Study of the Role of Cooperative Societies in Enhancing Food Security in Rural Taraba State

Food insecurity affects a significant proportion of rural households in Taraba State, and cooperative societies serving agricultural communities may contribute to food security through improved input access, collective storage, and income enhancement. This study examined the role of cooperative societies in enhancing food security among rural households in Taraba State, North East Nigeria. A descriptive survey was conducted among 185 rural household heads who were members of agricultural cooperative societies in Jalingo, Wukari, and Gassol LGAs. The Food and Agriculture Organization's food security dimensions of availability, access, utilisation, and stability were applied as an analytical framework. Structured questionnaires measured each food security dimension alongside cooperative service utilisation data. Results showed that cooperative members consumed adequate meals (three or more per day) in 68.6 percent of households, compared to 44.2 percent for non-member households in the same communities. Collective grain storage through cooperative facilities reduced post-harvest losses by an estimated 31 percent for participating members. Credit from cooperatives for dry-season food purchases was accessed by 57.8 percent of members, supporting nutritional adequacy during lean seasons. However, food storage infrastructure was rated as inadequate by 62.7 percent of members. The study concludes that agricultural cooperatives in Taraba State contribute meaningfully to food security and recommends investment in cooperative storage infrastructure and post-harvest management training as priority interventions.

Keywords: food security, agricultural cooperatives, rural households, Taraba State, North East Nigeria