mannargudi blocks of Thiruvarur district, Kilvelur and Thirumarugal blocks of Nagapattinam district. Two villages from each block were selected purposively based on more area under rice cultivation. Sample size of 366 farmers which consisted of 183 marginal and 183 small farmers was selected randomly based on proportionate random sampling method. The data were statistically tabulated and analyzed by calculating simple percentages and cumulative square root frequency method for categorization. Nearly one-fourth of the farmers (24.86%) had low level of credit orientation followed by 23.50 per cent had very low level, 21.58 per cent had high level, 15.03 per cent of farmers had medium and very high level of credit orientation. The small farmers having high credit orientation than marginal farmers, the most of the small farmer’s occupational status was farming and business. They utilize credit for their farm, household and non-farm activities. More than three-fifth of the marginal farmers (63.39%) sometimes relying on individual moneylenders for their credit source followed by 45.36 per cent of small farmers sometimes rely on individual money lenders for their credit source and more than half of the farmers (54.37%). Most of the marginal and small farmers were having low to medium level of income category, they depend on banks, co-operative societies and money lenders for their credit source. Mostly they allocate equal percentage of loan for the farm and household expenses. The policy makers can make note of the utilization pattern of agricultural credit and can give directions on the lending terms and conditions.

Constraints of Crop Credit Beneficiaries of Primary Agricultural Co-Operative Credit Societies in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka

Purpose: Farmers have great importance in our country. They give us the stuff to consume, thus we are dependent on them. Since everyone requires healthy food to survive, farmers must be trusted. The agricultural industry is crucial to the country's economic development, food security, creation of jobs, and reduction of poverty; particularly in rural areas. The primary agricultural co-operative credit societies are providing short-term and medium-term loans to the farmers. The primary reason behind the study is to understand the agricultural co-operative credit society practices and its operations, constraints faced by the farmers of PACC Society, and whether the farmers are satisfied with the services provided by the co-operative society and utilizing this credit for productive purposes or not. Methodology: The methodology used in this study is Descriptive Research, which is mainly concerned with secondary data sources. Secondary data collected from scholarly literature, books, journals, proceedings, magazines, newspapers, personal resources, libraries, websites, government records and documents. The present study was carried out in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka state. The researcher collected information from secondary source. Findings: In Dakshina Kannada, the current status of co-operative society credit practices and operations were identified. Nature and disbursement of loans and advances, Beneficiary's level of satisfaction, the purpose of the credit, utilization of credit and working environment of the working staff, the level of crop credit beneficiary’s constraints, social practices, and activities were analysed. Originality: This study considered the problems faced by the members of the Primary Agricultural Credit Co-operative Society for agricultural credit. Value: This study reviewed the current status of primary agricultural credit co-operative services especially short-term crop loans to the members of the society. Paper Type: Descriptive study

Constraints of Crop Credit Beneficiaries of Primary Agricultural Co-Operative Credit Societies in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka

Constraints of Crop Credit Beneficiaries of Primary Agricultural Co-Operative Credit Societies in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka

Constraints in the Functioning of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies in Haryana State, India

Abstract Subject and purpose of work: T he s tudy a ims t o identify t he constraints in t he f unctioning of PACS in Haryana, India. Materials and methods: The study was based on primary data collected from nine PACS managers through schedule. The purposive sampling technique was employed for the selection of PACS. The percentage was used for data analysis. The data were collected in the second quarter of 2022. Results: The study found that 100 % of PACS managers regarded lack of adequate funds, a low level of deposits, and increased day-to-day government intervention as constraints in the functioning of PACS. Subsequently, the respondents mentioned inability to mobilise resources (77.77%), lack of managerial skills (77.77%), lack of trained staff (55.55%), improper channel of recovery system (44.44%), untimely repayment and poor recovery percentage of the loan (44.44%), political interference (33.33%), difficulties due to low educational level of borrowers (22.22%), and uncooperative attitude of borrowers (11.11%). Conclusions: Main constraints in the functioning of PACS are lack of adequate funds, a low level of deposits, increased day-to-day government intervention, inability to mobilise resources, and lack of managerial skills.

