THE ROLE OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study examines the role of cooperative societies in promoting sustainable agricultural practices, using selected cooperatives in Kaduna State as a case study. In the face of increasing environmental degradation, food insecurity, and the need for climate-resilient agriculture, cooperative societies have emerged as vital institutions in facilitating the adoption of sustainable farming techniques among smallholder farmers. The research investigates how cooperatives contribute to sustainability through knowledge dissemination, access to environmentally friendly inputs, provision of credit facilities, and collective marketing of eco-friendly produce. Data were collected from members of selected agricultural cooperatives using structured questionnaires and interviews. The findings reveal that cooperative societies significantly enhance the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices by improving members’ access to training, modern technologies, and extension services. Furthermore, cooperatives play a key role in encouraging crop diversification, organic farming, and the reduction of harmful chemicals in agricultural production. Despite these contributions, challenges such as limited funding, inadequate training, and weak policy support hinder the effectiveness of cooperatives in promoting sustainable agriculture. The study concludes that strengthening cooperative capacity and government support can significantly accelerate the transition to sustainable agriculture in Kaduna State and beyond
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