Effect of Women’s Cooperative on the Socio-Economic Improvement of Rural Women in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the impact of women cooperative societies on the socio-economic improvement of rural women in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Rural women in Nigeria face persistent socio-economic challenges including poverty, limited access to credit, marginal participation in decision-making, and restricted ownership of productive resources. Cooperative societies have emerged as grassroots institutions designed to address these constraints through collective action, savings mobilization, credit provision, and empowerment initiatives. Anchored on the Gender and Development (GAD) theory, the study explores the types of women cooperative societies in the study area, their activities, roles in improving livelihoods, challenges faced, and measures for strengthening their operations. Drawing on empirical literature and contextual analysis, findings indicate that women cooperative societies significantly contribute to food security, income generation, financial stability, entrepreneurship, and improved standard of living. However, their effectiveness is constrained by poor management, inadequate funding, limited training, and socio-cultural barriers. The study concludes that strengthening women cooperative societies through capacity building, financial support, policy reforms, and institutional monitoring can enhance their contribution to rural socio-economic transformation.