Critical Success Factors for the Better Performance of Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies in Rombo District, Tanzania: Are Members Aware of Them?

Critical Success Factors for the Better Performance of Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies in Rombo District, Tanzania: Are Members Aware of Them?

DETERMINANTS TO PREFER PACCSS BY MEMBERS: AN ANLYSIS WITH CHALLENGES

Co-operative banks offers a wide range of services including improved access to markets, natural resources, information, communications,technologies, credit,training and warehouses to farmers and rural entrepreneurs.In this paper, it is mainly focused on to examine the determinants to prefer the Primary Agricultural Co-operative Credit Societies (PACCSs) and challenges faced by the members of PACCSs in Erode district of Tamil Nadu. For this paper, primary data have been collected from 140 members of the PACCSs. Such collected data have been analysed with the help of MS Excel and SPSS 22.0.Kendall's 'W' Test and Henry Garrett Ranking Technique have been used for this research.

Impact of Agricultural Cooperative in Promoting Food Security in Kwara State, Nigeria

The state of food insecurity in this country is quite alarming despite the various steps taken by the federal government to prevent it. It is one of the major reasons why we are still finding it hard to project this country as one of the leading economies in Africa. This research paper aims at explaining the impact of agricultural cooperative societies in promoting food security in Kwara State, Nigeria. It acquires its results from the data collated from farmers in the vicinity who are members of the cooperative societies and those who are not. The research study was carried out in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State. Data for this study was derived from a survey of 100 farmers in the local government area. Food insecurity, a major problem of the 21st century, is being battled in almost every part of the world. Nigeria as a country is not left out in the action of this primary factor of economic setback. Both governmental and non-governmental organizations are taking various measures to put a stop to this challenge. This paper is looking into the significance and impacts of the agricultural cooperative societies—both governmental and non-governmental ones—on the enhancement and promotion of food security. It identifies and praises the effectiveness of the societies on the challenges faced by farmers even though cumbered with some setbacks. The result indicates that the majority of the farmers (60% of the respondents) belong to one of the agricultural cooperatives which has in turn boosted their productivity. Also, the result indicated that men are more engaged in farming of one crop or the other in the area under study more than women i.e., 83% male participants compared to women with 17% participants. The study therefore recommended that the government should assist the agricultural cooperatives at all levels in order to improve their productivity and this will in turn reduce the problem of food security in the country.

Socio–Economic Factors Influencing Default in Repayment of Loans at Primary Agricultural Co-Operative Credit Societies in Pudukkottai District

Socio–Economic Factors Influencing Default in Repayment of Loans at Primary Agricultural Co-Operative Credit Societies in Pudukkottai District

Effect of Agricultural Cooperative Membership on Willingness to Pay for Non-fatal Risk Reduction from COVID-19


 The recurring nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent discovery of the Omicron variant in Nigeria, coupled with concerns about the specific roles and contributions of social institutions in redressing the spread of the virus, prompted this study. Thus, the study determined the willingness to pay for health risk reduction from Corona Virus (COVID-19); estimated the value of statistical case (VSC) and ascertained the effects of cooperative membership on the willingness to pay (WTP) for COVID-19 morbidity health risk reduction. Multi-stage sampling technique was deployed in selecting 149 cooperative and 130 non-cooperative members for the study, in Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas of Kwara State, Nigeria. To reach its conclusion, descriptive statistics, Levene’s test, t-test, chi-square, Probit analysis, propensity score matching, WTP and the value of statistical case were employed for data analysis. The study revealed that the typical cooperative member is willing to pay N1,638 per farming season to decrease his or her chance of falling sick from COVID-19 or averting non-fatal cases of COVID-19 by 1 in 10,000. In addition, the propensity score matching (PSM) estimation indicated that agricultural cooperative societies had effect on members, with the average member willing to pay N561.32 per season higher than the non-members. Arising from these results, it becomes imperative to consider integrating cooperative societies as complementary instrument for the prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic. The estimated VSC further provides pecuniary basis and policy guidance for efficient allocation of resources for the mitigation and control of COVID-19.
 

