ERADICATING

This study examines the role of cooperative society in eradicating poverty in Nigeria: A case study of Akoko-Edo farmers’ cooperative. This enumerated three objectives whaich was used to draw out the research questions, the objectives were to; examines various kinds of activities performed by cooperatives for members in Local Government Area; identify various sources of finance available to the societies under review; assess the effectiveness of policies aimed at promoting co-operative societies; and identify some of the challenges which co-operative societies face in the rural areas. The study adopted the survey research design which was used to gather data from 125 respondents from Akoko-Edo farmers’ cooperative. The data was analysng using simple percentage the results revealed that co-operative societies have tremendous impact on the rural development and socio-economic lives of the community of Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Edo State. The finding also shows that inadequate resources have been a threat to the effectiveness of Co-operative societies Akoko Edo Local Government Area, Edo State. The result revealed the strategies of cooperative societies should be consciously articulated to realistically reflect proper skills and trainings of its members within specific needs of such communities in which they are based or situated. This study recommends that social welfare programmes can be designed by Federal, State and Local Governments through the provision of subsidies to poor persons especially on food, education, housing, transport, etc. thereby enhancing their descent living. People should be encouraged especially in poverty stricken areas to embark on self-help programmes through the activities of cooperative societies. This can be achieved through organisation of town hall meetings, workshops and seminars by cooperative societies to disseminate information on practical benefits of forming cooperative societies. As cooperative societies represent democratic views, efforts should be made by the groups to integrate opinions of their members through the adoption of bottom-up approach to policy design and implementation thereby mobilizing all important stakeholders to support its activities towards achieving its success and sustainability