Assessing the Efficacy of Cooperatives in Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Food Security among Smallholder Farmers in Mumena Chiefdom in Kalumbila District, Zambia

This study examined how cooperatives contribute to improving agricultural productivity and food security for smallholder farmers in Mumena Chiefdom, Kalumbila District. In Zambia, cooperatives are seen as vital for agricultural development, as they empower farmers by enhancing access to resources, increasing productivity, and aiding in market integration. The study aimed to evaluate the role of cooperatives in supplying agricultural inputs, assess their impact on productivity, analyze their contribution to market access and income enhancement, and identify the challenges they face in their operations. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 150 smallholder farmers, and the data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized along with thematic analysis to derive meaningful insights. The results indicate that 55% of respondents experienced timely access to seeds, while 45% reported better access to agricultural credit through cooperatives. Membership in these cooperatives was significantly linked to increased crop yields, with 40% of farmers achieving yield gains of over 50%. Additionally, 50% of respondents observed income increases of more than 30% due to improved market access provided by cooperatives. Despite these achievements, there were still challenges to overcome. Input shortages were identified by 35% of participants as a major concern, along with limited access to credit and operational inefficiencies within cooperatives. These factors hinder the full potential of cooperatives to enhance agricultural outcomes.