The Agricultural Cooperative in the Face of the Challenges of Globalization, Sustainability and Digitalization

The enormous contribution of agricultural cooperative societies to the rural world has not gone unnoticed [...]

Constraints of Crop Credit Beneficiaries of Primary Agricultural Co-Operative Credit Societies in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka

Constraints of Crop Credit Beneficiaries of Primary Agricultural Co-Operative Credit Societies in Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka

Board Members of Agricultural Cooperative Societies’ Electronic Openness, their Benefit from Agricultural Websites and Application, and their Attitudes Toward It, in Some Districts in El-Behaira Governorate

Board Members of Agricultural Cooperative Societies’ Electronic Openness, their Benefit from Agricultural Websites and Application, and their Attitudes Toward It, in Some Districts in El-Behaira Governorate

Social Impact of Primary Agricultural Co-operative Societies (PACS) in Nadia District of West Bengal

Aims: The researcher has endeavored to analyze impacts of PACS in-terms of selected social parameters using perception of the sample respondents. The study is significant to evaluate the perception of members PACS.
 Place and Duration of Study: The researchers have employed 290 members in 29 PACS out of the 365 operating PACS found in the Nadia district of West Bengal. Primary data for the study have been collected during 2017-2019.
 Methodology: The researchers have employed a multi-stage random sampling technique for selecting 290 members in 29 PACS in the Nadia district of West Bengal. The Likert-scale used with 5 points in the questionnaire in which, the respondents were required to grade the scale of their satisfaction for particular thing. Data have been standardized for in the study with Zero mean and Unit Standard Deviation. Qualitative as well as quantitative techniques of data analysis were used to describe and analyze the research questions. The data collected from household survey were organized, coded and entered into statistical package, TANAGRA and Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics such as, frequency distribution, percentages etc. multivariate analyses for data reduction, Principal Component Analysis, K-means Cluster Analysis, analyses related to Group Characterization have been done to arrive meaningful interpretations for conclusions of the study.
 Results: The score obtained from the PCA are then grouped through cluster analysis. Social perception is to arrange the score according to deviations from Standard Deviation (SD). More than 76 percent of the total members fall in the group implying the perception of the members on social development by PACS is mostly homogeneous in nature. The researcher has find two variables namely, PACS role on empowering women in decision making and PACS Social business with other rural institutions comprise the first factor. Similarly second factor consist of the two (2) variables namely, PACS role in sensitizing women leadership in PACS management and role in skill development of women though training/ handholding etc. The second factor may be viewed as the factor of woman empowerment.
 Conclusion: The study concludes that PACS play important role in social development of the family. Most of the members agreed upon the positive role of the PACS Empowering women in decision making, Generating awareness of ongoing social development schemes of Government, Mobilizing of weaker sections, Educating Co-operative principles and Social business with other rural institutions. Moreover, PACS help to improve education level and improve habit of agricultural loan at the time of cash requirement particularly during peak season of agricultural operations.

Comparative Economic Analysis and Profitability of Tomato ((Lycopersicon esculentum) Production in Selected Districts of Punjab State

