Cooperatives in Small Scale Amaranthus Production in Kwara State Nigeria

The study assessed cooperative in small scale amaranthus vegetable production in Kwara State, Nigeria with reference to cooperator and non- cooperator amaranthus vegetable farmers. Specifically, the study looked at the costs and returns to amaranthus vegetable farming for both groups and the effect of cooperative membership on the amaranthus vegetable farmers’ output. A three stage sampling procedure was employed to collect data from 140 (70 cooperator and 70 non cooperator) vegetable farmers using a well structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression methods were the major analytical techniques employed. The result of the study showed a significantly higher gross margin for the co-operator vegetable farmers compared to the non-cooperator vegetable farmers. Family size, farm size, Labour and cooperative membership were the significant factors influencing vegetable farmers’ output in the study area. The study recommends that the government should through appropriate ministries and agencies, organise periodic seminars and workshops for the farmers on the need to form viable cooperatives and ways to get the best out of the cooperative societies. Provision of machineries such as tractors to the farmers under the supervision of viable farmers’ cooperative societies to help reduce the over dependence on human labour and consequently raise production is also recommended.Keywords: Cooperator vegetable farmers, Non-Cooperator vegetable farmers, Gross margin, Ordinary Least Squares Regression, Kwara State