Background of the study
Women’s economic empowerment is a critical factor in achieving sustainable development, particularly in agrarian communities. In Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, agricultural cooperatives have emerged as vital platforms for enhancing women’s economic status. Through these cooperatives, women gain access to financial services, agricultural inputs, and training programs that enable them to improve productivity and income generation (Adebayo, 2023). Recent research highlights that collective farming practices and cooperative membership empower women by providing them with greater bargaining power and decision-making authority in both household and community settings (Olukemi, 2024). In Owo, agricultural cooperatives not only facilitate resource pooling but also foster social networks that support knowledge sharing and innovation in farming techniques. This study investigates how participation in agricultural cooperatives contributes to women’s economic empowerment by examining income growth, skill development, and social capital formation. Utilizing both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and challenges associated with cooperative membership, while also offering policy recommendations for enhancing women’s empowerment in the agricultural sector (Eweka, 2025).
Statement of the problem
Despite the potential benefits of agricultural cooperatives, many women in Owo still experience economic marginalization. Challenges such as limited access to credit, insufficient training, and social constraints continue to hinder the full realization of women’s economic empowerment (Omolara, 2023). While cooperatives have shown promise in facilitating income generation and skill development, issues related to governance, resource distribution, and market access persist. These challenges result in uneven benefits among cooperative members, with some women being excluded from decision-making processes. This study aims to identify the factors that limit the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives in empowering women economically, and to propose strategies for overcoming these obstacles (Akinyele, 2024).
Objectives of the study:
To evaluate the impact of agricultural cooperatives on women’s economic empowerment.
To identify barriers that limit the benefits of cooperative membership.
To propose measures to enhance the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives.
Research questions:
How do agricultural cooperatives contribute to women’s economic empowerment in Owo?
What challenges hinder the full benefits of cooperative membership?
What strategies can improve the impact of cooperatives on women’s economic status?
Research Hypotheses:
Membership in agricultural cooperatives positively influences women’s economic empowerment.
Inadequate training and resource distribution limit the benefits of cooperatives.
Policy interventions can enhance the effectiveness of agricultural cooperatives.
Significance of the study
This study is significant as it examines the role of agricultural cooperatives in promoting women’s economic empowerment in Owo. The research provides insights that are essential for policymakers and development agencies aiming to improve gender equality and economic resilience in rural areas. The findings will contribute to designing targeted programs that support women’s participation in agriculture and enhance their income generation capabilities (Oluwaseun, 2023).
Scope and limitations of the study:
The study is limited to evaluating women’s economic empowerment through agricultural cooperatives within Owo Local Government Area, Ondo State, and does not extend to other sectors or regions.
Definitions of terms:
Economic empowerment: The process of increasing the economic strength and independence of individuals.
Agricultural cooperatives: Organizations formed by farmers to collectively manage production and marketing.
Social capital: The networks and relationships that facilitate mutual support and economic activities.
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