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This study examined the perception of Kogi State University Agricultural
Students on farming as a career. Primary data were collected using
structured interview schedule to pick 150 students in the study area.
Stratified random sampling technique was used to pick 30 students from
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graduates to embrace farming as a career.
Contribution/ Originality
Performance of Multi-Purpose Cooperatives in the Shiselweni Region of Swaziland
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T.A. Masuku , M.B. Masuku , J.P.B. Mutangira (2016). Performance of Multi-Purpose Cooperatives in the Shiselweni Region of Swaziland. International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Research, 3(4): 58-71. DOI: 10.18488/journal.70/2016.3.4/70.4.58.71
A multi-purpose cooperative is a business that is a mixture of two or
more different types of cooperatives. The study examined the performance
of multi-purpose cooperatives in Swaziland. The objectives of the study
were to; establish the performance of multi-purpose-cooperatives,
identify factors influencing the performance of multi-purpose
cooperatives, and identify constraints faced by multi-purpose
cooperatives. A descriptive research design was used where quantitative
and qualitative methods were employed to collect and analyse data. The
target population was all registered and active multi-purpose
cooperatives in the Shiselweni region. A sample (n=120) was drawn using a
two-stage stratified random sampling procedure and it comprised of 80
cooperative members, 35 committee members and 5 cooperative officers who
were purposely selected. Face to face personal interviews were used to
collect the data. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS version 20). The study found that the performance
of multi-purpose cooperatives was influenced by gender and
accountability. The study further found that cooperative officers
educated and trained cooperative members once a year. Major constraints
included poor capital base, most members being too old to perform
cooperative activities, and poor record-keeping. The study concluded
that cooperatives were not performing well financially, since there were
making losses. It is recommended that cooperatives should ensure the
financial statements were prepared on time and audited. There is need to
encourage young farmers to join multi-purpose cooperative since most of
the farmers were old. The frequency of training provided to members
need to be improved. The study also recommends that other studies be
carried out to cover the whole of Swaziland in order to generalise the
findings.
Contribution/ Originality
This study contributes to existing literature by analyzing the
performance of multipurpose Cooperatives. The study not only established
the performance of multi-purpose cooperatives, but also identified the
factors affecting the performance of multi-purpose cooperatives,
especially in Swaziland. The study used primary data, hence it is
original.