Effect of Cooperative Membership on Production of Plantain Farmers in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of cooperative membership on the productivity of
plantain farmers in Ijebu North Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. It specifically examines
the socio-economic characteristics of these farmers, the influence of cooperative membership on their
production, access to resources, and the cost-return structure of their farming activities. Primary data
were collected for this study using Questionnaire. The study employs both descriptive and inferential
statistical methods. Data collected were analyzed using Descriptive statistics, Multiple regression
analysis, Logistic regression and Budgetary analysis. The results revealed that cooperative membership
significantly influences plantain production, with an R-squared value of 0.441, indicating that 44.1%
of the variation in plantain production is explained by the independent variables. Age (β = 0.380, p <
0.001), access to extension services (β = 0.154, p = 0.276), and farm size (β = 0.063, p = 0.399)

positively impact production, while gender (β = -0.274, p = 0.002) and access to information (β = -
0.258, p = 0.035) negatively influence production. Among the farmers (36.0%) are male, and 64.0%
are female. In terms of access to resources, logistic regression results show that cooperative membership
increases the probability of accessing land (β = 0.400, p < 0.05), inputs (β = 0.330, p < 0.05), and credit
(β = 0.290, p < 0.05). The cost-return analysis indicates that the average return on investment (ROI) for
plantain farmers is 1.45, meaning that for every Naira invested, farmers earn N1.45 in return. Based on
these findings, it is recommended that agricultural cooperatives enhance their support systems,
particularly in providing easier access to resources and addressing the capital needs of farmers. The
study concludes that cooperative membership can be a valuable tool for improving the productivity and
sustainability of plantain farming in the study area, provided that the identified challenges are
adequately addressed.