Assessment of the Contribution of Cooperative Societies in the Development of the Youth: A Case Study of Selected Cooperative Societies in Dunukofia Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

This study is centered on the assessment of the contribution of cooperative societies in the development of the youth in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State Nigeria. It is believed that cooperative societies are veritable tool for youth development. The study specifically ascertain and describe the corporate profile of cooperative societies; identifying the activities the cooperative societies are engaged in and its bearing on youth development; compare the exposure of the youth to development activities before and after joining the cooperative societies; find out the perception of the youth and the influence of their cooperative on their development; ascertain the challenges the cooperative societies and their youth-members face in advancing their goals. Respondents were drawn from members of six selected (6) cooperative societies. Primary data were sourced through questionnaires administered on 159 members, while secondary data were gotten from literary works and documents. Data was analyzed descriptively using means; percentage, 5-point likert scale, chi-square, z-test techniques and two hypotheses were tested. The study found that there is a positive relationship between the effect of the activities of the cooperative societies and youth development. There is also a significant change in the exposure of youth to development activities before and after their membership of cooperative society. Several constraints were identified to be affecting the cooperative societies in effectively meeting and enhancing youth development, prominent among them are weak financial strength of the society, Poor management of the society, lack of basic infrastructures, Fraud and financial malpractice. The society is also found to be providing limited loans and savings. Recommendations were made on how cooperatives can effectively contribute to youth development. These includes(partial listing):Members should show participation and being more active for a stronger and stable society, There should be judicious use of funds to strengthen the financial level of the society, The youth should be encouraged to join cooperative society which will attract the attention of the government. There should be diversification of the cooperative business to enhance it reserve, Management should be more serious in dealing with the affairs of the society. Government should provide enabling environment for cooperative societies to strive through policies and programmes.