Department of Arts and Social Science Education

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Browsing Department of Arts and Social Science Education by Subject "Adding Value"

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    Open Access
    The roles of cooperative groups in adding value to agricultural products in Nassarawa State, Nigeria
    (Association of Women Academics. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture Makurdi. Nigeria, 2009) Lawal, W.L.; Muhammed, A.M.; Ani, D.P.
    This study investigated the roles of cooperatives in adding value to agricultural products in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 28 cooperative Societies participating in the processing of agricultural products in the study area. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency and percentage and profit analysis. The result shows that activities undertaken by the cooperative groups in adding value to agricultural products are on small-scale basis. The gross profit realized in the processing of products was encouraging despite high costs involved especially in the he processing of cassava to garri (#813,877.50).The processing of Akpu, shelled Egusi and palm oil was made at a loss of #421,500,N1,985,000 and #37,811.25 respectively. The major constraints faced by the cooperatives in the processing of agricultural product include inadequate capital (92.86), non-availability of processing equipment (85.7%), low membership (57.1%), lack of skill (50%), lack of interest (14.29%), no market for the product (14.29%) and difficulty to practice (10.71 %). The study therefore suggests that there should be partnership between cooperatives societies and commercial banks in the processing of agricultural products. Also, trainings and workshops on the processing techniques should be organized regularly by cooperative members as this will help them in the 20 acquisition of skills in the processing industry.