ABSTRACT

This study examines the effects of cooperative society participation on the performance of small-scale agribusinesses in the state of Abia State, Nigeria. A comprehensive analysis of the socioeconomic characteristics of these enterprises, factors influencing cooperative participation, and constraints faced by agribusinesses was conducted. The research involved 120 respondents selected using a multistage sampling technique. To achieve the objectives of this research, descriptive statistics and various econometric tools, such as frequencies, percentages, eans, multiple regressions, and Z-test statistics, were employed. The results revealed a balanced gender distribution among agribusiness owners, an average of 9.67 years of education among workers, and a diverse range of agribusiness ventures, including crop farming (25.00%), poultry farming (25.00%), pig farming (16.67%), aquaculture (16.67%), and vegetable farming (16.67%). Regression analysis demonstrates that proximity to markets, capital availability, access to market information, and business registration positively influenced cooperative participation. Conversely, inadequate financial support and low input values were found to negatively impact participation. The study identified several constraints faced by agribusinesses, with "inadquate technical knowledge" (mean:4.90) and "low capital base" (mean:4.38) being significant challenges. Interestingly, the duration of cooperative membership, ranges 5-10 years or less than 5 years, did not significantly affect business performance. These findings contribute to our understanding of the agricultural landscape in Abia and have implications for policy makers and stakeholders. This research underscores the need for tailored support programs, gender-inclusive policies, skill development initiatives, and strategies to address constraints, ultimately fostering the growth and sustainability of small-scale agribusinesses in the region.