Comparative Productivity Between Farmer Cooperator and Non-Cooperator Farmers in Kwara State. Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the role of cooperatives in agricultural productivity in Kwara state, Nigeria. Ninety (90) farmer cooperators and ninety (90) non-cooperator farmer households were randomly sampled across the state. The study data were analysed using the Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression methods. Study findings showed that TFP averages were very low 4.40 and 3.60 for farmer cooperators and non- cooperators farmer households respectively. Major determinants of farm productivity for the two household groups were land (farm size), labour, educational status of household head and household size while partial productivity for farmer cooperator averaged 1.11 and 0.764 for land and labour respectively. Partial productivity for non-cooperator farmer were 0.967 and 0.618 for land and labour respectively. This study therefore, recommends that farmer participation in viable cooperative be encouraged so as to expand farm production per hectare. Land and labour saving technologies review was also suggested.

Key words: Cooperator,Non-cooperator,Productivity