The Relevance Of Cooperative Societies In Integrated Rural Development In Nigeria

by

Ahangba Thaddeus Gbangban

Department of Social Studies

College of Education, Katsina-Ala, Benue State

 
 
 
Abstract
The problem of integrated rural development is one that has continued to defy solutions for a very long time especially in less developed countries of the world including Nigeria.  In the light of this, strategies that involve wide-spread, rural oriented socio-economic development organizations become expedient.  Cooperatives as rural-based organizations that operate on the principles of democracy, voluntarism, equity and service to the people amongst others are seen in this article as the starting point for any meaningful integrated rural development effort in Nigeria.  These could take the forms of Savings/Credit Cooperatives, Market Distribution Cooperatives, Workers Production Cooperatives and Community Services Cooperative societies. The article posits that it is incumbent on government at different levels in Nigeria to create the necessary enabling environment for formation and proper operation of cooperatives in order for them to take their rightful place in integrated rural development endeavours in the country.