The study was conducted to analyse the comparative economic analysis and profitability of tomato production in selected districts of Punjab state. A primary data was collected in the year 2019-20 by using multistage stratified random sampling technique. Two top ranking districts namely Amritsar and Patiala on the basis of highest area under tomato crop were purposively selected in the Punjab state. A sample of 200 tomato growers were selected, 100 each from both the districts from 21 producing villages selected from Patiala and Amritsar district of Punjab state. The results of the study indicated that the average area under tomato crop was highest in case of Amritsar district i.e. 10.90 acres as compared to 2.98 acres in Patiala district. Majority of the farmers in both the districts were using hybrid varities. 575 variety is basically demanded by the factories or tomato companies and mostly preferred by processing firms. The total variable cost was estimated highest in case of Patiala district (Rs.59262.63/acre) as compared to Amritsar district (Rs.47779.15/acre) due to the difference in their cultivation methods (Bamboo staking vs open field cultivation), varietal difference, nursery preparation methods, seasonal and geographical difference. The returns over variable cost was found higher in case of Patiala district i.e. Rs. 85142.42 than Amritsar district (Rs.61882.74). The study concluded that the tomato cultivation in Patiala district was found more profitable than Amritsar district. It was recommended that the primary agricultural credit cooperative societies and other funding agencies should be persuaded to provide adequate short term credit facilities to cover the higher operational cost. Government should ensure the supply of hybrid seeds to tomato growers at subsidized rates and ensure better minimum support price to tomato growers so that farmers received price at least cost equal to the cost of production.

Rural Small-Scale Women Farmers and Preference for Family Size in South-East Nigeria

Among other things, fertility control in Nigeria may not be feasible without recourse to socioeconomic issues such as micro-occupation classification and dominant family cultural traditions facing women and their relationship to fertility behaviour. Rural small-scale women farmers are a relatively closed group with some uniqueness for the understanding of the value of children (VOC) in socioeconomic and cultural contexts and its relationship with fertility behaviour in developing nations. This study, guided by the VOC model, focuses on determining factors for preference for family size (0-4 children) among rural small-scale women farmers in Eha-Amufun in Enugu state. 200 married women (mean age = 33.9; mean age at marriage = 24.5) from 20 agricultural co-operative societies were selected for the study. The study adopted a survey and quantitative research design. Besides the sociodemographic information of the study participants, the study elicited from the respondents information on their choice of family size, the connection of family size with their occupation and the circumstances surrounding son preference and son adoption in the family and rural contexts. The collected data were analysed using the ordinal logistic regression model. The findings show that economic independence, son preference and male child adoption negates limiting family sizes to 0-4 (p<.05) however, age, formal education, children as source of labour and economic independence were positively correlated with the desire for a family size of 4 children and above. In view of the limitations of the study and the ability of the VOC model to unveil spurious factors for fertility behaviour among women, there is a need for comparative studies of rural closed groups in developing nations and their fertility behaviour.Among other things, fertility control in Nigeria may not be feasible without recourse to socioeconomic issues such as micro-occupation classification and dominant family cultural traditions facing women and their relationship to fertility behaviour. Rural small-scale women farmers are a relatively closed group with some uniqueness for the understanding of the value of children (VOC) in socioeconomic and cultural contexts and its relationship with fertility behaviour in developing nations. This study, guided by the VOC model, focuses on determining factors for preference for family size (0-4 children) among rural small-scale women farmers in Eha-Amufun in Enugu state. 200 married women (mean age = 33.9; mean age at marriage = 24.5) from 20 agricultural co-operative societies were selected for the study. The study adopted a survey and quantitative research design. Besides the sociodemographic information of the study participants, the study elicited from the respondents information on their choice of family size, the connection of family size with their occupation and the circumstances surrounding son preference and son adoption in the family and rural contexts. The collected data were analysed using the ordinal logistic regression model. The findings show that economic independence, son preference and male child adoption negates limiting family sizes to 0-4 (p<.05) however, age, formal education, children as source of labour and economic independence were positively correlated with the desire for a family size of 4 children and above. In view of the limitations of the study and the ability of the VOC model to unveil spurious factors for fertility behaviour among women, there is a need for comparative studies of rural closed groups in developing nations and their fertility behaviour.

Planning a training program to develop the knowledge of workers in agricultural cooperative societies on activities related to the role of cooperative societies in extension work in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate

Planning a training program to develop the knowledge of workers in agricultural cooperative societies on activities related to the role of cooperative societies in extension work in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate