The Influence of Cooperative Societies on Poverty Reduction in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study examined the influence of cooperative societies on poverty reduction in Ekiti state. The study specifically assessed the impact of cooperative roles on poverty reduction in Ekiti state and evaluated the influence of financial and economic sustainability of cooperative societies on poverty reduction in Ekiti state. The cross-sectional survey design was employed in the study. Primary data was gathered from one hundred and fifty cooperative members in Ekiti state using a well-structured questionnaire. Data gathered was estimated using descriptive, ordinary least regression analysis and other post estimation tests. Findings from the study indicated that cooperative roles exert negative significant effect on the poverty reduction and financial and economic sustainability of cooperative societies was ascertained to influence poverty reduction negatively and insignificantly. Based on these findings, the study suggested that i.Cooperative societies should invest in enterprises that will provide employment to members of the society and also increase the earnings of the cooperative society and management of cooperative societies should increase efforts towards ensuring that benefits accrued to members and non-members are duly accessed.