Developing an Original Framework for Assessing Cooperative Society Social Impact in Nigeria

Social impact assessment for cooperative societies in Nigeria lacks a theoretically grounded, empirically validated framework that captures the distinctive multi-dimensional social value that cooperatives generate for members, communities, and the broader economy. Existing impact assessment tools developed for non-governmental organisations and social enterprises do not adequately account for cooperative-specific mechanisms including democratic governance impact, inter-member solidarity value, and collective bargaining social value. This study developed an original framework for assessing cooperative society social impact in Nigeria. A participatory framework development methodology was employed across three phases. Phase one involved a systematic review of 44 social impact assessment frameworks applied to cooperatives and comparable organisations globally, evaluating their applicability to Nigerian cooperative contexts. Phase two engaged 120 cooperative members, cooperative leaders, state cooperative officers, and community members across six geopolitical zones in participatory value mapping workshops to identify the social impact dimensions most meaningful to Nigerian cooperative stakeholders. Phase three synthesised review findings and participatory insights into the Nigerian Cooperative Social Impact Framework (NiCSIF), subjected it to pilot testing in 24 cooperatives, and validated it through a mixed expert panel of 18 social impact, cooperative economics, and development evaluation specialists. NiCSIF encompasses seven impact dimensions: member economic welfare, household resilience, community resource development, gender and social inclusion, collective voice and advocacy, cooperative education and values transmission, and environmental stewardship. For each dimension, the framework specifies indicators, measurement instruments, and attribution methodology. The framework constitutes an original contribution to cooperative impact assessment theory and practice.

Keywords: social impact assessment, cooperative societies, Nigeria, impact framework, participatory design